Do you know that the right Manufacturing Execution System (MES) can deliver impressive benefits, including a 17.2% reduction in Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), a 22% reduction in manufacturing cycle time, and a 10-20% reduction in total manufacturing costs?
These are the advantages companies can reap using MES, but how do you ensure you choose the right one? With so many MES options in the market, selecting the right one can be challenging.
Making the wrong choice can result in integration issues, operational inefficiencies, and long-term financial setbacks. Given the stakes, manufacturers must evaluate their options carefully.
This article provides a comprehensive list of the top 12 MES solutions tailored for Singaporean businesses to assist in this critical decision-making process. By exploring these options, manufacturers can better implement a system that maximizes operational efficiency and cost savings.
Key Takeaways
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Table of Content:
Table of Content
Understanding Manufacturing Execution System and its Benefits
A manufacturing execution system (MES) is a dynamic solution that oversees the entire manufacturing process, from raw materials to finished products. It bridges the gap between enterprise resource planning (ERP) and process control systems, providing crucial data to optimize plant floor efficiency and production.
As a key component of digital transformation in manufacturing, an MES enhances productivity and profitability by making manufacturing data-driven regardless of the operation’s size.
This is especially beneficial for regulated industries like pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, medical devices, aerospace, defense, and biotechnology, which require strict traceability and compliance.
Production execution systems track extensive data, which offers real-time insights to boost efficiency and reduce costs. Key benefits include:
- Improved Quality Control: Real-time quality data allows immediate production halts to address issues, reducing waste and rework.
- Increased Uptime: MES maximizes product flow and equipment utilization by balancing resources and integrating scheduling with maintenance, enhancing overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
- Reduced Inventory: MES updates inventory records in real-time, minimizing excess inventory and work-in-progress (WIP), thus saving manufacturing and storage costs.
- Paperless Shop Floor: Eliminating paperwork reduces human error and ensures immediate data availability for decision-makers.
- Enhanced Product Tracking and History: MES tracks the entire production cycle, ensuring regulatory compliance and facilitating product recalls if necessary.
Core Features of Manufacturing Execution System Software
In 1997, the Manufacturing Enterprise Solutions Association International (MESA) outlined 11 core functions for manufacturing execution systems (MES). These functions have evolved but remain fundamental to operating various types of plants and are crucial to a modern Manufacturing System. Here’s a breakdown:
- Resource Allocation and Status: Utilize real-time data to monitor and analyze the status of resources, such as machines, materials, and labor, allowing for necessary adjustments in allocation.
- Operations/Detailed Scheduling: Enhance performance by scheduling, timing, and sequencing activities based on priorities and resource capacity.
- Dispatching Production Units: Oversee production data flow in real-time to make quick, informed adjustments in dispatching.
- Document Control: Manage and distribute documents, including work instructions, drawings, SOPs, and batch records, ensuring they are accessible and editable.
- Data Collection and Acquisition: Track and gather real-time data on processes, materials, and operations to make better decisions and improve efficiency.
- Labor Management: Monitor worker schedules, qualifications, and authorizations to optimize labor management with minimal time and resource investment from management.
- Quality Management: Track quality deviations and exceptions to enhance quality control management and documentation.
- Process Management: Oversee the production process from order release to finished goods, identifying bottlenecks and quality-impacting points while ensuring full production traceability.
- Maintenance Management: Use MES data to detect potential equipment issues before they occur and adjust maintenance schedules for equipment, tools, and machines to reduce downtime and boost efficiency.
- Product Tracking and Genealogy: Monitor product progress and genealogy to make informed decisions. This comprehensive product history is particularly valuable for manufacturers needing to comply with regulations.
- Performance Analysis: Compare actual results with goals to identify strengths and weaknesses in the overall process, using this data to enhance system efficiency.
12 Best Manufacturing Execution Systems in Singapore
Selecting the right Manufacturing Execution System in Singapore can be overwhelming, with numerous vendors and varying features. We’ve compiled a list of the top 12 MES recommendations to simplify your decision-making process, highlighting their features, advantages, and disadvantages.
1. HashMicro Manufacturing Execution System
HashMicro’s Manufacturing Execution System (MES) is a powerful tool designed to revolutionize the manufacturing industry in Singapore. Trusted by over 1,750 clients, many of whom are in the manufacturing sector, HashMicro’s MES streamlines operations and enhances productivity.
Customers can experience firsthand how HashMicro’s Manufacturing Execution System (MES) can transform their business by trying the free demo. They will discover the seamless integration of real-time monitoring and cloud-based accessibility, and see why over 1,750 clients trust HashMicro to streamline their operations and boost productivity.
