With the advancement of Industry 4.0 and the need to create more efficient processes, industrial management has been transforming. An example of this is the popularization of MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems).
With the use of intelligent and interconnected information structures, this system is an extremely valuable tool for industries, especially in resolution and communication between the office and the shop floor. Furthermore, it also ensures a more efficient execution of industries’ strategic production planning.
The MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems) system is primarily dedicated to industrial processes, supporting the management and control of manufacturing operations. Besides being a link between production and administration, it offers real-time reports that improve decision-making and increase efficiency.
Below, we will talk more about its importance and main benefits. Shall we?
What is the origin of MES?
The concept of MES emerged in the 1990s, during the third industrial revolution, when technology began to play an important role in manufacturing. In other words, the solution arose in a context where increased competition directly affected factory management and manufacturing. The lack of an integrated system that would reduce errors and optimize production was one of the main bottlenecks.
At that time, the world was experiencing major challenges and also an explosion of technological development. It was then realized that it was possible to use the help of technology to solve problems on the production line, which previously were only identified at the end of the process.
Optimization of production, communication integration, strategic planning, and execution with a lower margin of error. These are just some of the solutions that came with this system.
With an advanced information technology structure, it compiles and processes data in order to generate strategic information for decision-making. It also performs quality control and real-time production checks.
Previously, available information was in spreadsheets or fragmented across various systems, making file analyses take longer or be ineffective due to the lack of data integrity.
Understand the system’s objective
Above all, its main objective is to assist and optimize industrial management processes. By collecting data in real time, the system reports what is happening on the shop floor, bringing guidance to improve production performance, in addition to integrating information from all other integrated management systems.
Another important function is that it acts as an auditor of the production process, organizing and distributing information within a given organization to provide greater visibility to management levels.
With proper implementation, the industrial manager gains a powerful tool to help efficiently execute planning, providing information such as:
- Optimized resource allocation;
- Integrated record of all production operations;
- Real-time tracking of the production flow;
- Document control and management;
- Data collection and management;
- Quality and workforce administration;
- Performance analysis;
Benefits of using MES in industry
The list of benefits of this solution in industry is long, as this system enables a series of important data collections for prevention, maintenance, and improvements on the shop floor and in communication between sectors. Dynamic, efficient, and innovative, some of the benefits of its use are:
- Real-time data collection: MES collects data from machines and workers while production is underway.
- Monitoring and control: with this data, MES can monitor quality and production performance, allowing for immediate adjustments.
- Integration with other systems: it connects with other management systems in the company, such as ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), to ensure all data is integrated and accessible.
- Error reduction: previously, many problems were only identified at the end of production. With MES, errors are detected and corrected in real time.
- Quality improvement: the system continuously monitors quality, ensuring products meet desired standards.
- Increased efficiency: MES optimizes resource utilization, which can lead to faster production with less waste.
- Strategic planning: it assists in planning and executing production operations, making the process more efficient and aligned with company goals.
MES and the difference between ERP and WMS
Now that we know what the Manufacturing Execution System is and what it is used for, it is necessary to differentiate it from other systems, such as ERP and WMS. But first, let’s look at a brief definition of each of these solutions.
ERP is software that helps organize a company’s processes. It is a tool that connects various departments into a single structure.
WMS, or Warehouse Management System, is used to manage projects, products, activities, and teams that are part of warehouses and distribution centers.
All three systems share the common goal of optimizing management and integrating processes. However, each of them has specificities that will determine which one is ideal for your business.
Below, see a comparison between them:
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MES vs. ERP
ERP is a macro system that controls and integrates other management systems; its focus is to optimize business management. On the other hand, MES may or may not integrate with an ERP. It has more specific functions related to production and what happens on the shop floor, such as traceability and quality control.
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MES vs. WMS
In this case, we have two systems with the same level of operation, but with very different functions. While WMS is responsible for inventory and logistics management and control, MES focuses on production and quality management.
Therefore, the two systems can work in an integrated manner. However, it is worth noting that MES has a broader management scope than WMS, featuring more effective analyses.
The importance in industrial management
Thus, the MES system has become fundamental for industrial administration. Today, analyzing data and information efficiently can transform production lines.
Furthermore, with a system capable of integrating all stages of the production process, you can have more effective control, resolving potential problems or failures before finishing it. This is undoubtedly one of the greatest gains in industrial management.
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