MES – one sexy buzzword. Do you know what it means?
Maximum efficiency with as much profitability as possible are the main reasons why organizations decide to automate business processes and digital software solutions that easily solve complex problems. The fact is – the optimization of resources (materials, time, people) is needed on all levels and in all activities. The same is in production! That is why numerous employers reach for the MES – manufacturing execution system.
# MES – manufacturing execution system
If you are losing profit because of incorrect information on the supply, delays, irregular timing, or lengthy record keeping, then MES is just what you need. MES – manufacturing execution system is a software system that manages and oversees production processes, i.e., turning raw materials into final products. MES tracks all production phases in real-time, from order to delivery. That way, companies have maximum efficiency, while tracking all activities and delivering data.
Although it exists for more than 30 years, many still can’t agree on the term MES. In 1997, MESA (Manufacturing Enterprise Association International) defined 11 core MES functions, some of which are not directly linked to production. They are:
- Distribution and the status of resources
- Document control
- Tracking products and their development
- Collecting data
- Performance analyses
- Coordination of production units
- Time management
- Process management
- Maintenance management
- Workforce management
- Quality management
# Advantages of MES in an organization
Losing documents is one of the most common human errors in all organizations. For some business activities there are developed systems for document management, MES being one of those in production. Through a simple user interface and digital display, MES enables a clear view of all information, anytime anywhere.
Considering that one of its most important functions is tracking resources and noticing irregularities, MES decreases the costs of production. It doesn’t have to be just materials, but MES also decreases working time, both for machines and people. Besides, that also prevents the unnecessary build-up of supply and its storage. This way not only are production problems optimized but also consequently the most common problems in the storage process are being contained.
Maximum efficiency of production processes leads to greater client satisfaction. Greater satisfaction from clients enables bigger profits but also decreases costs.
Considering that MES tracks the current condition of things, it can also serve as a tool for planning, logistics, and sales. And the data that is being tracked, enables better preparation, reaction, and usage of all sales possibilities for all levels of the organization.
# Integration with the ERP system
Levels of technology in an organization can be shown with the help of an automation pyramid. The level of management is at the top of that pyramid. Then underneath it comes the planning level, then the monitoring level, then the control level and then the biggest level we call production. In that biggest level, i.e., area there are machines, technology, sensors, and everything else they use in production. The control level is the one that drives the technology.
MES falls in the 4th level, looking from the bottom of the pyramid, i.e., the level of operative planning. That’s why it follows the whole process ‘under’ itself, and at the same time enables management to see what is exactly going on. ERP is at the top of the automatization pyramid. It enables connecting various business systems into a whole and thereby significantly simplifies and makes the business easier.
When you integrate ES with the ERP system, you get a string symbiosis that enables visibility, control, monitoring and production optimization at the level which none of these systems could provide. In simpler terms, while the ERP tells you what you should produce, the MES guides you how.
For example…
One of the examples of integrating an MES system with an ERP system is ForTEM, a 100% integrated MES – manufacturing execution system specially designed for the production model Microsoft Dynamics NAV, that through a simple user interface enables data exchange in real-time, and a simpler and more efficient production. Forget about incorrect data on supply or tardiness of production records! With ForTEM, optimal production is at your fingertips.
# Conclusion
Besides simplifying the production cycle tracking, MES decreases costs and integrated with the ERP system, optimizes the business processes of the organization. Contact us and let us help you in your development and achieving all your business goals.
