MES systems market overview: providers, selection and trends at a glance

What exactly is an MES and which providers currently dominate the market? A Manufacturing Execution System (MES) is a production-related IT system (OT system) for the horizontal and vertical integration of shop floor data in manufacturing companies. Production efficiency is optimized by connecting planning and manufacturing levels. Several major providers currently dominate the German-language MES market, whose solutions differ in terms of function, integration and technology. An MES systems market overview helps to choose the right solution during decision-making.

Introduction to the World of MES Systems

It is hard to imagine modern industrial production without efficient Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES). These systems make up the The basis of production processes and make a significant contribution to increasing the efficiency, quality and flexibility of manufacturing companies. Thanks to an MES system, important decision makers in a company are informed at all times about production progress, quality and availability of resources. Despite its importance, choosing the right MES system is sometimes a challenge.

Because of dozens of providers who present different functionalities and technologies, the selection process can quickly be complex and confusing Become. In addition, there are the specific requirements of the respective company, which must be incorporated into decision-making. It is therefore crucial to obtain a well-founded overview of the MES market at a specific point in time and to clearly define your own needs.

Challenges when choosing a suitable MES system

Selecting the right MES system can be a complex task. The following challenges are typical for companies looking for a suitable solution:

• Diversity of products and providers: There are a variety of providers on the market that offer a wide range of different MES solutions with different features, technologies and pricing models. This diversity can make it difficult to keep track of things and identify the most appropriate system.
• Individual requirements: Every company has its own specific requirements for an MES system. These depend on various factors, such as the size of the company, the type of production, the existing IT infrastructure or special regulatory requirements. It is therefore important to know these requirements in detail in advance, to define them and to take them into account when making a selection.
• Integration into the existing IT landscape: An MES system must be able to seamlessly integrate into the company's existing IT infrastructure. This is where compatibility issues can be a major hurdle.
• Sustainability of the solution: Digitalization and the Industry 4.0 project are continuously creating new technologies and requirements. An MES system should therefore meet not only current requirements but also future requirements. Selecting a sustainable system can be a challenge, but it also offers opportunities for sustainable improvement of production processes.

Tip:

In order to successfully overcome these challenges, it is recommended to obtain a comprehensive overview of the current MES market. You should then make a careful selection tailored to your own needs. In the following sections, we'll look at how best to do this.

Definition and standards in the MES environment

When dealing with MES systems, various terms and standards are of central importance in order to understand the full scope of an MES system. They help to better understand the various functions and options of MES technology.

Let's start with the concept of Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) itself. MES systems are software solutions that support the control and optimization of production processes in a manufacturing company. They form a decisive interface between the planning level, represented by ERP systems (Enterprise Resource Planning) and the Operational Manufacturing Level, which is Machine control and Product life cycle management (PLM) is marked. Through Functions such as Production Planning, Production Control, Quality Assurance, Maintenance and Documentation, MES Systems Help Improve Efficiency of production processes at.

ISO 22400 is important for German-speaking countries and in particular with regard to the requirements of Industry 4.0. It provides definitions for MES functions and their integration into corporate IT. As a result, it provides valuable guidance that makes the design and implementation of an MES project easier and safer.

Understanding these terms and standards is a An important step on the way to select and implement a suitable MES system. They provide the necessary clues to objectively evaluate the functions and services of the various providers and to find the right solution for your company's individual requirements.

Critical review of current MES standards

The standards ISA-95 and VDI 5600 Have a significant influence on the design and implementation of MES systems. They make a decisive contribution to implementing coherent and effective communication between the various levels of corporate IT. However, they are not without limitations and there are some important aspects that critique Should be considered.

First, although ISA-95 and ISO 22400 highlight the integration issues between ERP, MES, and shop floor systems, they are often Not Able to address the specific requirements of each individual company. Every manufacturing company has unique processes and requirements, meaning that standardized interfaces cannot cover all possible scenarios. Therefore, strict compliance with these standards can sometimes result in compromises that Not optimal Are for the specific company.

Second: While these standards set important guidelines for integrating MES systems into corporate IT, they only provide Little structure for the use of advanced technologies, machine learning or predictive maintenance as an example. These technologies are becoming increasingly important in the manufacturing industry and standards must be further developed accordingly to make their integration easier.

Third: Implementing these standards requires Special Knowledge and Experience. Not every company has access to such resources. This can make MES systems difficult to implement and cause additional costs.

Despite these restrictions, the ISA-95 and VDI 5600 standards are considered to be Important tools for designing and implementing MES systems. They provide orientation and create a common language that facilitates communication and coordination between different systems and departments within a company. However, it is crucial to explore their limits and take a flexible and individual approach to MES selection and implementation.

Requirements for a modern production management system

In the constantly evolving manufacturing landscape, companies must be able to react quickly and efficiently to changes. An MES that meets current requirements should not only function as a data collector or control element, but should also be understood as an integral part of a comprehensive production management system.

Key criteria for an effective MES

An effective MES must fit seamlessly into the existing IT infrastructure and meet a number of key criteria.

These include:

• Integrability: The system must be able to integrate seamlessly into existing system landscapes. This includes problem-free communication with ERP systems, PPS systems, quality management systems or even directly with machines and systems.
• Flexibility: The MES must be able to adapt to changing production conditions and various requirements. This includes both short-term changes, such as production downtimes or as part of lean management measures, as well as long-term adjustments in the context of company growth or technological changes.
• Ease of use: An effective MES should offer an intuitive user interface that enables users to use the system efficiently and without much training.
• Real time data transfer: One of the main tasks of an MES is to provide up-to-date production data. It must therefore be able to process and provide data in real time.
• Sustainability: An MES must be sustainable — that means it should be open to new technologies and allow them to be integrated.

important:

There is no such thing as the “perfect” MES. However, an MES is promising when it offers a balance between all these factors, adapted to the individual requirements and circumstances of the respective company. In doing so, you should always keep in mind the goal of making production processes as efficient and transparent as possible.

