Discovering the need
It is very important to target the key areas of the shop where the MES will be implemented first. A few pilot machines also need to be chosen to validate the expected operation before rolling out to all machines… The MES project will follow from this first questioning, if the company has a real need, and according to its priority.
Assessing the need
Once the need has been identified, the scope of the project must be defined. This can be done in several ways:
A specialised in-house person
To study the elements of this project, which will be a larger or smaller investment depending on the need, it is essential to put the most qualified person in charge. This kind of assessment can therefore be done in-house. However, there are other methods if you do not have the resources and skills for this study in-house.
Consulting
Another way to assess your need is to use a consulting firm to draw up your specifications. The main advantage of this option is the quality of the very comprehensive deliverables. In particular, it allows MES integrators to give you the most realistic budget possible. Another advantage is the expertise the consultant brings.
Launching the MES project
The MES project is launched in several stages tailored to each project. To give you an idea of how MES software is installed, here is an example of a MES project launch:
Once you have chosen your MES software supplier, you can launch your project with them, following stages agreed in advance. Each stage must address a problem that the software will be able to solve in due course.
That is why a MES project generally starts with a POC (Proof Of Concept) on one machine or shop, depending on the need, addressing a first problem for the company. The integrator then installs the software on the chosen machine to solve that first problem.
This first installation goes through phases that are repeated at each stage:
- Testing the screens
- Fixes and improvements
- Deployment on the machine
- Operator training (if needed)
Deploying a project step by step brings flexibility throughout the whole project. That is why an agile method is recommended for a MES project. It allows the manufacturer to deal with the unexpected and make changes during the project, through communication and collaboration with the MES integrator’s development teams.
And then, what comes next?
Launching MES software is a long-term project, so it is important for an industrial site to plan its future needs. With this in mind, continuous improvement must be considered to prepare future projects. As the publisher of its KmProd MES, META 2i supports its customers in assessing their needs and proposing the most suitable solutions and schedule to address their various problems. Thanks to its great adaptability, KmProd can meet the needs of every industrial sector.
