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A Manufacturing Execution System (MES), also known as a production control system, acts as an interface between planning and production. It enables real-time planning, control and monitoring of production processes. In this article, we explain the Manufacturing Execution System in a simple and comprehensible way, present typical functions, practical examples and their benefits and demonstrate how our MCS (Matrix Control System) supports companies in practical applications.

The demands on production are increasing: shorter delivery times, more variants, rising quality requirements. Traditional ERP systems quickly reach their limits here because they do not offer real-time transparency on the store floor.

This is exactly where a Manufacturing Execution System comes in. MES software records and processes production data in real time, makes processes transparent and helps to make informed decisions more quickly.

But how does MES software work in practice? Which functions are crucial? And what are the benefits for companies?

An MES is like the digital cockpit of production: It displays the current status of production and offers the possibility of direct intervention. The most important functions at a glance:

• Order management: Automatic distribution and prioritization of production orders to machines and employees - based on deadlines, availability and capacity.
• Machine connection & data acquisition: Production machines and systems are networked so that data such as quantities, running times or faults are recorded automatically.
• Production data acquisition (PDA): Employees report order progress, faults or quality checks directly in the system.
• Traceability & history: All production data can be traced to the exact order, batch or component.
• Key performance indicators & analysis: The MES calculates key figures such as OEE, availability and productivity and displays them in the dashboard or report.
• Quality management: Deviations are immediately visible, inspections are documented and evidence for audits is automatically generated.

An MES system is therefore much more than just software: it is the link between planning (ERP) and execution (store floor).

A Manufacturing Execution System (MES) forms the backbone of modern, digitalized production. It creates transparency across all manufacturing processes and provides the basis for well-founded decisions in real time.

The main advantages at a glance:

• Better basis for decision-making: Real-time data enables fact-based reactions instead of gut decisions.
• Proven quality: Complete process documentation facilitates audits and certifications.
• Greater efficiency: Automated data acquisition reduces manual activities and minimizes downtime.
• Secure verification: Complete documentation for certifications and audits.
• Optimized use of resources: Orders, personnel and machines are planned and controlled on the basis of data.

But what does this look like in practice?
Our MCS - Matrix Control System shows how these benefits can be measurably realized.

The MCS - Matrix Control System includes a practice-oriented Manufacturing Execution System (MES), which was specially developed for the requirements of modern, automated manufacturing companies.

The following examples illustrate how the MES solves real challenges in machining production and paves the way to the smart factory step by step.

The complete traceability of batches, tools and process parameters is crucial, especially in machining production with high quality requirements. In practice, however, this often leads to an enormous documentation effort - and to errors in manual data acquisition. With the MCS MES traceability is fully automated. Machine data, tool numbers, inspection characteristics and material batches are taken directly from the control system and linked together in the system. This creates a continuous, digital process history - from raw part processing to delivery.

The result: Reliable proof of quality, simple audit preparation and a significant reduction in manual documentation steps.

2. automated intralogistics with AMR and AGVs

In many manufacturing companies, the internal material flow is still a bottleneck. Workpieces, raw materials or finished parts are transported manually, resulting in waiting times and the risk of machine downtime. In addition, there is often a lack of transparency as to where material is currently located or when it will arrive at the next workstation.

The Manufacturing Execution System MCS MES integrates modern Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR) and Automated guided vehicle systems (AGVs) seamlessly into the production control system.

As soon as a machine starts or finishes a job, the MES automatically transmits transport requests to the logistics robots - such as the provision of raw parts or the collection of finished workpieces. The transport orders are prioritized, monitored in real time and automatically transmitted to the available vehicle. This creates a fully automated, digitally controlled material flow - without manual intervention or delays.

The result: A continuous production flow, reduced non-productive times and noticeably higher system availability. Thanks to the intelligent linking of production and intralogistics, production not only works more efficiently, but also reacts flexibly to short-term order changes or disruptions.

3. bottleneck analysis and capacity optimization through production data

In many companies, the actual capacity utilization of individual machines or production cells remains unclear. Decisions on investment or capacity expansion are therefore often based on estimates rather than reliable data. The Manufacturing Execution System MCS MES automatically records all running and downtimes and displays them in the integrated MCS Analyzer clearly presented.

Historical key performance indicators such as OEE, machine availability or order throughput times can be analyzed in a targeted manner using freely configurable evaluations. This enables production managers to identify bottlenecks based on data, adapt shift models and make well-founded investment decisions. This leads to Sustainable increase in production efficiency and better planning of resources.

With the MCS - Matrix Control System manufacturing companies receive an efficient Manufacturing Execution System (MES), which combines data acquisition, analysis and visualization in a single platform. It creates transparency, reduces downtimes and makes complex production processes controllable. a decisive step on the way to digitalized production.

A Manufacturing Execution System such as MCS makes the difference between reactive and proactive production.
Find out in the next article, how MES and MOM differ - and when it makes sense to switch from an MES to a comprehensive Manufacturing Operations Management System (MOM) to expand.

Next article: „MES vs. MOM - What's the difference?