Academic literature on the topic 'Manufacturing Execution System (MES)'

The priorities of executing the manufacturing orders generated by an MRP system are often in operational conflicts with the dynamics of the manufacturing floor. It is not uncommon for a given manufacturing order to reach the shop floor several weeks or longer after being "opened" by an MRP system where it may face a chaotic case of large queues, machine down-time, parts shortage, scrap problems and other resource management constraints. Many companies have resorted to the Manufacturing Execution System (MES) software solution to resolve these problems. This method first gained popularity in mid-90’s within the semiconductor industry. An MES approach is an on-line, real-time data gathering, analysis and storage to assist in short-interval scheduling (shift or day) manufacturing operations with an emphasis on revising scheduling priorities. It is essentially an information system tool for the shop floor and if designed properly, it may be used as an advisory system for effective decision-making. However, in implementation MES faces several challenges including the proper software platform/architecture, integration within ERP or a stand-alone best-of-breed, amount and type of data/information to be exchanged with the MRP engine, and a user-centered interface for various layers of decision making. This paper will provide a detailed background on various technical, software, and organizational factors that the use of an MES implementation may impose upon the practitioner. Furthermore, and as a case study, it will discuss a systematic implementation strategy for MES at a high-tech company in California. The discussion of the critical success factors in implementation planning will hopefully be of value to both practitioners and researchers in similar projects.

The content of the diploma thesis is a description of the functions and features of the production control systems - MES (manufacturing execution systems), an analysis of these systems implemented in The Czech Republic, an elaboration of the system proposal of an intelligent production control system and retrieving new algorithms and functions according to which these systems can by formed. The MES systems analysis is performed by comparing implemented systems to the modules of production control systems conformably to MESA international. In the system suggestion there will be the intelligent component formed by automatic analysis of the effect of the order delay in production - automatic Gantt chart comparison of the plan versus reality. According to the adjusted system parameters it will separately make decisions about production scheduling. Searching new algorithms and functions will proceed in the reagions of artificial intelligence - genetic algorithms, holonic and multiagent systems, experts systems.

Context. Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) are information systems that manage manufacturing processes in factories. The execution of MES processes requires non-enterprise integration, which integrates MES applications, services, and automation systems within the factories. Objectives. We aim at developing a modeling approach that can be used to represent and execute MES processes. Having such an approach would help MES vendors to reduce the development cost to reconfigure systems, in order to achieve better business flexibility. Methods. In order to understand the state of the art of manufacturing modeling techniques, we perform a systematic literature review (SLR) in scientific article sources, including IEEE Xplore, ACM Digital Library, Compendex, Inspec, and Springer Link. In consideration of the criteria in modeling and executing MES processes, we evaluate the selected process modeling techniques. Based on the result of evaluation, we propose a three-view-based approach to support process execution. We develop a prototype to prove that an MES process can be executed by following our approach. We also conduct semi-structured interviews in industry to validate whether our proposed approach achieves the objectives. Results. In the SLR, 24 primary studies are selected. Our analysis reveals that existing modeling techniques have limitations to enable process execution. To overcome the limitation, we propose a three-view-based approach, which has an MES process view, an abstract plant view to represent the structure of technical systems, and a mapping view to enable the communication between MES tasks and the technical systems. We develop a prototype as the implementation of our approach, which comprises: a graphical editor for the abstract plant view, a generator of message routes for the mapping view, and a typical MES process to be executed in the context of a warehouse management system. The semi-structured interviews we conducted with three industrial experts show positive feedback to use and generalize our approach in industry, in case comprehensive tools can be established. Conclusions. Compared to the existing modeling techniques, the three-view-based approach is specifically tailored toward process execution. Based on the feedback from industry, we conclude that applying our approach provides the possibility to achieve better reconfigurability and flexibility of MES.

