A manufacturing execution system (MES) is a software-based system that manages production and manufacturing operations in factories. MES collects information from machine monitoring sensors and data collection terminals to send real-time instructions to floor devices for adjusting the manufacturing process. MES aims to improve productivity and efficiency by eliminating overlapping functions. Different MES systems offer different levels of control over the manufacturing process, and choosing one depends on business needs. ISA-95 merged standards to create a functional hierarchy of software for tracking manufacturing and production, with standardized interfaces for communication between systems.
A manufacturing execution system is a software-based system used to manage production and manufacturing operations in factories. The system uses a network of computers to monitor and help manage events taking place in the factory. A manufacturing execution system is considered a level three system in the ISA-95 standard for control systems. As such, it typically works with other level three systems, such as a warehouse management system or laboratory information management system.
To do its job, a manufacturing execution system needs information. This information is collected from the factory using machine monitoring sensors and data collection terminals. Information from these sources is sent to a central computer for processing. Using this information, manufacturing execution systems send real-time instructions to floor devices that adjust the manufacturing process accordingly.
The first data collection systems created in the 1980s were the first step towards dedicated manufacturing execution systems. Over the following decades, a number of systems were developed to serve as manufacturing execution systems. Many of these had overlapping functions which resulted in lower efficiency. To eliminate overlapping functions, the Manufacturing Enterprise Solutions Association defined 11 functions that could be performed by a manufacturing execution system.
The ultimate goal of producing execution system software is to improve productivity by making the process as fast and efficient as possible. The less time it takes to make the product, the more copies of the product a company can produce in a day. Therefore, faster production means more income for the company.
Different manufacturing execution systems emphasize different functions and offer different levels of control over the manufacturing process. Choosing to use one manufacturing execution system over another depends on the needs of your business. Some typical functions of a manufacturing execution system include placing and dispatching manufacturing orders, analyzing manufacturing performance, and managing the resources used in manufacturing.
In the early 2000s, ISA-95 merged the Manufacturing Enterprise Solutions Association standards with the Purdue Reference Model standards to create a functional hierarchy of software for tracking manufacturing and production. All ISA-95 compliant systems have standardized interfaces to allow them to communicate with each other. ISA-95 uses templates to determine what information should be exchanged between various systems. ISA is an organization founded in 1945 and headquartered in North Carolina, USA. In addition to developing standards, ISA trains, certifies and hosts conferences for automation professionals.
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