Manufacturing Execution System (MES) software are software solutions used in manufacturing industries to manage and monitor various aspects of the production process. There are several popular MES systems available in the market, and their popularity may change over time as new solutions emerge. Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems are both software solutions used in manufacturing and business management, but they serve different purposes and focus on different aspects of a company’s operations. MES systems primarily focus on managing and optimizing the manufacturing process on the shop floor. They are focused on day-to-day production activities, such as managing work orders, tracking materials, and ensuring machines are running efficiently. MES systems are specialized for manufacturing operations and typically include features like production scheduling, quality management, traceability, equipment maintenance, and process monitoring. The systems furthermore often need to integrate with other systems, including ERP, to exchange data – and the users of MES systems are generally production managers, shop floor operators, and associated roles and staff. In this article I list and summarize some examples of popular MES. This is not a paid article, and my summarizing remarks regarding the various systems are not sponsored 🙂

Siemens SIMATIC IT MES

Siemens offers a comprehensive MES solution that helps manufacturers streamline production processes, improve quality, and optimize operations. Siemens SIMATIC IT MES is a scalable Manufacturing Execution System (MES) offered by Siemens, designed for various industries. It seamlessly integrates with Siemens PLCs and other automation equipment, enabling real-time data exchange and control. The modular approach allows tailored solutions, focusing on quality management, production tracking, and paperless manufacturing. It supports operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives. With a global reach and user-friendly interface, it empowers manufacturers to optimize processes and enhance product quality.

• Link: https://www.plm.automation.siemens.com/global/en/our-story/glossary/simatic-it/85592

Wonderware Manufacturing Execution System

Part of the AVEVA (formerly Wonderware) portfolio, Wonderware MES provides tools for tracking and managing production processes in real-time. Some of its characteristics are a comprehensive suite of functionalities for operational management and execution, an integration with other Wonderware products, real-time data, and its flexibility and scalability.

Rockwell Software FactoryTalk ProductionCentre

This MES system from Rockwell Automation helps manufacturers enhance operational visibility and control across their production lines. Rockwell Software FactoryTalk ProductionCentre is an advanced Manufacturing Execution System (MES) solution offered by Rockwell Automation, a global leader in industrial automation and digitalization. Here are additional details about FactoryTalk ProductionCentre:

1. End-to-End MES: FactoryTalk ProductionCentre provides a comprehensive suite of MES functionalities, spanning production tracking, quality management, inventory control, and performance analytics, making it suitable for various industries.
2. Seamless Integration: It seamlessly integrates with other Rockwell Automation products, such as the FactoryTalk suite and Allen-Bradley controllers, enabling real-time data exchange and control across the manufacturing environment.
3. Real-Time Visibility: The system offers real-time visibility into production processes, enabling operators and managers to monitor and optimize production efficiency, quality, and equipment performance.
4. Quality Management: FactoryTalk ProductionCentre includes robust quality management features, facilitating continuous improvement, defect tracking, and compliance with industry standards and regulations.
5. Global Support: With Rockwell Automation’s global presence, FactoryTalk ProductionCentre is backed by a network of support and service centers, ensuring reliable assistance and maintenance for manufacturers with a global footprint.

• Link: https://www.rockwellautomation.com/en-us/products/software/factorytalk/operationsuite/mes.html

Dassault Systèmes DELMIA Apriso

DELMIA Apriso is a MES solution that provides real-time visibility and control over manufacturing operations, helping companies achieve agility and efficiency. Certainly, Dassault Systèmes DELMIA Apriso is a comprehensive Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM) software solution known for its capabilities in digital manufacturing and manufacturing execution. Here are three additional details about DELMIA Apriso:

1. End-to-End Manufacturing Operations Management: DELMIA Apriso covers the entire spectrum of manufacturing operations, including production, quality, maintenance, and inventory management. It enables organizations to optimize processes and gain real-time visibility into their operations.
2. Industry Focus: DELMIA Apriso is particularly well-suited for industries with complex manufacturing processes, such as aerospace, automotive, and electronics. It helps manufacturers in these sectors meet regulatory compliance requirements and achieve operational excellence.
3. Digital Twin Integration: DELMIA Apriso can integrate with Dassault Systèmes’ 3DExperience platform, enabling a seamless connection between the virtual design and the physical manufacturing world. This integration enhances collaboration, reduces errors, and accelerates product development and production processes.

• Link: https://www.3ds.com/products/delmia/apriso

GE Digital Proficy Manufacturing Execution System

GE Digital’s Proficy MES is a software platform designed to increase visibility into manufacturing operations, improve quality, and reduce costs. GE Digital Proficy MES is a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) solution provided by GE Digital. It is a comprehensive software platform designed to improve manufacturing operations by providing real-time visibility, control, and analytics. Proficy MES helps manufacturers optimize production processes, enhance product quality, and reduce operational costs. It offers features such as production scheduling, quality management, inventory tracking, and performance monitoring, making it suitable for a wide range of industries. With its user-friendly interface and integration capabilities, Proficy MES empowers organizations to make data-driven decisions, streamline workflows, and achieve greater operational efficiency.

