What is a Manufacturing Execution System (MES)?

What is a Manufacturing Execution System (MES ) and where to buy?

A Manufacturing Execution System (MES) is a software or computerized system commonly used in the manufacturing industry. It monitors, controls, and records the processes that transform a batch of raw materials into a finished product.

The complexity of a manufacturing execution system varies, ranging from a system that is almost seen as an ERP to a very simple process control system (eg in a spreadsheet).

The Manufacturing Enterprise Solutions Association, or MESA International, originally defined a manufacturing execution system as having the following attributes:

• Details and Sequencing of Operations
• Resource Allocation and Status
• Distribution of Production Units
• Performance Analysis
• Maintenance Management
• Process Management
• Quality Management
• Data Collection/Acquisition
• Product Tracking and Genealogy
• Work Management
• Document Control

In recent years, an increasing number of manufacturing and production companies are transforming their processes to adopt more innovative solutions as a result of the Fourth Industrial Revolution or Industry 4.0 revolution.

Since then, the model of the manufacturing execution system has evolved steadily.

To better illustrate the current modularity and interoperability of manufacturing runtime systems, we have adapted the latest model from MESA International using the capabilities of our work instruction software below:

What is the use of the manufacturing execution system?

The Manufacturing Execution System centralizes all of the attributes essential to fostering business efficiency. At the same time, it also divides these main attributes vertically.

The new model includes a series of strategic initiatives identified as the general objectives of the company (eg lean manufacturing). Then the manufacturing fulfillment system integrates with the operations at the factory level, which are referred to as Business Operations in the image, down to the actual level of the manufacturing operations. production.

It is important to keep in mind that a manufacturing execution system is first and foremost a software solution.

Before you build the roadmap to your business success through the manufacturing fulfillment system, you need to determine if SaaS is a viable option for the actual capabilities of your business. Make no mistake, we encourage all manufacturers to look to the smart factory, but it’s crucial to consider all the factors involved.

Empowered Automation as a Manufacturing Execution System

Empowered Automation is a smart manufacturing solution aimed at helping manufacturers constantly improve their operations. Thanks to our unique vision, we are able to help any business that does not have software to ensure maximum efficiency and productivity of its operations.

At their best level of integration, Empowered Automation allows companies to start with clear and concise work instructions, which sets the tone for all plant operations at the most basic levels.

In addition, Empowered Automation software allows you to eliminate paper in your workshop and easily collect all your drawings, plans and work instructions in one place.

By simplifying and streamlining all of your processes, you are developing a digital workforce. This then allows you to ensure quality through the application of your best practices by all of your employees.

If your business has enterprise resource planning software (ERP) that can handle resource management and planning, Empowered Automation can help you connect your shop floor and all the information you collect.

Empowered Automation offers an IoT solution to collect data from your critical events and facilitate its transmission directly from the employee while minimizing the data entry (transactions) that feed your ERP.

All these functionalities make it possible to optimize the overall productivity of the company and to optimally integrate all your processes in a lean production model. This, moreover, is the main objective of a manufacturing execution system.

Integrating Empowered Automation into Your Manufacturing Execution System.

If you already have a manufacturing execution system, chances are you will see it as a key part of your operations. However, most of these systems have shortcomings when it comes to showing your employees the details of each job.

Thanks to Empowered Automation, you can bridge the gap between your workshop and your information systems.

In particular, you can use Empowered Automation to provide more comprehensive visual work instructions by presenting your processes using images, videos, annotations, and text. Simply create work instructions with EMPOWERED AUTOMATION and then integrate them into your manufacturing execution system.