Glossary · Manufacturing systems
Manufacturing execution system (MES)
Also known as: MES
German: Manufacturing Execution System (MES)
In manufacturing, a manufacturing execution system (MES) is the software that manages and documents production execution on the shop floor, including order dispatching, material tracking, data collection, quality and performance analysis, between business planning and control systems.
- Manufacturing systems
- Standards
In one sentence
A manufacturing execution system (MES) manages and documents production execution between ERP planning and shop-floor control.
Example
The MES dispatches the order to the line, checks that the right material batches are scanned, records process data and creates the electronic batch record.
How it applies
- Architecture: In ISA-95 / IEC 62264, MES functions sit at level 3, between ERP (level 4) and control systems (levels 1 and 2). IEC 62264 defines activity models and data exchange but not a specific MES product.
- Operation: Operators use the MES to start orders, confirm steps, record quality checks and see work instructions. Supervisors use its data for OEE and performance analysis.
- Regulation: In pharma and medical devices, the MES may create electronic batch or device history records and must meet requirements for electronic records, audit trails and validation.
- Documentation: MES projects need user documentation per role, a clear function allocation to ERP and automation, and interface specifications. Work instructions delivered by the MES are controlled documents.
MES vs. MOM
MES traditionally means the software system. Manufacturing operations management (MOM) is the broader IEC 62264 term for all level 3 activities: production, quality, maintenance and inventory operations.