Overview and trends on the current MES market

The market for manufacturing execution systems is diverse, dynamic and constantly changing rapidly. The systematic solution development of MES systems is carried out without interruption in order to meet the growing requirements of the production industry To do justice.

New technologies, increased efficiency requirements and changing production conditions are leading to changing changes and new trends on the MES market. Now we want to get an overview of the current players on the market and take a look at the trends and future prospects.

The largest providers on the MES market

In German-speaking countries, there is a Wide range of providersThat offer MES solutions. Some of the most prominent names in this sector include mpdv, iTAC, GFOS and SIMATIC IT. Each of these vendors has their own strengths and weaknesses — their products vary in terms of functionality, adaptability, ease of use, and integration with other systems.

Key Criteria for Evaluating MES Providers

When evaluating MES providers, various criteria play an important role. It is crucial, not just the Technical Aspects of the System But also to consider the company structure, customer service, price-performance ratio and other aspects. Here are some of the key criteria to consider when evaluating MES vendors:

• Technology and Functionality: This includes the functionality of technical features of the system, such as its adaptability, usability, integration with other systems, etc. It also refers to the functionalities that the system offers to manage and improve various production processes.
• Company Stability: It is important to choose a stable and reliable provider. The correct selection includes the financial stability of the company, its history and reputation in the industry. Know-how is another important selection criterion.
• Customer service and support: Good customer service is crucial for the success of an MES. This includes technical support, training, regular updates, and other customer services.
• Value for money: The costs of the system should be in acceptable proportion to the functions and services offered. It's also important to consider the long-term costs of maintenance, updates, and other services.
• Representative office in German-speaking countries: It can be an advantage for German-speaking companies to choose a provider that is well represented in German-speaking countries. This makes communication easier and ensures that the provider is familiar with the specific requirements and conditions of the local market.

Predictions for the future development of the MES market

The future development of the confusing market will be shaped by several key trends.

First, there is an increasing demand for digital transformation. Due to increasing pressure on companies to improve their operations digitize and more efficient The role of MES systems is becoming increasingly important. These help companies to optimize their production, use resources efficiently and respond to changes in the market flexibly to react.

Second, become Industry 4.0 and Smart manufacturing continue to play a decisive role in the development of the MES market. In a world where automation and digitization of production are becoming increasingly relevant, MES systems make it possible to integrate and manage all aspects of the production process. With features such as real-time data collection, real-time analytics, predictive maintenance and intelligent quality management, they help companies take full advantage of Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing.

Thirdly, the topic will also sustainability have an ever greater impact on the MES market in the coming years. More and more companies are adopting green production practices and paying more attention to their environmental impact. MES systems can help improve energy efficiency and waste reduction and thus contribute to more sustainable production.

Last but not least, we should consider the effects of COVID-19 pandemic Remember that has led many companies to accelerate their digital transformations. In a world where remote work and social distancing have become the new normal, MES systems can help make production processes safer.

Leading MES providers on the German market

Various criteria play an important role in evaluating the leading MES providers in German-speaking countries. This includes the technology and Functionality of the offered system, the skills and Provider experiences as well as his Position and presence on the market.

Some of the most prominent MES providers include iTAC, GFOS and SIMATIC IT, just to name a few. These companies offer high-performance, flexible and adaptable ERP and MES solutions that are characterized by their innovative features and high level of integration.

When choosing the right MES provider, companies should consider not only the features offered, but also the specific requirements of their production environment. That's why it's worth it, the current factory situation Take a closer look. Factors such as implementation costs, support and training from the provider, and the sustainability of the solution must also be considered.

The MES market in German-speaking countries offers a variety of powerful providers with suitable solutions. Each of these systems has its own strengths and is tailored to specific industries or applications. It is up to the companies themselves to select the right system for them and thus optimize their production processes.

gbo datacomp and gBOMES: Your expert for flexible and environmentally conscious production solutions

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With gBOMES, we enable you to maximum flexibility in visualizing and controlling production. Thanks to our system, you can quickly adapt to changing situations — regardless of whether you're working in the office or working from home. For you, this means that you always have a full overview of your production processes and can intervene immediately if necessary.

GBomes also contributes to Implementing your climate goals at. By minimizing waste of resources and enabling you to produce only the quantities ordered by the customer, we support you on your way to climate-neutral production. In addition, the ability to remotely control production reduces traffic volumes and thus helps to reduce your environmental footprint.

At GBO, we are proud to offer you not only a cutting-edge, efficient solution for your production control, but also concrete assistance for climate protection to perform. Rely on our expertise and take the next step towards a smarter, more sustainable production world with GBO and GBomes.

conclusion

The MES systems market overview shows that choosing the right Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) plays a crucial role in success in the manufacturing sector. It not only enables an efficient connection between planning and production levels, but also contributes to quality assurance and process optimization. But the choice is not always an easy game, as the market offers a variety of products that are often difficult to compare.

Among the many vendors on the market, some stand out due to their extensive features, integration, and technology. It is important that companies consider their individual needs and requirements when choosing an MES system. The future development of the MES market promises further innovations and trends that will further increase production efficiency. It remains exciting to see how the MES market will continue to develop.

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