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In manufacturing, efficient production flow is difficult to achieve as there might be hindrances in the supply chain such as bottlenecks, a lack of productivity or overproduction.
To combat these issues and improve production efficiency, you can utilize a manufacturing execution system (MES). It is a computerized system used in manufacturing that connects, monitors and controls complex manufacturing systems and data flows on the factory floor.
Manufacturing Execution System
An MES collects accurate real-time data about the complete production lifecycle (beginning with order release until the product delivery stage for finished goods) that ensures effective execution of manufacturing operations and improve production output.
The data that MES collects about plant activities like product genealogy, performance, traceability, material management and work in progress (WIP) can allow decision-makers to better optimize the production process based on the current setup of the factory floor.
MES serves as a functional layer between the ERP and the process control systems on the factory floor which gives manufacturers real-time workflow visibility and insight into how to best improve manufacturing operations.
Besides these core functions, MES also enables manufacturers to overcome the challenge of regulatory compliance set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for regulated industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, medical device class, and biotechnology.
MES can also benefit both discrete manufacturing for industries such as aerospace, defense and automotive, and process manufacturing for chemical, oil and gas, power and energy, and pulp and paper industries.
Various areas of manufacturing operations like production analysis and resource scheduling can be done using MES.
Functions of Manufacturing Execution System
This enables production to be carried out without any sort of human intervention while also maintaining controlled production flow. MES includes functions that are necessary for facilities. Six most important functions are:
- Data collection: Collection of information that gives a precise evaluation of the entire manufacturing process.
- Labor management: Utilizing employees in the most advantageous areas based on their qualities and features.
- Quality control: Control the quality of the manufacturing process and allow for production variation and enhancement.
- Maintenance management: Plan for maintenance without disrupting production and enable a smooth production flow.
- Product tracking: Manage and oversee the production process in real-time.
- Performance analysis: the system analyses the entire process to find areas where there is a lack of productivity. This aids the production process to be more efficient.
The core modules of a high-level MES include:
- Planning System Interface
- Visual Scheduler
- eProduction/Dispatching
- Shop Floor Control
- Inventory Tracking and Management
- Material Movement Management
- Exception Management
- Data Collection
- Exception Management
- Support Functions of MES
- Maintenance Management
- Time and Attendance
- Payroll
- Human Resources
- Job Cost
- Quality
- Statistical Process Control
- Performance Management
- Document Management
- Product Data Management
- Genealogy / Product Traceability
- Product Configurator
- Bill of Material
- Engineering Change Control
- Supply Chain Management
MES is greatly beneficial to both large and small manufacturing operations that require production enhancement as it’s implementation can help reduce waste, increase uptime, and reduce inventory.
MES and ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning software) have the ability to work together.
Since both software brings different capabilities to the table, they can make the overall system more robust.
Both software’s can be integrated which improves operational clarity and equip organizations with the ability to monitor and adjust performance against business plans.
ERP knows why decisions need to be made, while MES know how to make those decisions. Both systems have their own purpose which can make them complementary components.
Benefits of Manufacturing Execution System
Computerized MES has a lot of benefits. The benefits are:
- Reduced manufacturing cycle time
- Reduced or no data entry time
- Reduced work-in-process
- Reduced or no paperwork between shifts
- Reduced lead times
- Improved product quality
- No lost paperwork
- Empowers plant operations people
- Improved planning process
- Improved customer service
- Reduced setup costs and wait times
- More reliable and precise sequence planning
Despite all the advantages provided by MES, a lot of manufacturers think that it is not enough to successfully optimize production.
In such cases, it is beneficial to turn to APS (Advanced Planning and Scheduling software).
It offers an extension to MES that can greatly increase the efficiency of the production facility.
These two can work together and make sure that you have Improved Delivery Time, a boost in profits, reductions in Inventory and enhanced production.
In order to integrate MES into your business, there is no better option than Odoo.
Odoo is an all in one business management software that can help you to run your business efficiently.
The full suite of apps in Odoo cover websites, sales, operations, manufacturing, finance, human resources, and marketing.
All the apps in Odoo can integrate with one another and work efficiently which is perfect for using MES and APS at the same time.
Syncoria is a digital transformation solution provider based in Canada and an official Odoo Ready partner.
We have been providing digital business solutions to our customers for over 14 years. Odoo is one of our digital business integration partners that specializes in marketing automation.
Your websites, sales, operations, CRM, POS, inventory everything can be automated using Odoo. Odoo POS is based on a smart interface that any retail company can use without difficulty.