Manufacturing Execution System (MES) explained simply
Imagine your production hall had a kind of digital nervous system that monitors, controls and documents every step from the order to the finished product – in real time. That is exactly what an MES is: software that sits between the planning system (e.g. ERP) and machine control and ensures that everything runs according to plan – data-driven, transparent and efficient.
Background information
A Manufacturing Execution System (MES) is a specialised software platform that monitors, controls, documents and optimises the entire manufacturing process in real time – from raw material processing to the finished product. It acts as a link between strategic planning (ERPEnterprise Resource Planning - software for integrated management of all business processes and resources. systems) and operational manufacturing (shop floor). Thanks to its close connection to machines and sensors, it enables seamless data collection, process control and quality monitoring.
The areas of responsibility of an MES are wide-ranging. According to VDI 5600, they include, among others, detailed scheduling, material management, performance analysis, quality and energy management as well as batch traceability. In this way, an MES helps companies shorten lead times, optimise utilisation and comply with regulatory requirements. Especially in industries such as pharmaceuticals, food or aerospace, an MES is indispensable as it ensures the necessary transparency and compliance.
Historical development and standardisation of MES
The beginnings of MES lie in the 1980s, when manufacturing companies began to use software solutions for operational control to close the gap between ERP systems and the production level. While ERP systems were designed for long-term planning, MES emerged as a solution capable of intervening in the short term and in real time.
In the 1990s, standardisation began. Internationally, ISA-95 (today also ISO/IEC 62264) became established, defining a clear layer model from enterprise level to manufacturing level. In Germany, VDI guideline 5600 specified the tasks of an MES – from detailed scheduling to quality assurance. Organisations such as MESA International also contributed to spreading best practices and reference models worldwide. Through this standardisation, MES evolved from individual isolated solutions to globally recognised systems that are interoperable and comparable.
MES vs ERP and SCADASupervisory Control and Data Acquisition - system for centralized monitoring and control of technical facilities with real-time data acquisition.: differentiation and interaction
Although MES, ERP and SCADA are closely connected, they have different areas of responsibility. ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) covers long-term planning, such as resource and order management. SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition), on the other hand, is located directly at the process level and provides monitoring and control of individual machines. The MES sits in between: it translates ERP specifications into concrete production steps, distributes orders across lines and monitors implementation in real time.
A practical example: The ERP specifies that 5,000 units of a product are to be manufactured. The MES plans which lines and machines are to be used, records process and quality data and provides feedback to the ERP. SCADA, in turn, controls the specific machine action, such as the start of a pressing operation. This interaction ensures a seamless information chain – from management down to the machine – and forms the basis of digitised, transparent manufacturing.
Further information and links
- MPDV: What is a Manufacturing Execution System (MES)? – definition, tasks and benefits at a glance
- IBM topic page: MES systems – use of IIoT technologies, functions and optimisation potential
- SAP: What is an MES (Manufacturing Execution System)? – control, documentation, integration in regulated industries
- What ist MES?-tbb-digital blog