understanding MES manufacturing software

the plant manager's guide to MES

understanding MES manufacturing software

Running a smooth operation isn’t a one-person job, but it can feel that way sometimes. Juggling machines, materials, and schedules to consistently meet deadlines and quality standards is a complicated challenge for Plant Managers.

While an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system excels at managing financials for the front office, it often lacks the real-time visibility that a Plant Manager needs to truly understand what’s happening on the shop floor.

This is where a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) bridges the gap. It goes
beyond financials and provides real-time data and insights from the shop floor so Plant Managers can have total control of their manufacturing processes from beginning to
end.

MES: a plant manager's personal assistant

Imagine having an assistant who anticipates needs, keeps track of every critical detail,
and highlights important data so leadership can make informed decisions quickly. An
MES acts in a similar way. Your MES should provide:

advanced analytics: Your MES should identify hidden insights and trends, allowing for data-driven decision-making.
automated scheduling: An MES streamlines production planning by automatically scheduling tasks and dispatching work orders based on real-time data and resource availability. This frees you from manual scheduling burdens and allows for a more efficient production flow.
real-time visibility and tracking: The MES gives you instant access to critical information on machine and resource allocation and inventory levels, allowing for real-time production optimization. It also tracks materials, work in progress (WIP), and finished goods in real-time, ensuring timely delivery.
quality management: An MES provides a centralized platform for managing quality control processes. This includes features for non-conformance tracking so you can ensure consistent product quality.
proactive problem-solving: Your MES helps you identify potential issues before they disrupt operations. Dashboards should give you clear, actionable insights for problem-solving and continuous improvement.

get out of the dark

Traditional ERP and financial systems leave you in the dark. Jobs go to the shop floor and are in-process until they're done but you rarely can see what's going on. An MES
changes all of that. With an MES, you have the real-time shop floor data and insights you need to control costs, improve quality, and adapt quickly.

learn more about MES

If you're trying to understand MES, you to dive a little deeper than its basic benefits. Scroll through our content to learn more about how an MES helps you run the shop and if you don't find what you need, just reach out and ask.

the plant manager's guide to MES