Key Takeaways
- MES tracks every work order, operation and machine in real time.
- Operator tablets replace production registers and job cards.
- OEE and downtime reasons show exactly where capacity is lost.
ERP knows what should be produced; the shop floor knows what was produced. Without an MES, that information arrives late and inaccurately. An MES captures production as it happens.
Core MES functions
- Digital work orders and job cards
- Operator login on tablets or kiosks
- Start, stop and quantity entry per operation
- WIP tracking between stations
- Downtime and reason codes
- In-process quality checks
- Material consumption and scrap
- OEE dashboards by machine and shift
MES and ERP together
| ERP | MES |
|---|---|
| Sales and production orders | Executes orders on the floor |
| Planned material | Actual consumption and scrap |
| Monthly cost reports | Real-time output and downtime |
| Finished goods stock | Batch and serial genealogy |
See production planning and machine monitoring.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is an MES?
Software that manages and records production execution on the shop floor in real time.
Do small factories need an MES?
A simplified MES or shop-floor app helps any plant losing visibility on output and downtime.
Can MES integrate with Tally or SAP?
Yes, MES can sync work orders and results with ERP systems.
What is OEE?
Overall Equipment Effectiveness, combining availability, performance and quality of a machine.
