MESløsninger

MESløsninger, or Manufacturing Execution System solutions, are software systems that manage, monitor, and control manufacturing operations on the shop floor. They bridge the gap between business planning systems and the equipment and personnel that execute production. The primary aim is to translate high-level production orders into actionable instructions, collect real-time data, and provide visibility into performance and quality throughout manufacturing.

Typical functions include production planning and dispatching, scheduling and sequencing, work order management, labor tracking, materials and inventory control for on-the-floor consumption, data collection from machines and devices, real-time shop-floor monitoring, quality management and non-conformance handling, batch and lot genealogy, traceability, OEE calculation, and performance analytics. MES often supports paperless work instructions, methods, standard operating procedures, and maintenance liaison. It may also include electronic signatures and audit trails for compliance.

Integration and data flows: MES sits between ERP systems (planning, procurement, inventory) and manufacturing execution layers such as PLCs, SCADA, automation devices, and quality systems. It often uses standard interfaces and supports ISA-95/IEC 62264 alignment, APIs, and event-driven data exchange. Modern MES can be deployed on-premises, in the cloud, or as a hybrid solution, and are typically modular to fit discrete or process industries.

Benefits and challenges: Implementations can improve throughput, reduce lead times, increase first-pass quality, enhance traceability and compliance, and provide real-time visibility. Challenges include high implementation cost, change management, data integration complexity, cybersecurity, and keeping recipes and parameters synchronized with the broader enterprise system.