4/8/2008
What is MES (Manufacturing Execution System)?
A manufacturing execution system (MES) is an online integrated computerized system that is the accumulation of the methods and tools used to accomplish production. MES was first used in 1990.
MES performs four primary functions:
- Collects data (e.g. bar-code scanning) in real time.
- Organizes and stores data in a centralized database.
- Makes data accessible throughout the network, and integrates critical data from other information systems such as planning and accounting.
- Delivers and manages orders from ERP to production, with detailed scheduling reacting to real-time events, increasing productivity and quality
Benefits of using computerised MES
- Reduces manufacturing cycle time
- Reduces or eliminates data entry time
- Reduces work-in-process
- Reduces or eliminates paperwork between shifts
- Reduces lead times
- Improves product quality
- Eliminates lost paperwork
- Empowers plant operations people
- Improves the planning process
- Improves customer service
Full Functions of MES – by MESA*
- Resource Allocation and Status
- Operation/Detail Scheduling
- Dispatching production Unit
- Document control
- Data Collection
- Labour Management
- Quality Management
- Process Management
- Maintenance Management
- Product Tracking and Genealogy
- Performance Analysis
Core Functions of MES
- Planning System Interface
- Work Order Management
- Workstation Management
- Inventory Tracking and Management
- Material Movement Management
- Data Collection
- Exception Management
- Manufacturing Intelligence
Support Functions of MES
- Maintenance Management
- Time and Attendance
- Statistical Process Control
- Quality Assurance
- Process Data / Performance Analysis
- Document / Product Data Management
- Genealogy / Product Traceability
- Supplier Management
MES is not MIS
The MES must not be confused with the management information system (MIS). An execution system does the following, using knowledge captured in the system to create “artificial intelligence”, which an information system cannot:- Making products.
- Making and measuring parts.
- Changing order priorities.
- Assigning and reassigning personnel.
- Assigning and reassigning inventory.
- Turning machines on and off.
- Moving inventory to and from workstation.
- Scheduling and rescheduling equipment.
- Supplier management.
- Embedding best practices, lean and six sigma thinking into the process.
- Directly improves reaction time into the supply chain management process.
Want to learn more?
Read ATS Delivery Strategy for Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) - A modular working program designed from experience and best practices.
*) Manufacturing Enterprise Solutions Association (MESA) is an association of manufacturers/producers, solution providers and industry professionals, promoting innovation and best practices sharing, with a goal of delivering valuable knowledge around operations-centric enterprise solutions.
www.mesa.org
Read ATS Delivery Strategy for Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) - A modular working program designed from experience and best practices.
*) Manufacturing Enterprise Solutions Association (MESA) is an association of manufacturers/producers, solution providers and industry professionals, promoting innovation and best practices sharing, with a goal of delivering valuable knowledge around operations-centric enterprise solutions.
www.mesa.org
