Manufacturing Execution System
Deep expertise of tailor-made manufacturing application development and management
Industry 4.0
The efficient and integrated management of a company's production process
MES:
what it is and what it consists of
The Manufacturing Execution System (MES) is an IT system that allows the management of a company’s production processes.
It therefore allows control of the entire production sector (and all its phases) through the use of a single software, from dispatching orders to storing products in the warehouse.
We also point out that the MES is able to create direct connections with machines, provide information in real time to the user or transmit it directly to the management system being used.
Below we explain how the Manufacturing Execution System works, what it is used for and what the differences are between the different types of MES software.
What does
Manufacturing Execution System mean?
“Manufacturing Execution System” is a software capable of digitizing the management and control of a company’s production department.
It is compatible with various types of management software, to which it can request and send data and information in real time. It acquires data, manages and shares it with the management software. After which the user can use it immediately or archive the data processed by the MES system.
The advantages
Process Efficiency
Manage every step of the “Production” department, from raw materials to the finished product.
Quality control
Allows the company to reduce product manufacturing times, ensures higher quality and, above all, optimizes the entire production process thanks to data provided by the software.
Human/machine interaction
Making machines and operators interact in real time, providing the latter with useful data and information.
Making the production system of a company as efficient as possible by monitoring the various stages related to the production of a product.
Having full control of production processes, monitoring their progress and improving process performance through the correct interpretation of the data received (e.g. data on timing, quantity, quality and so on).
Allowing the user to monitor company machines and equipment in real time, so as to be able to intervene immediately in the event of problems.
How to choose a
Manufacturing Execution System
The choice of Manufacturing Execution System software is not something to be taken lightly and they are absolutely not all the same.
Indeed, the choice of the MES software most suited to your company and production sector will vary according to the sector, the type of company and, above all, the information systems already in use.
For example, the way it integrates with ERP or PLM information systems can make a difference. The same goes for the features of the software and obviously also for the difficulties that can be encountered during configuration.
Features
The first factor to consider are the features of the MES software. Not all of them have the same features, some of them focus only on certain characteristics (e.g. reduction of production lead-times, generation of analysis reports relating to specific steps on the production line, etc.).
An excellent Manufacturing Execution System software has all the features described in the previous paragraphs and must be able to provide data and information relating to several areas (from dispatching orders to storage in the warehouse, as well as the production line).
Furthermore, it must allow operators to work both locally and in the Cloud.
Functions that must always be found in an MES management software include:
- KPI detection
- Sharing of data extrapolated from sensors and PLC in real time
- Information on the timing of the production line and temporal continuity
- Department capacity scheduling
- Analysis and reporting on data and useful information processed
- Remote management and the use of cloud software
- Information on activities deemed “without added value”
- Inventory control
- Tracking of products or batches
- Production activity planning
- Quality control
Integration with the different types of management software will also determine the quality of the software.
Integration
Integration with ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software, which is essential for the complete management of the various stages of production, will be crucial. If integrated, the MES will be able to transmit data and useful information directly to the management system.
In doing so, the operators using the management system (e.g. office staff, maintenance workers) will be able to receive information in real time.
We would like to reiterate that integration with ERP software is undoubtedly necessary for the optimal management of production processes.
Integration with other systems, such as PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) and PLM (Product Lifecycle Management), should be evaluated.
Lastly, highly intuitive integration that does not require very advanced computer skills will represent an added value for the MES software selected.
Furthermore, it must allow operators to work both locally and in the Cloud.
Configuration
The configuration of MES software is another factor to keep in mind when choosing software.
An excellent MES software can be used by a large number of operators, both those in the field (maintenance personnel, workers, etc.) and administrative ones (administrative workers, office staff, etc.).
To allow this to occur, it is therefore necessary for the MES software to be easy, simple and quick to use. Operators must immediately understand how easy it is to use.
You will therefore have to consider software with a user-friendly interface, with intuitive menus and features that can be activated simply.
Compatibility with other systems
MES software integrates perfectly with ISA-95 systems, an international standard (technical standard) for the development of automated interfaces capable of making company systems and control systems communicate with each other.
Below we will list the various ISA-95 systems that interact with MES software.
Level 3 ISA-95 systems
Level 3 systems allow the complete management of production operations, also called MOMS.
MES software can therefore interface with the following level 3 systems:
- Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
- Warehouse Management System (WMS)
- Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS)
Level 4 ISA-95 systems
Level 4 systems, on the other hand, are entirely based on the management and execution of production processes and concern both the product and the customers placing orders.
MES software can therefore interface with the following level 4 systems:
- Product lifecycle management (PLM)
- Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
- Human Resource Management (HRM)
Level 0, 1, 2 ISA-95 systems
Level 0, 1, and 2 systems exclusively concern control and automation processes.
MES software can therefore interface with the following level 0, 1, 2 systems:
- Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA)
- Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC)
- Distributed Control Systems (DSC)
- Batch Automation Systems (BAS)
