Why MES matters: The first step toward smart manufacturing

Across the ever-changing landscape of industrial manufacturing, buzzwords like “smart manufacturing” and “digital transformation” are everywhere. But what do they mean? Smart manufacturing involves integrating machines, people, and data through digital technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). This connectivity enhances efficiency, flexibility, and responsiveness in manufacturing operations, leading to increased productivity, improved quality, and a stronger competitive advantage.

According to a report from Fortune Business Insights, the global manufacturing execution system (MES) market is projected to grow to $41.78 billion US by 2032. This forecast underscores the lasting relevance of MES. However, amid the focus on automation and IIoT, MES often goes unnoticed. So, what exactly is MES, and how does it differ from an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system?

• MES focuses specifically on the shop floor, managing real-time production processes and execution.
• ERP is designed for overall business management. It handles financials, orders, inventory, and customer data, providing a high-level system for planning and strategy.

Think of ERP as the "brain" of an organisation, guiding overall direction and strategy. In contrast, MES functions as the "nervous system," overseeing and controlling operations on the shop floor. Simply put, ERP systems manage the business, while MES systems manage the production process. These two systems often work together, with MES providing real-time data to the ERP system to support better decision-making and planning.

MES manages and monitors the production process in real time. It tracks machine performance, material flow, and quality metrics at a detailed level, helping you control and optimise production. While ERP manages overall business operations, MES focuses on the finer details of the production process. It coordinates, tracks, records, and oversees every manufacturing step, integrating ERP systems and IIoT devices to provide real-time data and insights.

Who should use MES?

MES is designed for manufacturers who want to:

• Increase efficiency by streamlining operations and eliminating bottlenecks
• Enhance product quality through real-time quality checks and product genealogy tracking
• Optimise material and resource management
• Improve maintenance processes by reducing equipment breakdowns and maximising uptime
• Make informed, data-driven decisions with real-time visibility into production performance
  
  

What can Infor MES do?

Infor MES encompasses a wide range of capabilities, including:

• Scheduling and dispatching: Optimises work orders and directs production activities efficiently
• Resource allocation: Ensures optimal use of labour, materials, and machines for maximum efficiency
• Process management: Monitors and controls production processes in real time
• Document control: Maintains compliance and accuracy by managing critical production documents
• Production tracking and genealogy: Creates a detailed product history, tracking each stage from raw materials to finished goods
• Data collection and storage: Gathers and analyses real-time production data to generate actionable insights
• Quality and maintenance management: Ensures product quality and maximises equipment uptime through proactive maintenance
• Labour management: Tracks employee performance and attendance to optimise workforce utilisation
• Performance analysis: Measures and improves overall production performance using key performance indicators (KPIs)

The power of simplicity

One of the key strengths of Infor MES is its focus on the operator. By simplifying complex processes and providing clear instructions through an intuitive interface, it empowers your workforce—regardless of their experience level.

Why MES matters now

Manufacturers increasingly recognise that MES is essential for smart manufacturing. It bridges the gap between ERP systems and the shop floor, delivering real-time insights that enhance efficiency, quality, and profitability. Essentially, an MES serves as the foundation that enables you to:

• Automate processes more effectively
• Improve operational efficiency
• Enhance product quality
• Gain real-time business insights

Adopting Infor MES is a vital step in your smart manufacturing journey to stay competitive and lead in your industry.