Manufacturing Execution System: Definition
Manufacturing control software, or MES, is a computer system whose purpose is to collect production data from all or part of a plant or workshop in real time.
This collected data then enables better production control and managementthrough 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 on the shop floor.
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. This makes it possible to set cycle time targets, provide contextual instructions, and collect the data needed for quality, maintenance and traceability.
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?
- Data collection and acquisition
- Expansion of production capacity
- Optimization of labor utilization
- Control of actual production times
- Real-time reporting of production progress
- Reducing downtime and costs
- Agile decision-making and new product launches
- Reducing lead times and improving customer service
The MES also plays a part in the continuous improvement and digital transformation of factories, particularly in the era of Industry 4.0, by giving them greater agility in managing their production.
Functionalities developed through MES
- Process parameter traceability
- Upward and downward genealogy
- Digitization of quality controls
- Follow-up of manufacturing orders
- Performance indicators
- Resource management (People, Materials, Equipment)
- 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.