|
by Diane Himes, MA Editorial Staff   | Abstract: | An industry update on the manufacturing execution system (MES) software space with links to Managing Automation's online product directory.
|
While the management of production data remains the chief function of a manufacturing execution system (MES), the business case for new implementations and system updates have varied over the years. Two of the main drivers behind manufacturers' "must do" MES initiatives today are regulatory compliance mandates and ongoing efforts to integrate the plant floor with the business side of the enterprise, says Roy Wildeman, senior analyst with Forrester Research. "Manufacturers need insight into the state of their equipment, the quality of their products, and their ability to integrate the plant with transaction-level [ERP] systems," Wildeman says. As a consequence, they are increasingly looking to MES to get more out of their maturing ERP systems. Manufacturing intelligence in the form of analytics can help to extract meaning from shop floor data, and as a result improve quality, control cycle times, and empower manufacturing personnel to make informed decisions, he adds. MES software vendors are responding to this increased interest in the space in one of two ways. Some are expanding their focus across several vertical industries, products, and applications — a horizontal tack that aims to help manufacturers cut down on applications and associated IT costs. Others, including the pure players that already support multiple verticals, are retrenching and beginning to target sub-verticals with highly focused marketing and sales plans, Wildeman says. [Click to continue] |