The Manufacturing Execution System (MES) is an IT tool designed to monitor, supervise, and control production processes. Although it can operate across various areas and feature different levels of complexity, its primary role is to manage the flow of manufacturing orders. Data is collected in real-time by the automation layer, either declaratively or in a hybrid manner, and is delivered directly to the system.
MES solutions act as an intermediary layer between the production side (which includes automation, control, sensors, and everything involved in production) and the business side (where systems like ERP, APS, financial and accounting software, LIMS, BI, etc., operate).
An MES should not function as a separate system, isolated from its environment. It’s essential to integrate it with other systems already functioning within the enterprise and tools that directly impact the manufacturing process and its management. This integration ensures a single source of truth, maintaining consistent data that enables the entire organization to function efficiently and harmoniously.
Key benefits of implementing an MES include:
- Improved efficiency in machinery utilization
- Simplified identification and resolution of quality issues
- Full traceability of product history
In the next issue:
APS – Advanced Planning and Scheduling →