Detta examensarbete har genomförts i VBG Groups maskinverkstad i Vänersborg, där kommunikation mellan maskiner och affärssystem genomförs manuellt. Ett förslag har tagits fram på hur ett Manufacturing Execution System, MES, ska implementeras i maskinverkstaden. Ett MES är ett system som kommunicerar automatiskt mellan maskiner och affärssystem. Det har genomförts intervjuer och studiebesök på ett företag som har ett MES installerat i sin produktion. Det har skickats ut en enkät till de som kommer att använda systemet i framtiden för att få deras synpunkter. Resultatet från enkäten gav en bild över vilken data som är viktigast att ha tillgång till för att underlätta det dagliga arbetet för de anställda. Utifrån denna enkät och studiebesöket på VBG har behov kunnat fastställas, som det slutgiltiga förslaget har baserats på. Förslaget är att implementera Siemens Mindsphere tillsammans med Prevas eLIPS. Genom att använda sig av både Mindsphere och eLIPS kan alla nuvarande fastställda behov uppfyllas, med möjligheten att kunna uppfylla framtida behov, vilket är möjligt tack vare systemens modularitet.<br>This bachelor thesis has been carried out in VBG Group's machine workshop in Vänersborg, where the communication between machines and business systems is done manually. A proposal has been made on how a Manufacturing Execution System will be implemented in the machine workshop. MES is a system that communicates automatically between machines and business systems. Interviews have been conducted along with a visit to a company that has an MES installed in its production. A survey has been sent out to employees that will use the system in the future to get their opinion. The results from the survey provided a better understanding of which data is most important to have access to, in order to ease the daily work for the employees. The survey and the company visit to VBG h§as made it possible to determine the needs, on which the final proposal has been based on. The proposal is to implement Siemens Mindsphere together with Prevas eLIPS. By using both Mindsphere and eLIPS, all current needs can be fulfilled, with the ability to meet future needs, thanks to the modularity of the systems.

To compete in the global market, organisations have to ensure that their production is synchronised with their other business activities. To achieve this, companies deploy a variety of solutions known as Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES). These systems provide the bridge between control and business systems and are used by a variety of people across many business functions. Typical users range from production and maintenance personnel to engineers, finance and management. Sectors within the manufacturing industry have their own definitions of MES and these are based on their functional requirements and by the offerings of vendors in that sector. Thus, people differ in their understanding and definition of MES. To ensure common understanding of what functionalities or modules constitute MES, the Manufacturing Execution Systems Association (MESA) has defined MES to cover the following eleven areas: Resource Allocation and Status Operations/Detail Scheduling Dispatching Production Units Document Control Data Collection/Acquisition Labour Management Quality Management Process Management Maintenance Management Product Tracking and Genealogy Performance Analysis On examining the Manufacturing Execution Systems literature, it was realised that functionalities and definitions exist but a standard approach and implementation methodology is lacking. Thus, a framework was developed based on a literature study as well as from experience within the MES environment. To ensure that the framework meets the needs of organisations, two questionnaires were developed and sent to people from various functions within large South African companies (and across divisions). The results of the empirical study showed that for large organisations, i.e. organisations with over 200 employees and an annual turnover in excess of R 40 million, some form of manufacturing execution systems were used in all the companies surveyed. The most common functionality deployed was Data Collection1Acquisition and the payback on these systems was greater than two years. The respondents highlighted that MES governance and an overall company wide strategy for MES implementation was non-existent or not enforced across the group of companies. The respondents also indicated that the implementation was time consuming and that the projects usually exceeded the allocated budget and/or were late. The respondents were not unanimous on who was accountable for MES within the organisation and a quarter felt that this was unclear within the organisation. When asked about the process that was followed in the selection of a vendor and solution, the majority felt that the process was not well defined. However, respondents noted that change management is used on all major projects and the outcome is generally successful. All the companies outsource either some or all of their IT services and the relationship with the vendor seems successful, as the rating received for MES support was very good. The benefits of implementing Manufacturing Execution Systems are also being realised by those companies that responded to the questionnaires. The overall impression is that over 75% of the respondents feel positive about the benefits and state that the benefits are realised. The only major shortcoming is that information is not being shared across business units and sites as half of the respondents felt that this was not happening in their companies. The proposed MES Engagement and Implementation Framework that was tested with the empirical study was subsequently updated. The framework suggests that all MES implementations should begin with a review of the business and ICT strategy as these would assist when defining the business requirements and the criteria for the selection of the technology, vendor, and solution The business requirements should be ascertained and a realistic business case should be developed. The project team should re-confirm the requirements once a vendor is selected, and, with the necessary change management, implement a portion of the solution as a pilot project. Once successful, then only should the entire solution be rolled out. Another parallel process should consider the outsourcing for the support phase. The entire process of implementing MES is cyclical as new requirements, additional functionality, and benefits tracking results in new projects. In conclusion adopting this framework would result in better implementation and ensure that the benefits are realised for all MES projects and that the solution is adequately supported after implementation. A model for the implementation has also been proposed and it should be developed and tested further to guide MES implementation.<br>Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.

