What is Manufacturing Execution System (MES)?

Manufacturing Execution System (MES) is a software solution that enables quality and efficiency to be included in the production process and applied systematically. We can define the Manufacturing Execution System as a system that targets maximum performance and increases production efficiency. In other words, it is to evaluate the physical strength, materials and equipment resources of the existing system of any enterprise in order to produce products in the most efficient conditions. The main purpose of a Manufacturing Execution System is to ensure the efficient execution of production processes and to optimize production output.

How does Manufacturing Execution System work?

The manufacturing Execution System (MES) is an information system that can be connected to the factory floor to monitor and control complex production systems and data flows. The main purpose of MES is to ensure the efficient execution of the production process and to increase production output. MES helps achieve this goal by monitoring and collecting accurate, real-time data about the entire product life cycle, from final product order to product delivery. Manufacturing Execution System allows tracking of existing tools and calculating their costs.

Manufacturing Execution System links, monitors, and controls complex production systems and data flow in the factory. It also integrates multiple factories and suppliers with real-time production information.

MES collects data on facility activities such as product, performance, and material management. These data allow decision-makers to understand the current settings of the factory floor and to better optimize the production process.

Benefits of Manufacturing Execution Systems

With accelerated innovation, changes in production are tracked faster, increase variability and have a major impact on operations to maintain a high level of quality. Manufacturing Execution System (MES) monitors and synchronizes production activities in globally distributed facilities; It links them to the organization in real-time for optimum performance. Manufacturing Execution System (MES) helps eliminate human errors in production by providing real-time quality data control, output tracking, automatic implementation of specifications and business rules, and traceability of equipment or units. All of these provide improved product and process quality. Higher efficiency is achieved. The Manufacturing Execution System (MES) keeps track of product and order information on the factory floor, gathers transactions for reporting to the financial and planning systems, and sends orders and production instructions to workshop staff electronically. It helps reduce waste and eliminate unnecessary controls. Manufacturing Execution System also provides the necessary real-time feedback to quickly identify and resolve problems to achieve continuous product and process improvement and production process optimization. Manufacturing Execution System (MES) provides the flexibility to model and modify complex processes and implement them instantly.

What is the difference between MES and ERP?

First of all, I want to clarify how most customers use ERP and MES. ERP; used to create and manage basic factory plans, including production, material use, delivery, and shipping, thus becoming the core of computing.

ERP module is usually a combination of production, supply chain, order processing, inventory management, human resources, and customer relationship management. It focuses on working over a period of time (eg months, weeks, and days). MES is used to manage and report facility activities and run production operations in real-time when events occur. It keeps records and highlights anomalies. Typical functions are electronic batch recording, weighing and distribution, equipment management, setup and cleaning. MES works within a time frame of days, shifts, hours and minutes.

In summary, an ERP system is for manufacturing and logistics, while a MES system is for manufacturing operations management.