You're in charge of manufacturing operations. How can you choose the best MES software?

In an industry 4.0 environment or Smart Manufacturing , MES cannot be looked at as a standalone system , need to have clear complementary requirements between the various components ( ERP , MES , DCS ) , then you need to look at your expected architecture and the capabilities you want from the MES solution . You can then monitor the demos , the potential solutions and the costs ( standard softwares , low code platforms , many options are available ) . And ensure you'll have an adaptative environment as speed of change is important in this space now .

In my experience with MES Software, it is critical to clearly define the requirements. Once the company recognize the need of going MES, we need to define the scope of the system, consider a multifunctional team to assure the requirements established fulfill, person, department and company needs. The commitment of the multiple departments is the key of the MES success implementation.

Understanding requirements before choosing MES software is crucial. It ensures alignment with specific operational needs, scalability, integration with existing systems, compliance with regulations, efficient data management, user adoption, and total cost of ownership. This thorough analysis ensures optimal selection for streamlined manufacturing processes.

Manufacturing Execution System, plays a crucial role in optimizing and managing manufacturing operations. It acts as a bridge between the enterprise resource planning (ERP) system and the shop floor, providing real-time information and control over the production process.Some key aspects and functionalities of MES in manufacturing operations: 1.Production Planning and Scheduling:2.Quality Management:3.Resource Allocation and Tracking: ETC...

In my experience, as a management representative we need to write about the principles and benefits of lean manufacturing in today's competitive landscape. Discuss how minimizing waste, optimizing processes, and continuous improvement can lead to increased efficiency and cost savings. Share practical tips for implementing lean methodologies in manufacturing operations, drawing insights from successful lean projects. Address the cultural shift needed within organizations to fully embrace and sustain lean practices.

To ensure a level-playing field, it is recommended to have software demonstrations where the solution is scored using the MUST and WANT scoresheet. To ensure best effort from the vendor, it is recommended that the score-sheet is made available to the vendor well in advance of the solution demonstration. This will keep the vendor on track and show them what the important things are to show during the demonstration. The selection team also need to score during the demonstration and decide on a consolidated score for each criteria at the conclusion of the demonstration. This will ensure that scoring in fair and that the selection team is not distracted by unimportant "bells and whistles".

In evaluating Manufacturing Execution System software vendors, criteria come to the forefront. Firstly, vendor experience holds immense significance, as it demonstrates a proven track record and understanding of industry-specific challenges. A vendor with a robust history of successful MES implementations instills confidence in their ability to meet our manufacturing needs. Secondly, comprehensive support services are vital to ensure seamless implementation, training, and ongoing assistance. The availability of responsive and knowledgeable support contributes significantly to the long-term success of the MES system.

Compare different vendors and where possible benchmark with other companies already using the system. Check reasons for version updaters. Once decided, ensure the agreements in the contract are clearly established

In my experience it is very useful to benchmark with competitors or at least similar users, either independently or through the MES vendors. Often there are user exchange forums organized by the MES suppliers. Learn from their experience and advice!

Ao iniciar a busca por um fornecedor de MES (Manufacturing Execution System), a tarefa pode parecer monumental diante da multiplicidade de op??es no mercado. No entanto, uma abordagem estruturada e uma compara??o criteriosa podem iluminar o caminho para a escolha certa. Aqui está um guia para auxiliar nesse processo crucial: Avalia??o de Necessidades Específicas: Reputa??o e Experiência do Fornecedor: Flexibilidade e Escalabilidade: Integra??o com Sistemas Existentes: Suporte e Servi?os Pós-Implementa??o: Interface do Usuário e Usabilidade: Seguran?a e Conformidade: Custo Total de Propriedade (TCO): Demonstra??o e Testes Práticos: Comunidade e Feedback

In the process of selecting the best Manufacturing Execution System software, implementing a thorough test and validation phase, such as a pilot on one line, is a critical step to ensure alignment with our specific requirements before full commitment. It enables us to identify any potential challenges, validate the system's effectiveness, and ensure that it seamlessly integrates into our manufacturing processes. The insights gained from this pilot phase not only verify the software's capabilities but also empower us to make informed decisions about its scalability and long-term viability across our entire operation.

Explore MES providers, evaluate their system based on your specific needs, such as pricing, customization, production scheduling and so on. Consider other factors like ease of use, scalability and industry compliance when making your decision. Choose an MES system that aligns with your manufacturing goals.

A pilot project is a great idea. It is not always possible, but something that works well is to give the same pilot requirements to two or three vendors (with very similar scores after the demo) to execute. During this evaluation the critical things to look out for is how long it takes to configure, integrate and implement the solution in the real environment. This is where you can determine if functions are out-of-the-box, system configurable or needs extensive coding/development. It will also show how easy it will be to maintain. Vendors will often say something is "configurable" when in fact they mean "you can custom-code the function in our software by developing data tables and scripts inside the solution" and not select, drag & drop

One thing I found helpfull - build clear test plan. It was always crucial as person responsible for system validation must feel behaviour of MES system. End users will always try to avoid usage of MES. I have met sal cses in my carrier where I had to stat system every day to continue tests

Before selecting, it is best to check the MES working in another company that is similar to the scale of operations desired. After the selection of MES and modification to suit the requirement, I suggest testing by all users with a one-month-old database and seeing whether there are no major bugs. The implementation would be a parallel run for a month to see the desired outcome before we make it fully implementable.

