Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) serve as the heroes of the modern manufacturing industry world. Providing real-time data capture for production processes, MES enables manufacturers to monitor their shop floors for maximum productivity. Despite these benefits, some manufacturers still see MES simply as tools for tracking production progress and inventory. While in reality, MES significantly evolved in recent years and can now provide advanced analytics, real-time monitoring, and machine learning capabilities to optimize your production floor processes.
In this article, we will explore the latest developments in MES software solutions and discuss how manufacturers can benefit from MES to achieve higher productivity levels on their shop floors.
The Improvements
MES software solutions are positively impacted by the adoption of Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things (IoT) into modern manufacturing lines. These advances in technologies enabled MES software solutions to collect and analyze data from a variety of sources, which can include production equipment, sensors, and other devices. The captured data can then be used to create real-time visibility into your shop floor processes, enabling manufacturers to identify the causes of downtimes, optimize production, and improve overall productivity. Moreover, advanced analytics and machine learning capabilities can be used to predict equipment failures, optimize maintenance schedules, and improve production quality.
The Benefits
One of the benefits of acquiring MES software is the ability to integrate it with an ERP system as it provides manufacturers with a comprehensive view of their operations. This integration allows manufacturers to have immediate insight into inventory and production schedules, enabling them to make adjustments on-the-fly.
Another important benefit of MES software solutions is their capability to capture real-time data accurately. Providing access to real-time captured data can then be used to make informed decisions and improve the overall shop floor performance by identifying downtimes and what causes them.
The Limits
While MES software solutions offer a lot of advancements and benefits, it's important to remember that they are only as effective as the processes and goals they are supporting. Manufacturers and every person involved on the plant floor and the front office need to have a clear understanding of their shop floor processes and goals in order to effectively implement and utilize an MES software solution.
Manufacturers must identify key performance indicators (KPIs) and establish metrics to measure actual progress. Additionally, manufacturers must ensure that their MES software solutions are being utilized to support their overall business strategy, rather than as a standalone tool.
The MES of Choice
With MES software solutions’ improvements, manufacturers can now benefit from advanced real-time data capture and analytics, real-time production monitoring, and machine learning capabilities to enhance shop floor processes. However, it's important to remember that MES software solutions are only as effective as the processes and goals they are supporting. Every involved person on the shop floor needs to understand their processes and establish metrics to properly measure their progress. By doing so, manufacturers can use MES software solutions to their full potential and achieve success in their production process.
Case in point, the LiveTracking tools is a perfect MES software solution that drives and sustains performance improvement projects in manufacturing. It is a fast-tracked and cloud-based MES software that gives manufacturers real-time data and insights on their shop floor no matter where they are.
Get in touch with us and plan your Smart Factory roadmap through LiveTracking™’s cutting-edge technology. Contact LiveTracking here.
