Skip to content
education and information resources

What is MES?

Contents

What Is a Manufacturing Execution System (MES)?

In today’s rapidly evolving manufacturing landscape, efficiency, precision and adaptability are paramount. Enter Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) – dynamic software solutions that facilitate the seamless orchestration of manufacturing processes, from raw materials to finished products.

The concept of MES emerged during the late 20th century in response to the increasing complexity of manufacturing operations. As manufacturers transitioned from manual processes to computerized automation, they needed a system to bridge the gap between enterprise-level systems and control-level systems.

In 1992, the Manufacturing Execution Systems Association (MESA) was founded to standardize the functionalities of MES. According to MESA, MES provides the necessary information to enable the optimization of production activities, from order launch to finished goods. Over the years, MES has evolved from basic data collection and dispatching functions to encompassing more sophisticated capabilities.

This article delves into those capabilities and also explains the core concepts, benefits and trends surrounding MES, shedding light on how these systems are revolutionizing modern manufacturing.

MES functionality at a manufacturing operation

What Is MES?

An MES is a comprehensive software framework that plays a pivotal role in monitoring, tracking, documenting and controlling the various phases of manufacturing, from the inception of raw materials to the creation of finished goods. Positioned between Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and process control mechanisms, an MES empowers decision-makers with real-time data, allowing them to enhance efficiency on the plant floor and so much more.

Understanding MES: The Mission Control for Manufacturing

So, we understand the definition of an MES, but what is it really? Imagine launching a rocket into space – the complexity, precision and orchestration required. In the world of manufacturing, MES assumes the role of a mission control center. Just as every aspect of a rocket’s journey is meticulously monitored, MES connects and oversees machines and work centers on the factory floor. Its primary mission? To ensure the seamless execution of manufacturing operations and elevate production efficiency.

MES Concepts and Glossary: Demystifying Terminology

The world of MES requires familiarity with specific concepts and terms that underpin its functionality. Let’s explore some key terms before we dive into more:

– Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system: A strategic tool integrating various business facets into a comprehensive information system accessible across an organization.

– MESA-11: A model by MESA outlining the 11 core functions of a standard MES.

– ANSI/ISA-95 Standard: A guideline by the International Society of Automation for developing software linking enterprise systems (like ERP) and control systems.

– Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE): A metric assessing machine efficiency relative to its full potential.

– Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA): A system blending software and hardware to maintain efficiency, process data and communicate system issues.

The Core Functions of MES

The MESA-11 model, as mentioned above, established 11 core functions for MES, driving manufacturing efficiency and optimization. These core functions include:

  1. Operations Management: Offering a global view of planned production orders and routing to facilitate clarity and reduce errors due to miscommunication.
  2. Dispatching Production Units: Managing real-time bidirectional production data flow between ERP and the workshop for accurate, consistent information.
  3. Product Tracking and Genealogy: Grouping final parts with corresponding manufacturing data for compliance with industry regulations.
  4. Labor Management: Efficiently managing personnel, skills and authorizations to ensure appropriate workforce allocation.
  5. Quality Management: Monitoring manufacturing process and unit quality, including deviations and exceptions.
  6. Maintenance Management: Streamlining preventive machine maintenance to reduce downtime.
  7. Data Collection and Acquisition: Tracking and retrieving crucial data as needed.
  8. Process Management: Offering operational routing and sequencing for full production traceability.
  9. Performance Analysis: Calculating key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate process efficiency.
  10. Document Control: Providing easy access to essential documents for operators.
  11. Resource Allocation and Status: Defining and tracking resource status and utilization in the production process.

Elevating Manufacturing Efficiency with MES: Advantages and Integration

If the core functions of an MES tell you anything, it’s that we live in a world where manufacturing demands efficiency. Now, let’s explore MES in the ISA-95 hierarchy, explaining their pivotal role in modern manufacturing and their integration with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.

MES in the ISA-95 Hierarchy

Operating as a functional intermediary between business planning, logistics and process control systems, MES occupies a critical position within the ISA-95 functional hierarchy. By offering real-time visibility into workflows, flexibility and actionable insights, MES empowers decision-makers to optimize factory floor efficiency and product quality. MES plays a particularly crucial role in industries subject to stringent regulations, such as food and beverage, automotive, and aerospace, where material traceability is vital to ensure compliance.

