Manufacturing Execution System (MES) is a technology solution designed to help manufacturing companies monitor, control, and optimise their production processes. It plays a crucial role in improving the efficiency, quality, and visibility of manufacturing operations.
Starting Strong – The Proof of Concept
Embarking on an MES implementation journey? Begin with a Proof of Concept—a small-scale trial that minimises risk and maximises insights. Consider starting with a single production line or site, allowing you to test and prove the solution within a contained scope and minimising risk to operations, you also get the opportunity to transfer knowledge up front to the internal projects team and key users. The internal project team get live working experience and knowledge on how the system works and the configuration and set up can be refined with feedback from the key users. That insight and knowledge can then be applied to the wider rollouts with improved results.
Key Considerations for MES Implementation
End Users being central to the design and configuration of the solution
A Manufacturing Execution System provides a major benefit in its Real-Time Production Monitoring, meaning that machine operators have visibility of production metrics in real-time at a display on the manufacturing line. These metrics can be chosen and configured to provide the machine operator with crucial information which can be used to inform decisions / changes to the production line settings if there is a less than desirable throughput identified by the metrics.
Intuitive Reporting from the MES
Using the wonders of technology that MES and Programmable Logic Controllers give you, it is possible to create advanced reporting and metrics which can be used for analysis. Approach MES reporting with due care and attention though. When configuring the reporting from MES, ensure that the reporting information received from the MES is simple for anyone to understand what is going on and also clear to operators whether they needed to do anything differently to improve efficiency and productivity.
An example of this simplistic but effective reporting is through the use of RAG scoring of throughput. Set targets for the machine output based on the item being produced. Make scoring of Red, Amber and Green clearly visible on the MES reporting. Green of course means that the production processes are on or above target, amber means that there are some small shortcomings of the process, and Red means there are more substantial differences in the actual output versus the expected.
This simple approach enables the end users to identify and prioritise actions to address any production issues to ensure that the desired production output is achieved.
Scalability
For many manufacturing companies, scalability and flexibility in production of items is essential to meeting the evolving demands of the customer. This can often result in the need for additional production lines or changes to existing production lines. A key element of any new MES being considered should be the ease and flexibility to quickly adapt and install across production lines. This ensures you can stay adaptive to the marketplace and changing business demands whilst still achieving efficient production processes.
Workflow and Work Instructions
MES can provide the operators with step-by-step instructions for completing their manual tasks. The system can also be configured to provide instructions in a dynamic environment, which enables the operator to be fully knowledgeable on what they should do even as conditions change in the manufacturing environment. This supports in tasks being completed accurately and efficiently.
Maximising the Benefits
To ensure that your business can achieve the full benefits of a Manufacturing Execution System, you should ensure that the business requirements are identified and fully understood before moving into selecting from the range of MES solutions on offer. It is also paramount that your MES integrates effectively with your ERP and other business systems.
Choosing the Right Partner
Optimum PPS have a wealth of experience in helping organisations identify and document their requirements for a new solution. Furthermore, we offer a System Selection service where we manage the entire process of selecting a new system – from identifying the requirements, right through to supplier tenders and scoring to help ensure you get the right solution for your manufacturing organisation. Additionally, Optimum PPS have expertise in Project Management and Implementation Consultancy to help you implement successfully.
To discuss how a manufacturing execution system could benefit your business, contact our team of experts.