Manufacturing Execution System: Definition
Manufacturing automation software, or MES, is a computer system whose purpose is to collect real-time production data from all or part of a plant or workshop.
This collected data then enables better control and management of productionthrough production monitoring, traceability management, quality control, preventive maintenance management, etc.
The MES provides the information to optimize production activities from order launch to finished product.
How does MES work?
The MES software retrieves from the ERP the Manufacturing Orders (OFs) and/or references to be produced in the workshop.
On the shop floor, the production manager has a complete overview of his production schedule.
The operator identifies the OF or reference that is launched on a machine. The MES software then automatically collects machine data (production/stop times, quantities produced, quantities scrapped, energy consumption). Then, in manual mode, data entered by operators (stop qualification, quality control, quantity, batch, etc.).
It analyzes and correlates data in real time, then stores the data in its database and outputs it in the form of graphical dashboards, notifications, alerts...
Finally, the MES software exports production data to the ERP.
Why use MES?
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Data collection and acquisition
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Expanding production capacity
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Optimizing labor utilization
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Controlling actual production times
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Real-time reporting of production progress
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Reducing downtime and costs
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Agility to make decisions and launch new products
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Reducing lead times and improving customer service
The MES also participates in the continuous improvement and digital transformation of factories, particularly in the era of Industry 4.0, giving them greater agility in managing their production.
Functionalities developed through MES
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Process parameter traceability
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Upstream and downstream genealogy
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Digitization of quality controls
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Follow-up of production orders
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Performance indicators
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Resource management (People, Materials, Equipment)
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Electronic batch file construction
Equans Digital's expertise for your MES projects
We support manufacturers in their MES-type projects, whether for advanced MES, a few MES functions, or MES pre-project.