Submitted by Silvana Teresinha Dornelles Studzinski (sstudzinski) on 2017-02-09T15:05:18Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Elisandro J. de Vargas_.pdf: 2133593 bytes, checksum: d88e4cf367950643d13827d22a1c4888 (MD5)<br>Made available in DSpace on 2017-02-09T15:05:18Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Elisandro J. de Vargas_.pdf: 2133593 bytes, checksum: d88e4cf367950643d13827d22a1c4888 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-12-22<br>CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior<br>Sistemas de informação têm sido introduzidos progressivamente nos ambientes de manufatura. Isso advém da necessidade de captar dados, otimizar processos e gerar informações de maneira eficiente, inclusive em tempo real das operações produtivas, visando facilitar a tomada de decisão de gerentes e analistas. O Manufacturing Execution System (MES), denominado Sistema de Controle da Manufatura, pode auxiliar as empresas a captar dados e gerar informações, identificar e melhorar seus resultados. Entretanto, o simples acesso a um sistema de informação não garante vantagem. Portanto, para obter resultados consistentes é necessário alinhamento a jusante e a montante entre estratégias e táticas às práticas de produção com os sistemas de informação disponíveis no chão-de-fábrica. Neste sentido, esta pesquisa buscou responder ao problema de pesquisa como determinar o foco das funcionalidades que compõem os pilares de um MES para à satisfação dos objetivos estratégicos da manufatura?; sendo o MES representado pelos pilares e suas funcionalidades e estratégia da manufatura representada pelas prioridades de competência da manufatura. O objetivo geral consistiu em elaborar uma modelagem que possa distribuir importâncias entre as funcionalidades que compõem os pilares de um MES para aplicações industrias. O método de pesquisa utilizado foi a modelagem qualiquantitativa e as técnicas de coleta de dados foram entrevistas, aplicação da Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) e escala Likert, e grupo focal. A modelagem desenvolvida possibilita identificar um vetor de importância entre funcionalidades e um quadrante entre aplicação e melhoria destes vetores. Com isso, permite que as empresas que possuem ou buscam implantar sistemas MES e aplicadores de sistemas MES possam identificar quais elementos de medição e controle da manufatura mais representam os objetivos estratégicos da manufatura; além de contribuir ao avanço em pesquisas acerca de MES e estratégia da manufatura. Esta modelagem foi aplicada em duas empresas que datam o uso do MES de onze e oito anos, com produto e processos diferentes. Os resultados obtidos foram considerados consistentes e representativos à realidade das empresas.<br>Information systems have been progressively introduced in manufacturing environments. This is due to the need to capture data, optimize processes and generate information efficiently, including real-time production operations, to facilitate decision-making by managers and analysts. The Manufacturing Execution System (MES), called the Manufacturing Control System, can help companies capture data and generate information, identify and improve their results. However, simple access to an information system does not assure advantage. Therefore, to achieve consistent results, downstream and upstream alignment between strategies and tactics is required for production practices with the information systems available on the factory floor. In this sense, this research sought to answer the research problem how to determine the focus of the features that make up the core functions of a MES for the satisfaction of the strategic objectives of the manufacture; being the MES represented by the core functions and its features and manufacturing strategy represented by the competitive capabilities. The overall objective was to elaborate a model that can distribute importance between the features that make up the core functions of a MES for industrial applications. The research method used was qualitativequantitative modeling and the techniques of data collection were interviews, application of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Likert scale, and focus group. The developed model allows identifying a vector of importance between features and a quadrant between application and improvement of these vectors. Thereby, it allows companies that have or are look up to deploy MES systems and MES system applicators to identify which elements of manufacturing measurement and control most represent the strategic objectives of manufacturing; besides contributing to the advancement in research on MES and manufacturing strategy. This model was applied in two companies that date the use of the MES of eleven and eight years, with diferente product and processes. The results obtained were considered consistent and representative to the reality of the companies.

