MES
Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) are used in manufacturing with the aim of controlling production and fulfilling various functions. The three main task areas of the MES include production, personnel and quality assurance.
The Manufacturing Execution System collects and analyses the following data by connecting machines, measuring systems and terminals:
- Dates
- machine status
- tool status
- personnel availability
- material buffer and batch
- Quality and process data
Through the data collected, the ME system helps companies operate more profitably and effectively. First, all types of costs can be accurately recorded, such as labour, scrap, downtime and maintenance. With the breakdown, new orders can be better evaluated and costed. In addition, by monitoring quality, early intervention in production can be made, preventing the production of bad parts. This results in a saving of resources and costs. Downtime can also be reduced as the system allows realistic production schedules to be made.
Essentially, an ME system tracks the entire manufacturing process from material procurement to the finished product. Relevant information is played to the production manager at the right time, providing insight into current conditions and how they can be optimised. This allows production to be optimised, waste to be minimised and production output to be increased.