• Link: https://www.ge.com/digital/lp/explore-ge-digitals-mes-software-demo

SAP Manufacturing Execution (SAP ME)

SAP ME is a component of the SAP Manufacturing Suite and offers features for tracking, monitoring, and optimizing production processes. SAP Manufacturing Execution (SAP ME) is a robust Manufacturing Execution System (MES) solution offered by SAP, a global leader in enterprise software. SAP ME is designed to enhance manufacturing processes by providing real-time visibility and control over production operations. It facilitates production scheduling, quality management, inventory tracking, and resource allocation, helping organizations optimize efficiency and product quality. Integrated with the broader SAP ecosystem, SAP ME enables seamless data exchange with ERP and other business systems, ensuring alignment between shop floor operations and overall business objectives. It is a versatile MES solution suitable for a variety of industries, supporting regulatory compliance and enabling data-driven decision-making for manufacturing excellence.

Oracle Manufacturing Cloud

Part of Oracle’s cloud-based solutions, Oracle Manufacturing Cloud provides MES capabilities to manage production processes and improve operational efficiency. Oracle Manufacturing Cloud is a cloud-based solution within the Oracle Cloud suite that empowers manufacturing organizations with advanced capabilities for managing their production processes. This comprehensive platform offers functionalities for production planning, scheduling, quality management, and shop floor control. Oracle Manufacturing Cloud is designed to enhance operational efficiency, optimize resource utilization, and improve product quality through real-time data analysis. It enables manufacturers to streamline their operations, achieve better supply chain visibility, and meet customer demands effectively. As a part of the Oracle Cloud ecosystem, it offers seamless integration with other Oracle applications for a unified and holistic approach to manufacturing management.

• Link: https://www.oracle.com/br/scm/manufacturing/

Schneider Electric EcoStruxure Manufacturing Operations

Schneider Electric’s MES solution offers real-time data and analytics to help manufacturers optimize production and improve overall performance. Schneider Electric EcoStruxure Manufacturing Operations is an advanced Manufacturing Execution System (MES) offered by Schneider Electric. This MES solution is designed to digitize and optimize manufacturing processes, providing real-time visibility and control over production operations. It offers features such as production scheduling, quality management, equipment maintenance, and energy management, allowing organizations to improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and enhance product quality. EcoStruxure Manufacturing Operations integrates with Schneider Electric’s broader EcoStruxure platform, facilitating connectivity and data exchange across the manufacturing ecosystem. It helps manufacturers achieve operational excellence, increase agility, and align their production processes with sustainability goals.

• Link: https://www.se.com/ww/en/work/solutions/industrial-automation-solutions/power-and-process/

Yokogawa Exaquantum

Yokogawa’s MES system, Exaquantum, focuses on process manufacturing and offers real-time data analysis and reporting to enhance efficiency and quality. Yokogawa Exaquantum is a powerful Industrial Data Platform offered by Yokogawa Electric Corporation. It serves as a comprehensive solution for real-time data acquisition, storage, visualization, and analysis in industrial and manufacturing settings. Exaquantum is specifically designed to help organizations optimize their operations, improve efficiency, and ensure the highest level of product quality and process safety. It integrates with various industrial automation systems and devices, providing a unified platform for monitoring and controlling processes while offering valuable insights through data analytics. Exaquantum is widely used in industries such as oil and gas, chemicals, power generation, and manufacturing to enhance operational performance and decision-making.

• Link: https://www.yokogawa.com/solutions/solutions/asset-operations-and-optimization/data-historian/plant-information-management-system/

Werum PAS-X

Werum’s PAS-X is a MES solution designed specifically for the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, helping them meet regulatory compliance requirements and improve operational performance. Werum PAS-X is a leading Manufacturing Execution System (MES) designed specifically for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Developed by Werum IT Solutions, it is known for its expertise in ensuring compliance with strict regulatory requirements, such as Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and FDA guidelines. PAS-X offers comprehensive functionalities for batch record management, electronic batch execution, quality control, and materials management. It provides real-time visibility into production processes, tracks the entire manufacturing genealogy, and assists in efficient resource allocation. PAS-X is a critical tool for pharmaceutical manufacturers to maintain product quality, meet regulatory standards, and enhance operational efficiency in a highly regulated environment.

• Link: https://www.koerber-pharma.com/en/solutions/software/pasx-extended

Concluding remarks on Manufacturing Execution Systems

In this article I introduced some popular MES systems used in manufacturing and processing industry. MES systems are used for managing manufacturing execution. Common responsibilities of a MES system are to support production scheduling, production planning, production order execution, real-time monitoring and control, quality control and assurance, inventory management, work order management, ressource allocation, equipment maintenance, data collection, data analysis, traceability and genealogy, integration with other systems, compliance, and documentation. In another article I have pointed out how analytics should be applied in MES systems, and what the benefits of using analytics in MES systems are. You can read that article here:

• Link: Analytics in manufacturing execution systems

Linnart Felkl

Data scientist focusing on simulation, optimization and modeling in R, SQL, VBA and Python