What is a MES for a manufacture and how does it benefit them?

What is a MES for a manufacture and how does it benefit them? A simple question which can be confusing to answer. We are going to try and demystify some of the confusion around MES in the first of our “Monday MES” series which we will publish over the next few weeks.

We hear a lot about MES or Manufacturing Execution Systems today and the critical role they play for manufacturing businesses. The problem is that the term MES is rapidly becoming an over used term (another a buzzword 🤬) and everybody you speak to seems to have a different answer. So here is our attempt to strip it back to basics – beyond the buzzwords.

MES is like Gordon Ramsay…

Imagine a restaurant. The ERP system is like the maître d’, who manages the overall operation of the restaurant and takes reservations.

The MES system is like the head chef, who is responsible for executing the orders that come in from the maître d’. The MES system tracks the progress of each order, ensures that the right ingredients are used, and coordinates the work of the different kitchen staff.

Just as the head chef helps the restaurant to run more efficiently and effectively, an MES system can help manufacturers to improve their production processes and produce better products.

What’s a MES – Going a little deeper…

A manufacturing execution system (MES) is a software-based solution that helps manufacturers improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their production processes. MES systems provide real-time visibility and control over the shop floor, enabling manufacturers to identify and address problems quickly, make better decisions, and optimize their operations.

MES systems typically perform a wide range of functions, including:

• Production planning and scheduling: MES systems help manufacturers to plan and schedule production runs efficiently, taking into account factors such as machine availability, material availability, and labor availability.
• Work order management: MES systems track the progress of work orders through the production process, ensuring that all steps are completed correctly and on time.
• Quality control: MES systems collect data on product quality and identify any defects, helping manufacturers to ensure that their products meet their quality standards.
• Inventory management: MES systems track the movement and storage of materials and finished goods throughout the production facility, helping manufacturers to optimize their inventory levels.
• Performance monitoring: MES systems collect data on production performance, such as throughput, cycle time, and downtime, helping manufacturers to identify areas for improvement.

MES systems can be integrated with other manufacturing systems, such as enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and process control systems, to provide a complete view of the manufacturing process.

What are the benefits for a MES?

A MES system can help manufacturers to improve their bottom line by making their production operations more efficient, productive, and profitable. Typically the benefits are in the following areas:

• Increased efficiency and productivity: MES systems help manufacturers to optimize their production processes and reduce waste, leading to increased efficiency and productivity.
• Improved quality: MES systems help manufacturers to ensure that their products meet their quality standards by identifying and addressing defects early in the production process.
• Reduced costs: MES systems can help manufacturers to reduce costs by reducing waste, improving efficiency, and reducing downtime.
• Improved visibility and control: MES systems provide manufacturers with real-time visibility and control over their production processes, enabling them to identify and address problems quickly and make better decisions.
• Increased agility: MES systems can help manufacturers to be more agile and responsive to changes in demand or market conditions.

Starting with a MES is a no brainer…. is it?

Hold your horses here! MES is a key part of a digital strategy for a manufacturer because it provides the foundation for connecting and integrating the different systems and processes that are used to produce and deliver products. But starting is MES is not a given.

It is important that an overall digital strategy for your manufacturing operations. But before you jump feet first into the world of MES, you need to start with understanding what your business goals are, what are your financial drives and then where are your gaps against your digital maturity. It is when you compare these things, then need for MES (or not) is clear and forms part of your roadmap.

At Nick Leeder & Co we help manufacturers understand the steps for their digital strategy and the nirvana of industry 4.0. Check out of TRANSFORMit! approach to discover more on how we do that and how we can help you.

More about how MES forms a cornerstone of your digital strategy and how you measure the benefits of MES in posts to come in the next few weeks.

Find out more about Nick Leeder & Co

Nick Leeder & Co is dedicated to empowering businesses in the manufacturing sector. By implementing industry-leading techniques like IGNITEIt! incorporating the Smart Industry Readiness Index, companies can streamline their operations, optimise processes, and deliver high-quality products to the market faster than ever before.

Whether it’s enhancing efficiency, embracing new technologies, or fostering a culture of continuous improvement, Nick Leeder & Co is at the forefront of supporting UK manufacturers in their digital transformation journey. We co-pilot manufacturers through their transformations to successful outcomes and bring decades of front-line experience in delivering changes in complex and global organisations to bear.

So, join the transformation revolution and unlock the true potential of your manufacturing business with Nick Leeder & Co’s transformative solutions and learn more about the power of digital manufacturing in our blog series “Transformation Tuesdays“.