What is MES software?
MES (Manufacturing Execution System) software is production management software invented in the 1980s. The ISA (International Society of Automation) helped standardise what these tools could do and how. Growing rapidly especially since the 1990s, it has evolved over the decades and taken an important place in Industry 4.0.
The MES differs from the ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) through its “automation” orientation, and complements the ERP’s “planning” dimension, which does not include the same variables and parameters.
If the ERP is the warning lights on a vehicle’s dashboard, the MES is the car’s on-board software (it measures tyre pressure, fluid levels, injection and other “invisible” but very real parameters).
It is a computer system that, by collecting a plant’s or shop’s production data in real time, can connect, monitor and control complex manufacturing systems and data flows at shop-floor level, for better productivity and performance.
The main functions of a MES solution are defined in particular by the ANSI/ISA-95 standard, which sets out the role of MES software. Here are the 11 functions of the ISA-95 standard:
Personnel management
Being able to manage the skills and qualifications of your staff, and those required for your products and/or operations.
Quality management
Controlling and monitoring the quality of manufacturing processes, as part of an SPC (Statistical Process Control) approach. Digitising quality checks on the shop floor.
Product and batch routing
Managing the entire flow of production data in real time between the ERP and the shop floor to make processes easier to execute.
Maintenance management
Managing the planning of preventive and periodic maintenance operations to reduce the impact on manufacturing and make interventions easier.
Data collection and acquisition
Obtaining events and production data in real time from the various sources (PLCs, machines and people).
Scheduling
Building a schedule that gives a real-time overall view of orders, thanks to a connection to the equipment.
Process management
Providing digital travellers and the manufacturing steps.
Document management
Providing operators with the documents (PDFs, drawings, diagrams) they need to do their work. Digitising documents and making them available in a way that suits the manufacturer.
Resource management
Defining, managing and tracking people, machines, materials and energy according to their status (in production, broken down, stopped, material shortage…).
Performance analysis
Tracking the various production times in real time to calculate key production indicators, in particular OEE.
Product traceability and genealogy
Obtaining the manufacturing data associated with a batch, from raw material to the assembly of its components.
Meta 2i supports you at every stage of implementing your MES:
Consulting
Consulting aims to give you a concrete approach to Industry 4.0 by offering real solutions to your problems.
Our teams will carry out a complete diagnosis of your company to draw up an action plan suited to its needs and available resources. We will then help you draw up complete, tailor-made specifications for an Industry 4.0 project.
Bear in mind that this does not commit you in any way! We are here to advise you on your choices and your company’s future, staying as close to you as possible day to day.
Implementing a tailor-made MES: KmProd by Meta 2i
Meta 2i will then offer you its comprehensive package to meet your needs step by step.
KmProd stands out from its competitors through its flexibility! Adaptable up to 50% to your process, KmProd can be implemented whatever your business sector.
Updates and follow-up of your needs
By choosing the KmProd MES, you opt for a regularly updated solution that supports you every day in your current and future projects.
