MES, stands for ‘Manufacturing Execution System’, or translated as production management system or production operating system. But specifically what MES is, there are many different interpretations that cause more or less confusion. Also easy to understand, because MES is a broad term. Each manufacturing industry is different, the requirements for ‘execution’ are also different. In this article, we take a brief look at where MES begins.

MESA-11

MES was born in the 1990s, when production management and administration becoming increasingly complex, with computer applications being introduced into companies in the US. The Manufacturing Enterprise Solutions Association (MESA) was born, providing guidelines for production management systems, by functional areas. By 1996, MESA completed the official model (MESA Model) of MES including 11 functions, called MESA-11 model. These 11 functions are as follows:

1. Operations/Detailed Sequencing
2. Dispatching production units
3. Product tracking and genealogy
4. Labour Management
5. Quality Management
6. Maintenance Management
7. Resource allocation and status
8. Document control
9. Performance Analysis
10. Process Management
11. Data Collection and Acquisition

The MESA-11 model has been popular for many years, helping to standardize understanding of MES and simplify coordination between MES solution providers and users (at least in the same language). Thus, according to MESA-11, MES has 11 above functions.

MESA-11 gradually revealed its shortcomings over time. It is easy to see, the above 11 functions are only encapsulated within the factory. While production management needs are increasingly complex and many appeared new technologies. MESA-11 is also changed to complete its role.

C-MES

The need of interaction between the production area and the business area in the enterprise is increasing, requiring MES not only to limit the functions in the factory, but also to communicate with other management systems of the enterprise to increase management efficiency. In 2004, MESA added some new communication functions to the MES model, called C-MES (C – Collaborative). Additional new functions include:

1. Supply focused Systems (procurement SCP)
2. Customer focused systems (CRM)
3. Financial focused systems (ERP)
4. Product focused systems (CAD/CAM, PLM)
5. Logistics systems (TMS, WMS)
6. Controls (PLC, DCS)
7. Compliance systems (DOO Management, ISO, EH&S)

The C-MES model is used to the present and is always improved over time.

Source: mesa.org

MESA defines MES in terms of functional groups. A system is considered MES when it has all the core functions of the MES or a combination of these functions. with C-MES, MES is an intermediate layer between factory automation and enterprise management system. It is also considered as the production information hub of the enterprise.

ISA 95

If MESA defines MES according to function, ISA (International Society of Automation, association of equipment and automation system suppliers (US)), defines MES according to information architecture. This association offers is ISA-95 (developed since 1995).

Source: researchgate.net

According to the ISA-95 model, the MES is located on the 3rd layer, between Control and ERP. The information architecture definition has its reasons. ISA wants to emphasize the communication between layers, especially between MES and ERP. Efficient, seamless communication between departments is key to reducing deffects, reducing costs, and increasing production efficiency.

Summary, MES has a history of development with many different definitions according to MESA or ISA (or other organizations). MES plays a backbone role in production and ERP in enterprise management. In addition to the main role of production management, MES also needs to be able to interact and integrate with other management systems in the enterprise. The functions of the MES are also always updated according to the needs of production as well as the evolution of technology.

Thanks for reading.