Benefits of Utilizing an MES

Embracing an MES offers a myriad of advantages that translate into tangible improvements on the factory floor. Some key benefits include:

  1. Paperless Manufacturing: MES systems replace manual notes and spreadsheets, offering real-time visibility into labor, scrap, downtime and maintenance costs. This shift toward digital documentation enhances data accuracy and provides the foundation for better decision-making.
  1. Seamless ERP Integration: MES and ERP systems converge to create a holistic ecosystem that fosters more accurate projections, eliminates standalone systems, reduces data re-entry and enhances decision-making through real-time data synchronization.
  1. Waste Reduction and Improved Efficiency: MES systems excel at analyzing production lines and identifying inconsistencies promptly, reducing material waste and unnecessary expenses.
  1. Downtime Minimization: By generating practical production schedules and meticulously tracking inventory, MES minimizes scheduling disruptions during parts transit and optimizes employee utilization.
  1. Cost Savings: Real-time data insights empower optimized decision-making regarding product, time and labor allocation, leading to streamlined operations and reduced costs.
  1. Inventory Optimization: MES ensures up-to-date inventory records by incorporating new production and material data, facilitating accurate forecasting, and minimizing excess inventory costs.

MES and ERP Integration

As you may have gathered, the relationship between MES and ERP is symbiotic, with both systems contributing to a holistic operational ecosystem. While ERP offers comprehensive insights into business operations, MES provides granular visibility into manufacturing processes. This integration empowers businesses to make informed decisions based on real-time data, driving flexibility, responsiveness and efficiency – all of which are crucial in the Industry 4.0 landscape.

In the ever-evolving landscape of manufacturing, the convergence of MES and ERP holds the key to achieving operational excellence. By fostering seamless data flow between business planning, logistics and process control, businesses can position themselves at the forefront of efficiency, adaptability and competitiveness.

Now, what does the future of MES hold?

The Future of MES: Empowering the Factory of the Future

As Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things (IoT) become entrenched, MES’s role in shaping the factory of the future becomes pivotal. IoT sensors collect and link machine data, empowering MES to relay vital information. With evolving technologies like augmented reality (AR), artificial intelligence (AI) and smart machines, MES will assume a greater role in managing production operations. Much like a conductor guiding an orchestra, MES will lead manufacturing into a future where factories are self-orchestrated and optimized.

We believe the future of manufacturing will be shaped by three key trends:

  1. Digitization and Automation: The digital revolution will continue to reshape manufacturing processes, leading to more automated and interconnected production systems. Automation will not only increase efficiency and productivity but also enable more personalized production.
  1. Sustainability: With increasing pressure from regulatory bodies and consumers, sustainability will become a central focus. Manufacturers will need to optimize resource use, minimize waste and reduce environmental impacts.
  1. Decentralization: As the complexity of supply chains increases, there will be a shift toward more decentralized and localized production, enabling more flexibility and responsiveness.

Is MES Suited for Your Business?

While MES offers numerous benefits, it may not be suitable for all manufacturing enterprises. Industries subject to stringent regulations, such as food and beverage, medical devices, and aerospace, benefit greatly from MES’s materials traceability capabilities. However, smaller manufacturers must weigh the investment against their production scale and profit margins. No matter which manufacturing process you’re in – discrete manufacturing, batch manufacturing or process manufacturing – it’s important to speak with an expert who can help you weigh your options.

Fuuz® MES: Empower Your Business, Your Way

In the realm of MES, a trailblazer emerges – Fuuz MES. This revolutionary system not only encompasses the fundamental functionalities of traditional MES solutions but stretches its capabilities even further, offering a suite of tools that can be extended with Production Monitoring and Process Monitoring, and is listed on SuiteApp.com.  

Fuuz MES redefines how businesses orchestrate their production processes and empowers businesses to seize control of their plant floor and office operations, spanning from receiving materials to shipping final products. With an unwavering commitment to visibility, this system presents a comprehensive view of every production step while seamlessly integrating with ERP and business software. Learn more about it today.