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Manufacturing Execution Systems: MES Defined
The term "Manufacturing Execution System" (or MES) is not always clearly understood by those who make daily use of such systems. One definition says: "An automated system to help control processes, materials, manpower and all the other inputs required for the smooth functioning of a manufacturing unit. Still another definition says: "A shop floor control system which includes either manual or automatic labor and production reporting as well as on-line inquiries and links to tasks that take place on the production floor."
Both of these MES definitions are substantially correct, but they are incomplete. Properly speaking, Manufacturing Execution Systems derive their name from their inherent purpose of providing intelligent process control through an electronic system designed to execute instructions to control manufacturing operations. The trick, of course, is to supply a continuous flow of meaningful instructions — and most importantly, for those instructions to be carried out correctly and reliably.
To a great extent, the performance of any good MES architecture is dependent upon the quality and adaptability of the hardware and software comprising the system. A solid manufacturing execution system must not only meet specific process control requirements, but it must also coexist harmoniously with the rest of the production environment. Reliability, adaptability, cost-effectiveness and multiple-interface capabilities are all essential to achieving the desired business objective(s).
MES and Collaborative Manufacturing
To the extent that manufacturing execution systems manage processes designed to achieve specific business objectives, an efficient MES can ideally exist within a Collaborative Manufacturing environment. This is a framework for organizing and controlling the key business processes of a manufacturing enterprise. A good MES addresses this at a fundamental level.
Business leaders are faced with many hard decisions. Strategic planning and technology assessment often overlap. A collaborative manufacturing framework intrinsically aligns a company's manufacturing IT infrastructure with its business strategy. It allows the participants to map existing conditions and establish migration paths for improvements. Users also identify new ways of leveraging web-based technologies and working with strategic partners to compete more effectively. The result is a common perspective for the selection and integration of technologies among manufacturing operations, IT, business planning, plant systems, and other areas.
For example: A manufacturer of made-to-order electronic goods can use a manufacturing execution system to optimize materials availability, labor and shipping resources by tracking production units, components and subassemblies from the time the order was placed through delivery. Furthermore, the entire assembly process can be directed through an integrated MES by allowing customer interaction via the Internet to drive the build-to-order manufacturing model; i.e. the customer actually directs aspects of the manufacturing and assembly operation in real time through a structured manufacturing execution system, via a web-based product ordering interface, the whole of which is managed by a collaborative manufacturing environment.
However, achieving this level of integration requires that a company's front-end web presence be supported by a back end that goes all the way down to the manufacturing shop floor. It also requires that the MES be capable of rapid adaptation to changing circumstances and allow cost-effective conversions as dictated by changing business and supply conditions. Obviously, implementing such a system requires a great deal of planning, experience, guidance and follow-through.
These are all reasons why Wonderware has become the industry leader in Manufacturing Execution System hardware and software. Quite simply, no one does it better. Our list of clients is long and we have a strong success record.
Our Wonderware Factelligence® is the leading configurable MES Software platform for managing and controlling manufacturing operations and providing the critical link between Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and the Supply Chain. Our Wonderware DNC Professional™ software package is a distributed numerical control (DNC) system for use in shops equipped with NC (numerical control) and/or CNC (computer numerical control) machine tools. And, Wonderware is the United States distributor of Adroit Scada/HMI software. Adroit is a technologically advanced 32-bit SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) System designed for process control, manufacturing systems and open automation applications.
Wonderware provides true turnkey solutions. Wonderware has built a team of trained engineers to help with the design, implementation and support of all Wonderware products. Our service engineers have many years of experience in information technology and specific industry applications. This knowledge and experience makes the installation and integration of Wonderware products a smooth process, which in turn starts the return on investment cycle more quickly. We offer full service on all our DNC applications. To aid in the implementation of our MES products and systems, we have developed effective methodologies to guide projects through their key phases. These include:
- Project definition and expected ROI
- Assurance of solid buy-in from operations and management
- MES Project team management
- Design and creation of interfaces to ERP, document, labor and other systems
- Development of a functional MES solution
- Software and database installation and configuration
- Training and documentation
Wonderware Manufacturing Execution System Resources
Please refer to the following pages for additional information regarding Wonderware's MES hardware and software, as well as integration, design and other support services:
Wonderware Factelligence for Shops and Wonderware Factelligence®
Wonderware's flagship MES is a comprehensive Manufacturing Execution System named Wonderware Factelligence. Factelligence and Factelligence for Shops are related products, and they share the same code base. However, the products also have some important differences. Wonderware Factelligence is marketed to large- and mid-sized companies in a wide range of industries. Manufacturers of poultry products, consumer packaged goods, pharmaceuticals and custom-machined parts are currently using Factelligence. Factelligence for Shops is marketed specifically to discrete manufacturers whose primarily manufacturing process is typically metal cutting. The base Factelligence for Shops product has basic DNC features only. The base Factelligence product assumes that a customer has a work order driven system. This difference dictates the initial entry cost for the software. Factelligence for Shops customers do have the ability to upgrade their software to handle work orders by purchasing an advanced module.
Wireless DNC for MES Applications
A wireless DNC system provides manufacturers with many advantages including the flexibility to move machines and avoid clearance issues typically associated with hard-wired DNC Manufacturing Execution Systems. The Wonderware Serial Bridge creates a wireless connection between an 8.0211B wireless LAN device with a serial port. This wireless hardware device has been tested and certified by the Wonderware QA team to offer reliable wireless DNC.
Companies and Partners Using Wonderware Manufacturing Execution System (MES) Software and Hardware
Many well-known companies and partners use Wonderware's Factelligence Manufacturing Execution System (MES) software and hardware. Wonderware products are used for a wide range of different industries and applications. The majority of the companies have been using Wonderware products for years and manage multiple-site installations.
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