10 Things You Should Know

Before Implementing MES System

Any entrepreneur seeking a system to aid in operations has likely heard of the MES system. However, there may be few who are familiar with it in detail. Therefore, in this article, we have compiled essential information that you should know before installing an MES system in your business.

1. What is MES system?

The MES system stands for Manufacturing Execution System. It is designed to maintain quality throughout the production process by tracking, controlling, and recording all production activities. The MES system is specifically engineered to help industries improve and enhance production efficiency.

2. What is the main function of MES and how it can solve the problem?

As MES is software that monitors and checks the operation of machinery in industrial factories to analyze results in real time, manufacturers can understand how the machinery operates, identify any inefficiencies, determine necessary repairs or maintenance points, and reduce various losses. With the data provided by the MES system, manufacturers can continuously plan and improve the production process.

3.  Preparations Before Installing an MES System

Before installing an MES system, it is essential to thoroughly prepare all necessary information, ensure comprehensive checks, and coordinate with the service provider. This ensures that all operations are standardized, the development path is clear, and the system meets all required needs. Proper preparation will facilitate smoother implementation. The information that needs to be prepared includes:

• Check Plans and Analyze System Requirements: Conduct an analysis of the organization's readiness and planning to assess the preliminary needs for using the MES system to enhance production efficiency.

• Prepare Necessary Information: Gather essential data for the MES system before consulting with the service provider. This includes the available budget, the desired installation timeline, and specific production needs or issues to be addressed. This preparation simplifies the recommendation process for different modules to achieve the desired outcomes.

• Prepare Machinery Information: Verify and prepare detailed information about the machinery. Specify how many machines will be installed and their types. For example, in Factory Zone A, there are 10 machines divided into two types: 5 Injection Molding machines and 5 Blow Molding machines.

• Inform Responsible Employees: Notify employees about the upcoming implementation of the system to assist with their work. This advance notice ensures that employees are aware of the forthcoming changes. Additionally, provide necessary training to employees, such as how to adapt to and work with the new system, or any additional responsibilities they may have, to ensure mutual understanding.

4. Benefits of MES system

As previously mentioned, the MES system enhances and improves the production processes of various industries. The following points outline how it achieves this:

• Organized Production Management: 
  The MES system assists in planning and scheduling production appropriately based on available resources and time, enabling more efficient and on-schedule production.

• Recording Production Data:
  The MES system records production process data for analysis and future production improvements. Employees can access historical production data for traceability and review.
   
• Reducing Production Costs: Entrepreneurs can analyze and enhance production efficiency, leading to reduced material waste, minimized production downtime, decreased labor usage, improved machine performance, and more.
   
• Maintaining Standards: 
  The system can record, configure, and adjust production parameters to meet the factory's established standards.

5. MES and OEE

In addition to the MES system, many entrepreneurs may have encountered the term OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness). OEE is a metric used to evaluate the efficiency of the production process and the effectiveness of the machinery equipped with the MES system.

OEE is calculated directly from MES data, using real-time production values. The equation for OEE is OEE = Availability x Performance Efficiency x Quality Rate.

6. MES and ERP

Certainly, there are various systems available that help manage data and business processes. One of these is the ERP system, which aids in planning and managing organizational resources overall, including finances, services, sales, marketing, and more. Integrating MES with ERP allows production process data to be transmitted into the ERP system, enabling business owners to perceive and optimize various aspects more effectively.

In summary, ERP is a system that facilitates organizational-level planning, while MES is a system that manages and analyzes to improve production processes.

7. MES and SCADA

The MES and SCADA systems are two systems commonly used in industrial and manufacturing settings to help control and manage production processes. While they share some similar functions, they differ in the following ways:

• The MES system focuses on maximizing the efficiency of the production process by recording factory operations, quality control, and other related production management tasks. It allows for real-time monitoring of production data.
   
• The SCADA system, on the other hand, focuses on controlling and monitoring equipment within the production process. It can track results from multiple sites or remote equipment.

8. How does the MES system differ from the Andon system?

Entrepreneurs researching the MES system may also come across information about the Andon system. The Andon system alerts users to issues occurring during production, helping to reduce downtime and enabling timely problem resolution. However, unlike the MES system, the Andon system does not provide data analysis capabilities.

9. The Importance of MES Systems in the Development of Industry 4.0

The development of Industry 4.0 involves the integration of technologies such as IoT, AI, and various automation systems into manufacturing processes and industries to enhance and improve quality. As a key software that helps increase the efficiency of production processes, the MES system plays a crucial role in advancing modern industries. Importantly, the MES system provides industries with greater flexibility and readiness to adapt to current market conditions.

10. When is the Best Time to Invest in an MES System?

Having read up to this point, you will have undoubtedly seen the advantages and importance of the MES system. But when is the best time to invest in such a system to ensure it is worthwhile? Let’s find out!

• When you need to identify production issues that do not meet targets.
• When you want to reduce the amount of waste material from the production process.
• When you aim to ensure production times meet set goals.
• When you want to transition from paper-based data collection to electronic formats.
• When you need to analyze production data to make further improvements.
• When you require real-time data from machinery.
• When you want to fully digitize traditional workflows.

Summary of the MES System

The MES system helps improve and enhance production efficiency by installing software onto machinery. This enables entrepreneurs to receive real-time data and analyze it to reduce material waste and ensure production times meet targets.

How to Start Installing an MES System

Entrepreneurs interested in installing an MES system should select a reliable service provider with expertise and experience in MES installations across various industries. This ensures error-free implementation. With over 40 years of experience, ARES offers standard systems ready to support industries such as manufacturing, assembly, automotive, electronics, and more.

Contact us
For a demo, please contact us at Contact Us or for further inquiries:
Phone: 0633253640 or 02-6863000 ext. 3042
Email: support@aresth.co.th