Moving From SCADA To MES

We are in the process of expanding our operations and as part of this, are looking at replacing an aging SCADA system. We're looking at all the usual suspects, and are wondering if there's any merit in looking at an MES type application. Our understanding is that MES is expensive and hard to deploy -- are there benefits an MES offers that we can't already get with a SCADA system that has a good UI and analytics?

So what do you get with an MES that your SCADA system doesn't already have? The ability to track work orders through the production process, and to enforce specific steps in the execution of the work order. This doesn't sound like a huge differentiator until you start thinking about the ability to trace, for a particular work order, things like product genealogy, components used, production history, labor tracking (who did what to the product when) and so forth.

A number of the MES users we've spoken to have opted for MES purchases because the ability to delivery this level of traceability information to their customers has been a significant value-add and competitive differentiator. That said, evaluate your needs and price tolerance, but balance this against the needs of your customers and the potential revenue opportunities that installing an MES might generate.