Core functions of an MES
By Bob Trebilcock, Editor at Large -- Modern Materials Handling, 1/1/2005
MES systems have been difficult to define, because vendors have developed their products independently of one another. However, MESA International (480-893-6883), the trade association
representing the industry, has identified eleven core functions that are common to MES systems.
1 Operations/Detail Scheduling – sequencing and timing activities
for optimized plant performance based on finite capacities of the resources.
2 Resource Allocation and Status – guiding what people, machines, tools and materials should do, and tracking what they are currently doing or have just done.
3 Dispatching Production Units – giving the command to send materials or orders to certain parts of the plant to begin a process or step.
4 Document Control – managing and distributing information on products, processes, designs or orders, as well as gathering certification statements of work and conditions.
5 Product Tracking and Genealogy – monitoring the progress of units, batches, or lots of output to create a full history of the product.
6 Performance Analysis – comparing measured results in the plant to goals and metrics set by the corporation, customers, or regulatory bodies.
7 Labor Management – tracking and directing the use of operations personnel during a shift based on qualifications, work patterns and business needs.
8 Maintenance Management – planning and executing appropriate activities to keep equipment and other capital assets in the plant performing to goal.
9 Process Management – directing the flow of work in the plant based on planned and actual production activities.
10 Quality Management – recording, tracking and analyzing produce and process characteristics against engineering ideals.
11 Data Collection/Acquisition – monitoring, gathering and organizing data about the processes, materials and operations from people, machines or controls.
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