Thesis (M.B.A.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sloan School of Management; and, (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Chemical Engineering; in conjunction with the Leaders for Global Operations Program at MIT, 2011.<br>Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.<br>Includes bibliographical references (p. 63).<br>The Vaccines & Diagnostics (V&D) division of Novartis recently developed a global automation strategy that highlights the need to implement a manufacturing execution system (MES). Benefits of an MES (electronic production records) include enhancing the compliance position of the organization, reducing production delays, and improving process flexibility; however, implementing an MES at global manufacturing sites presents unique logistical challenges that need to be overcome. The goal of this thesis is to investigate cold chain management as an expanded functionality for an MES. The thesis attempts to identify best practices for the strategic implementation of an MES in the management of cold chain vaccine products. While the concepts presented in this thesis are in the context of managing the cold chain for vaccine products, the best practices can be applied to a variety of cold chain management scenarios. In order to generate best practice recommendations for the strategic implementation of a cold chain management MES, a thorough understanding of the manufacturing process will need to be acquired. The first tool used to gain this understanding was value-stream mapping (VSM). VSM provided some insight into the current paper-based cold chain management system; however, the tool was not applicable for understanding the flow of information generated within the cold chain management system. Another tool was used to enable the organization to focus on the data generated by a process, the information product map (IP-Map). Current-state IP-Maps of the cold chain at the Rosia, Italy, site were generated and numerous areas for improving the data quality were identified. Future-state IP-Maps of the cold chain at the Rosia, Italy, site were generated to demonstrate how the implementation of a cold chain MES could improve the shortcomings of the current system. The future-state IP-Maps were based on underlying assumptions that directly lead to recommendations for the cold chain MES implementation. First, a unit of measurement smaller than lot size must be selected for tracking material data in the MES. Second, data capture technology for material entering or leaving cold storage must be integrated with the MES.<br>by Todd Andrew Waldron.<br>S.M.<br>M.B.A.

A dissertação aborda o estudo sobre as principais características observadas sob a perspectiva da gestão de custos em indústrias de manufatura discreta, em especial considerando uma possível integração dos Sistemas Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) com os chamados Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES). Este estudo procurar elucidar acerca das iniciativas orientadas à redução de custos, especialmente aquelas aplicas em manufaturas do tipo discreta. Por meio do método de estudo múltiplo de casos foram coletados dados a respeito da implementação do MES e seus impactos sobre a redução de custos em três organizações, para que fossem debatidas as visões de diversos gestores, verificando se as hipóteses levantadas ao longo do projeto são confirmadas. Por fim, os resultados observados foram analisados e discutidos, e as conclusões apontam que o uso do sistema MES pode contribuir ou possui potencial para reduzir os custos e também para aumentar o controle da gestão. No entanto, foi possível observar também que a implantação de sistemas deve ser acompanhada de mudanças de processos e de cultura, que propiciem de fato a redução de custos nas empresas. Foram propostas novas possibilidades para que seja possível a continuidade de outros estudos neste sentido, de forma que as organizações possam explorar novas possibilidades, aperfeiçoando os sistemas ou desenvolvendo mudanças em seus processos.<br>The dissertation describes the study on major features achieved from the perspective of cost management within discrete manufacturing industries, especially considering a possible integration between Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems with so-called Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES). This study seeks to enlighten a few initiatives on the subject concerned to cost reduction management belonged to the company, especially those applied among manufacturers whose type is settled as discrete. By using the multiple case study method, several data regarding MES implementation and also its impacts on cost decrease were gathered within three enterprises, and therefore used for debating some standpoints from several managers and verifying whether the assumptions made throughout the article are confirmed. Finally, the results obtained along this study were analyzed and discussed, and such findings lead to idea that MES system use can concur or has the potential to decrease costs and also enhance the management control. However, it was also possible to behold that systems implementation should be followed by a culture and processes changes as well, that surely provide cost cutting among companies. It was proposed some other improvement possibilities in order to make possible the development of new efforts in this regard, in a way that enterprises are able to explore new paths, enhancing the systems or even developing changes in their processes.

