Production plan can be created both in the ERP system and in the MES system. When it is created in the ERP, so to speak, “top-down” it is then sent to the MES system, which takes over supervision of its implementation. If the MES does not receive such a plan, it creates it on its own, e.g. on the basis of the established marches.
Nevertheless, neither ERP nor MES are systems created strictly for planning. As production processes become more complex, and the organization grows and becomes more aware of its strengths and weaknesses, it usually comes to the conclusion that production plans created with the help of these systems are not quite optimal.
There is a lot going on in the market. Practically every day provides new, sometimes surprising solutions. As a result, the situation of production companies is constantly changing – customers postpone orders, deliveries come late, orders are sometimes incomplete, etc. Also in production things are sometimes different – there are unplanned stoppages, breakdowns or various kinds of slowdowns. In a word, the variables that affect the implementation of the production plan are really a lot. If we blindly follow the plan we sent to the MES and have it oversee execution, we may find that we are not achieving satisfactory results, not using our machinery to its full potential, not completing orders on time or not responding to current market needs. Even if the results are satisfactory, it may turn out that they could be even better if we had the ability to update the plan on an ongoing basis, taking into account all the variables.
