What is Manufacturing Execution Software?

Introduction

A manufacturing execution system (MES) is an information platform that links, controls, and monitors data flow and complex manufacturing processes in the factory. The software helps to ensure efficient implementation of manufacturing operations and enhances production output. It accomplishes these objectives by gathering and tracking real-time data about the entire production lifecycle, starting with order release till the product delivery phase for completed goods.

The MES captures data about product performance, genealogy, material management, work in progress (WIP), traceability, and other factory activities as they happen. Decision makers can use this data to comprehend the factory floor’s current settings and improve the production procedures. MES is important because it works as a functional bridge between the process control and ERP solutions in the factory. In this manner, it provides manufacturers real-time workflow insight, flexibility, and visibility into how they can enhance their company-wide manufacturing processes.

Apart from the above core tasks, an MES aids manufacturers to comply with rules stipulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for regulated sectors such as biotechnology, medical device class, food and beverage, and pharmaceuticals, as well as contract research firms and biologics developers.

Features of Manufacturing Execution Software

The following are the main features of an MES:

Detailed Scheduling

This functionality is important for effective implementation of an MES. It collects data from defined capacities for labor, hourly usage on machines, and work centers. The software uses this information to perform detailed scheduling that can work in a complex environment. This enables the MES to reduce the time needed to set up and carry out production.

Dispatching

The system dispatches a list to send work to the various work centers. This capability is utilized to produce real-time work orders prioritization that takes into account the work center’s current availability, actual floor-component levels, priority customers, the center’s downstream availability, and even an unanticipated call from the factory manager that changes your original plan.

Non-conformance Tracking

The MES helps to tackle the key issue of non-conformance in the manufacturing setting. It identifies non-conformance both in the entire process and an individual employee. In this way, it assists to eliminate waste and safeguards the enterprise in the case of a lawsuit or audit. More than spot checks, non-conformance management in all products and processes is more efficient over the long term. You can use the right MES to swiftly detect and eliminate cases of non-conformance in the production process.

Operational Reporting

Successful implementation of MES depends on operational reporting using mobile devices. Within the MES, you can move transactions from one process to another when needed if lead times become too lengthy. This reporting level also offers a real-time view of jobs dispatching, work orders, and the cost of various procedures.

Benefits of Manufacturing Execution Software

Decrease Inventory

Storing surplus inventory is costly. Further, it is expensive to produce overage, transport, store, and monitor these goods. An MES constantly updates your inventory information with the latest data on production, non-conforming product, and scrap material. This informs your purchasing, scheduling, and shipping units about the available stock in each center, and what they should reorder.

Minimize Costs

You can logically streamline operations by getting a better grip on the product, labor, material, and time needed to complete the work. This procedure allows you to reduce ordering and free up your staff from controlling inventory and operating production lines.

Cut Downtime

The MES helps to generate efficient production schedules by tracking parts inventory and raw materials. This eliminates time spent on changing schedules while supplies are in transit. You can also include staff scheduling in this program to utilize your available employees effectively.

Reduce Overages, Scrap, and Waste

The MES accurately analyzes finished products and production lines, and identifies any discrepancies or inconsistencies on these lines. It then instantly stops them to limit wasted material and the number of poor parts.

Accurately Capture Costs

An MES records different costs like maintenance, downtime, scrap, and labor in real time from the factory floor. Management can utilize this information to assess unbeneficial business models and to price new work. This data can also be shared with other systems to enable your enterprise to boost productivity its production centers.