Gamification är en strategi som använder spelmekanismer och spelkomponenter för att skapa motivation och engagemang hos användare av olika typer av system. Denna studie syftar till att undersöka om gamification kan användas för att motivera användare av system för tillverkningsindustrin. Studien har genomförts med en initial litteraturstudie och kvalitativa intervjuer med experter inom gamification samt utveckling av system för tillverkningsindustrin. Intervjufrågor har därefter ställts mot tidigare genomförd forskning, för att identifiera möjliga resultat. Resultatet av denna studie visar att spelmekanismer och spelkomponenter skulle kunna användas i ett system för tillverkningsindustrin, förutsatt att det finns ett tydligt affärsmål, mätbar och användbar data samt identifierade drivkrafter hos organisationens maskinoperatörer. Vidare har ett antal punkter identifierats som kan vara motiverande för en användare av system för tillverkningsindustrin: Möjlighet för operatörerna att följa utvecklingen i sitt expertområde Kartläggning av operatörernas drivkrafter, vilken därefter används för att förbättra operatörernas arbetssituation, med exempelvis mer givande uppgifter Belöningar som utdelas är matchade mot operatörernas preferenser, med syfte att vara mer effektiva som motivationsskapare

Despite decades of automation initiatives, manual assembly still represents one of the most cost-effective approaches in scenarios with high product variety and complex geometry. It represents 50% of total production time and 20% of total production cost. Understanding human performance and its impact in the assembly line is key in order to improve the overall performance of an assembly line. Along this thesis work, by studying the deviations occurring in the line, it is aimed to understand how human workers are affected by certain functioning aspects of the assembly line. To do so, three different influence factors have been chosen, and then observed its impact in human performance: i. How past events occurring in the line affect the current action of the worker. ii. How do scheduled stops affect the current action of the worker. iii. How does theoretical cycle time affect the performance of the worker. In order to observe these influence relationships, it has been used data gathered in the shop floor from SCANIA's Manufacturing Execution System (MES). By applying methods of Knowledge Discovery in Database (KDD) data has been indexed and the analyzed providing the necessary results for the study. Finally, from the results shown, it can be inferred that variability on the functioning of the line does have an impact on human performance overall. However, due the complexity of the manufacturing system, impact in human performance might not be as regular as initially thought.<br>Trots decennier av automatiseringsinitiativ utgör manuell montering fortfarande en av de mest kostnadseffektiva metoderna i scenarier med hög produktsortiment och komplex geometri. Den representerar 50% av den totala produktionstiden och 20% av den totala produktionskostnaden. Att förstå mänsklig prestanda och dess inverkan i monteringsledningen är nyckeln för att förbättra den totala prestandan hos en monteringslinje. Utöver detta avhandlingsarbete, genom att studera avvikelserna som uppstår i linjen, syftar det till att förstå hur mänskliga arbetstagare påverkas av vissa fungerande aspekter av monteringslinjen. För att göra det har tre olika inflytningsfaktorer valts och sedan observerat dess inverkan i mänsklig prestation: i. Hur tidigare händelser som uppstår i linjen påverkar arbetarens nuvarande åtgärder. ii. Hur påverkar planerade stopp arbetstagarens nuvarande åtgärder. iii. Hur påverkar teoretisk cykeltid arbetarens prestation. För att observera dessa inflytningsrelationer har det använts data som samlats in i butiksgolvetfrån SCANIAs Manufacturing Execution System (MES). Genom att tillämpa metoder för Knowledge Discovery i Database (KDD) har data indexerats och analyseras vilket ger de nödvändiga resultaten för studien. Slutligen kan det framgå av de visade resultaten att variationen i linjens funktion har en inverkan på den mänskliga prestationen övergripande. På grund av tillverkningssystemets komplexitet kan emellertid effekten i mänsklig prestanda inte vara så regelbunden som ursprungligen tänkt.