The successful implementation of a Manufacturing Execution System hinges on deployment and training.a comprehensive plan outlining the step-by-step implementation process is crucial, ensuring minimal disruption to ongoing operations. Effective training programs are equally essential, covering both end-users and administrators, to maximize the system's utilization. Providing hands-on training sessions, user guides, and continuous support fosters a smooth transition, empowering our teams to adapt seamlessly to the new MES. Regular feedback loops during the initial stages of implementation allow us to address any emerging issues promptly, ensuring a successful and efficient integration of the MES into our manufacturing processes.

Implementation planning is important, but the most overlooked and under-estimated issue is post-project support and the progressive insight the manufacturer gains during the project. Manufacturers often think they know what they want at the start of the project, but when they see what the MES does for them they want more and/or different. This is of course an issue from a budget and end-user acceptance perspective. Even though these additional requirements were never defined as part of the scope, the end-users will not be happy with the final solution unless they get the new function or report. It is thus critical that provision be made for post-project maintenance and support of the solution to cater specifically for progressive insight.

O sucesso da utiliza??o do MES passa por um bom plano de implementa??o, prevendo desde o entendimento do processo, usuários chaves e entregáveis esperados. A infraestrutura necessária também é fundamental já desde o plano inicial de implementa??o, uma vez que pode se necessários hardwares que podem representar custos relativamente altos para a empresa e inviabilizar o projeto.

Implementation and especially training the "power users" is very important. In the way you are managing the manufacturing process documentation, the shift from paper or disconnected steps e.g. in local automation towards one MES describing all activities in one system is a significant step. The experts managing the manufacturing instructions need to become comfortable and at ease in the MES system to get the value out of the MES.

In my experience people show resistance to new way of working. All users must get knowledge why MES is implemented and thay need clear information how MES will support theri daily activities and why this is needed. I have made several trainings - I got always the question "Why should We use it?"

Monitoring and optimizing our Manufacturing Execution System has to be ongoing commitment and is essential for maximizing its effectiveness. Collaborative feedback from end-users aids in refining the system's user interface and functionality. Optimization requires a proactive stance, incorporating updates and enhancements based on industry advancements and changing operational needs. By staying vigilant in our monitoring efforts and actively seeking opportunities for optimization, we can ensure that our MES not only meets current manufacturing requirements but evolves to meet future challenges, contributing to sustained operational efficiency.

It is critical to plan and budget for post-project support and maintenance. Not just to keep the software up-to-date and current with regards to revisions, but also to make changes required due to progressive insight and changes in the business environment. Company strategies and priorities change over time to adopt to market conditions. Your MES needs to be flexible to change and accommodate these changing strategies and priorities. If there is no budget for this, the business will change and the MES will fall into disuse.

I would consider these 3 question keys for the first steps 1) Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) 2) Assess User Interface and Ease of Use 3)Consider Integration Capabilities

In my experience, it is important to keep a team who is knowledgeable in the MES system and can continuously improve especially in the first time after implementation. The better the final users are integrated in this team, the more natural the new tool becomes as part of the day-to-day activities.

It is equally important to subscribe to MES licenses AMC. Consequently, performance and customizations are not impacted due to upgrades of Enterprise systems as well as IT infrastructure.

MES in my opinion is the best way to manage Operations Performance Management! Center of all manufacturing processes data management systems, without it you are in the dark ages.

MES is just a tool, a SW for some. MES is a complex environment of your manufacturing One need to PICK the most IMPORTANT parameters wants to survey and improve; Then you need to make your equipment capable to measure and feed a MES SW

Please do not consider cost the first factor in deciding the MES. It is the requirement and needs which should be taken care of. Sometimes BIG brands offer too many options that may not be of any use but add cost or small vendors offering lower cost but very poor service or no updation at a later stage.

When selecting Manufacturing Execution System (MES) software, consider factors such as compatibility with existing systems, scalability, user-friendliness, customization options, and vendor support. Evaluate how well the MES aligns with your specific manufacturing needs, regulatory requirements, and industry standards. Additionally, seek feedback from users who have similar operations, assess the software's integration capabilities, and ensure it provides robust reporting and analytics features to support data-driven decision-making. Conduct thorough testing and consider long-term usability and maintenance aspects before making a decision.

The most important MES pre requirements is to have a well defined work flow and a Lean production line. Every system will always be designed for the rules and not the exceptions so the rules should be well known and every exception should be mapped and eliminated otherwise it will take time on development and implementation increasing the chance for failure, the costs on support, and difficulties on changes.