12 points to think about before selecting MES software

The adoption of manufacturing execution systems (MES) has increased throughout the manufacturing sector. While deploying new and complex IT tools can be scary, doing so could be the key to a new age of efficiency for your company. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer for when to implement a MES, there are a few critical indicators that can point to when it could be the perfect time. The right timing to adopt a MES depends on the particular needs and circumstances of each organisation.

An MES can aid in streamlining manufacturing operations management, increasing efficiency, and reducing errors if your manufacturing processes have grown complex and difficult to handle manually. An MES can give you the resources you need to manage bigger, more intricate production workflows as your business develops and increases its manufacturing capabilities. An MES can give real-time data and performance analysis across production lines to discover and address any inefficiencies, bottlenecks, quality control difficulties, or compliance issues in your production operations.

The advantages of using MES software

The “brains” of the “smart factory” are MES systems, which serve as a link between an organization’s planning and control systems (such as an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system and the actual manufacturing operations) and are crucial in tracking and paperless documentation of the real-time transformation of raw materials into finished goods.

They provide precise and up-to-date insights on the status of industrial activities by collecting data from machines, sensors, operators, and other Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) devices. MES systems give stakeholders real-time access and control over production processes, enabling them to keep an eye on operations, address bottlenecks, save downtime and rework, and act quickly on informed decisions. MES systems can aid managers with process management and process control, facilitating the best production performance. By sending out work orders and work instructions in response to trigger events, they can generate and distribute information throughout the production line.

These systems guarantee effective resource allocation, workload balance, and on-time delivery, which boost profitability. They facilitate optimised production planning and scheduling. Moreover, by imposing quality control procedures, keeping an eye on metrics, and gathering real-time data, they play a significant part in quality management and compliance. Through the monitoring of inventory levels and material movements by MES systems, effective inventory management, low production delays, and timely material availability are achieved.

Additionally, MES systems give businesses thorough and precise production data, enabling data-driven decision-making to continuously improve corporate operations and maximise resource usage. They also help the evaluation of overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), a crucial statistic for assessing the effectiveness of industrial processes. MES systems increase plant floor efficiency and production by streamlining workflows, automating tasks, and providing real-time feedback. Additionally, because they can follow the movement of materials and processes throughout the smart manufacturing lifecycle, they offer supply chain traceability and genealogy, which are crucial for businesses subject to tight laws.

Prior to installing a MES, it’s crucial to evaluate your manufacturing operations thoroughly, create clear goals, consult with important stakeholders, and choose a MES vendor who can meet your individual requirements. A good MES installation will maximise its benefits for your organisation if it is planned and prepared for properly.

Consider these 12 factors when selecting the best MES software

Any manufacturing organisation must carefully consider its choice of manufacturing execution system (MES) software. MES software aids in streamlining operations, enhancing quality control, and optimising production processes.

The following stages will help you select the ideal MES software for your unique requirements:

1. Determine your needs: Know your manufacturing workflows, methods, and KPIs. Decide which specific areas, such as inventory control, product quality, traceability, or production planning, require improvement. To gather thorough requirements, involve all necessary parties, such as production managers, IT staff, and quality control teams.

2. Choosing a vendor: Do extensive research on MES software providers and their products. Look for vendors who have a history of successful implementations and experience in your sector. To determine their reputation and level of client satisfaction, look at online reviews, case studies, and testimonials.

3.Flexibility and scalability Select MES software that can grow with your company and conform to shifting needs. With minimal disturbance, a flexible architecture enables modification and integration with already-in-use apps and systems.

4.User-friendliness: The programme should have simple dashboards and user interfaces that are straightforward to use. Employee resistance to a complicated system could make it difficult to deploy.

5. Mobile capability: Mobile access to MES functions is crucial in the fast-paced industrial world of today. This enables managers and operators to keep an eye on and control production from any location on the shop floor.

6. Capacities of Integration: Check the MES solutions’ ability to smoothly interface with your current systems, including supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, ERP software, and other pertinent production software.

7. Support and instruction: Think about the vendor’s level of assistance during and following implementation. A successful adoption depends on your team’s employees receiving enough training.

8. Data reporting and analytics: Analysing and tracking KPIs, production trends, and efficiency indicators should be possible with the help of the MES software, which should offer extensive analytics and reporting capabilities.

9.Security and conformity: Make sure the MES software conforms with pertinent standards and has strong security measures to secure sensitive data for businesses with severe regulatory requirements (such as pharmaceuticals, aircraft, etc.).

10. Cost: Analyse the MES software’s total cost of ownership (TCO), taking into account licencing, implementation, training, and ongoing maintenance administration. Think about the possible return on investment (ROI) based on increased efficiency, decreased downtime, and greater productivity.

11. Evidence of concept (PoC): Consider conducting a PoC with the selected MES software to determine whether it is appropriate for your particular manufacturing environment before making a final choice.

12. Site visitors and references: Get feedback from the vendor’s current customers on their experiences using the programme. Visit the site if you can to see the programme in action and comprehend how it affects the production process.

By taking the time to carefully consider your alternatives and by following these steps, you’ll enhance the likelihood that you’ll choose a MES software that supports your manufacturing success and corresponds with your business goals.

Raising the bar for MES software

A manufacturing execution system (MES) is a crucial tool for data collecting and a crucial component of enterprises’ digital transformation. But it’s only one of several sources for a sizable organisation. When linked with additional data sources within an enterprise asset management (EAM) or asset performance management (APM) platform, MES software can do more for you.

Your MES can be integrated with the IBM Maximo® Application Suite, a single cloud-based environment that helps you enhance manufacturing operations, reliability, and performance. Applications based on 30+ years of market-leading technology may lower risk, maintain compliance, and boost ROI.