These plantwide systems are used to keep track of production schedules, inventory availability, work in progress and a range of other operations management-related information flowing to and from the shop floor. If implemented correctly, an MES can manage, initiate, respond to and report on each of the primary production activities of a plant. This permits planners to know exactly where each unit is in the production cycle and what materials are needed and when. It also allows companies to reduce the inventory they hold and notify planners when there are product shortages. In addition, MESs enable planners to better schedule resources, materials, testing facilities and delivery infrastructures.
Customers can find out exactly when to expect their products.
At each stage, an MES helps companies gather information on test results, quality results, operators in charge and whether the product is being built in compliance with mandatory requirements. Complete device and product histories and granular details on how the product was built allow manufacturers to hone in faster and more accurately on any required changes or production rerouting. Provides traceability of all the parts and subassemblies supplied by third parties. An MES allows a manufacturer to keep track of changes. However, there has been little effort, especially on the part of discrete manufacturers, to collect and make this kind of plant-floor information available to plant managers and to enterprise management systems, analysts say.