What is an MES Software (Manufacturing Execution System)? Definition
Bringing flexibility and agility to the factory, an MES (Manufacturing Execution System) is a production management and control software integrated into a company’s information system. MES software optimizes industrial performance monitoring and supports continuous improvement initiatives.
The Aquiweb MES software collects real-time production data from both machines and operators. It serves as a real decision-making tool, supporting shop floor teams during startups, tool changes, quality checks, and more. Through workstation instructions, it provides step-by-step guidance and enhances internal communication.
How does MES software work? Complementarity with ERP
1. The MES software retrieves work orders (WOs) and/or product references from the ERP system, along with their theoretical cycle times or production rates.
2. On the shop floor, the operator declares the WO or product reference that is launched on a machine. This enables setting cycle time targets, delivering contextual instructions, and gathering key data for quality control, maintenance, and traceability.
3. The MES software collects data:
- Automatically, from machines (production/stop times, quantities produced, scrap quantities, energy consumption)
- Manually, from operator inputs (stop cause qualification, quality checks, quantities, lots, components, scrap…).
4. The MES software analyzes and correlates data in real time.
5. It stores the data and delivers it through real-time dashboards, notifications, and alerts.
6. The MES software exports production data back to the ERP system.
Core Features of an MES Solution
Defined by international standards and organizations (such as MESA International and ISA standards), MES covers 11 fundamental functions:
The 11 Key Functions of MES:
Data collection and acquisition
Scheduling
Personnel management
Resource management
Product and batch tracking
Product traceability and genealog
Quality management
Process management
Performance analysis
Document management
Maintenance management
Key Benefits of Aquiweb MES in Industrial Production
Data is the backbone of MES: it collects and delivers information at the right time, to the right person, and in the right place.
MES also ensures data transparency and objectivity, which strengthens decision-making reliability and reduces reaction times.
From an organizational perspective, by providing trustworthy data, MES enables better planning and process optimization. It also sustains continuous improvement efforts, leading to productivity gains of 5% to 10% in Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
Beyond tangible gains, MES empowers industrial companies to initiate their digital transformation by starting directly on the shop floor.
MES & Digital Lean
MES should not be seen as just another IT tool or a simple production management system. It must be an ally to shop floor teams, a support tool aimed at achieving operational excellence.
Thus, MES underpins continuous improvement initiatives (such as 5S, PDCA, SMED, Visual Management, product traceability, standard operating procedure tracking, preventive maintenance), helping achieve digital lean manufacturing. Moreover, MES sustains these practices, ensuring production remains “under control.”
MES Interfaces & Industrial Digitalization
As a core component of Industry 4.0, MES actively contributes to the digitalization of production units, bringing greater agility.
Through a step-by-step deployment, MES software aims to drastically reduce paper usage and move toward a paperless factory: eliminating manual sheets and reports, while providing real-time access to work instructions directly at the machine. Work orders, production files, and even batch records are fully digitized.
MES & OEE
The productivity of a production workshop or packaging line is measured using standardized KPIs such as OEE, TEEP, and PCE.
These performance indicators provide a consolidated view of production data collected from both operators and machines, offering real-time performance evaluations.
MES software makes it easy and reliable to track and monitor these KPIs thanks to its integrated data collection technologies.
MES & Workforce Attractiveness
MES quickly becomes an operator’s best ally by eliminating cumbersome paperwork.
It enhances the value of their role through the use of modern technologies. Its ease of use also accelerates onboarding for new employees joining the workshop.