Its real-time monitoring and control capabilities ensure high standards of quality and efficiency, making it an indispensable asset for businesses. Additionally, the software’s cloud-based nature makes it accessible from anywhere and easier to manage multiple production sites.
HashMicro’s MES offers a comprehensive suite of features to enhance manufacturing processes. The system ensures every product meets stringent quality standards, from real-time quality monitoring and automated quality checks to defect tracking and compliance management.
Features:
- Kiosk Mode: This feature allows employees to access and operate the manufacturing system via a dedicated terminal, simplifying and streamlining shop floor operations.
- Secret BoM: This feature ensures the confidentiality of the Bill of Materials, protecting sensitive product information from unauthorized access.
- Finished Goods Production Simulation: This feature enables manufacturers to simulate the production process of finished goods, helping to identify potential issues and optimize production planning.
- Real-Time Manufacturing Monitoring: Provides enhanced visibility and instantaneous feedback on production activities.
- MES and ERP Integration: Integrates smoothly with ERP systems, streamlining data flow and improving resource planning.
- Shop Floor Control: Empowers production managers to control and adapt manufacturing operations directly.
- Production Scheduling: Uses up-to-the-minute data to precisely manage job orders and track progress.
- Integration Capabilities: HashMicro’s solutions can be easily integrated with third-party applications and existing systems, enhancing functionality and ensuring a smooth transition.
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2. Kinetic Production Execution System
Kinetic by Epicor is a powerful manufacturing execution system that offers advanced scheduling and planning, real-time data analytics, and quality management. This MES is ideal for businesses looking to scale, providing robust functionality and strong reporting tools.
As a production scheduling system, Kinetic integrates with ERP systems to enhance production efficiency and support smart manufacturing systems.
Features:
- Advanced scheduling and planning
- Real-time data analytics
- Quality management
- Supply chain management
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3. Oracle Cloud Manufacturing
Oracle Cloud Manufacturing is a cloud-based manufacturing execution system that integrates supply chain management, real-time production tracking, and predictive maintenance.
It offers comprehensive manufacturing execution system solutions that enhance production efficiency and quality management, particularly for large enterprises.
Features:
- Integrated supply chain management
- Real-time production tracking
- Predictive maintenance
- Quality management
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4. Siemens Opcenter Execution
Siemens Opcenter Execution is a versatile manufacturing execution system that provides real-time production visibility, quality and compliance management, and advanced analytics. This MES integrates seamlessly with IoT devices.
Features:
- Real-time production visibility
- Quality and compliance management
- Advanced analytics
- Integration with IoT devices
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5. SAP Manufacturing Execution
SAP Manufacturing Execution is a robust manufacturing execution system that offers real-time production monitoring, quality management, and advanced analytics. This manufacturing execution software integrates with SAP ERP, providing a comprehensive production management system for manufacturers.
Features:
- Real-time production monitoring
- Quality management
- Advanced analytics
- Integration with SAP ERP
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6. Infor MES
Infor MES is a user-friendly manufacturing execution system that provides real-time production tracking, quality management, and advanced scheduling. This MES offers strong customer support and good integration capabilities.
Features:
- Real-time production tracking
- Quality management
- Advanced scheduling
- Integration with ERP systems
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7. Tulip Production Management System
Tulip is an innovative manufacturing execution system that enables no-code app development, real-time production monitoring, and quality control. This manufacturing execution system offers highly customizable manufacturing execution system solutions that enhance production efficiency and flexibility.
Features:
- No-code app development
- Real-time production monitoring
- Quality control
- Integration with IoT devices
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8. Critical Manufacturing MES
Critical Manufacturing MES is a flexible manufacturing execution system that provides real-time production monitoring and advanced analytics. Its high flexibility and analytics capabilities deliver comprehensive manufacturing execution system solutions for manufacturers.
Features:
- Real-time production monitoring
- Quality management
- Advanced analytics
- Integration with IoT devices
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9. Epicor Advanced MES
Epicor Advanced MES is a robust manufacturing execution system that offers real-time production monitoring, quality management, and advanced scheduling. This software integrates with ERP systems, providing manufacturers a comprehensive production management system.
Features:
- Real-time production monitoring
- Quality management
- Advanced scheduling
- Integration with ERP systems
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10. MasterControl Production Execution System
MasterControl is a specialized manufacturing execution system that focuses on quality management, compliance tracking, and document control. This MES provides real-time production monitoring, making it a valuable production management system for regulated industries.
Features:
- Quality management
- Compliance tracking
- Document control
- Real-time production monitoring
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11. GE Digital Plant Application
GE Digital Plant Application is a manufacturing execution system that provides quality management and advanced analytics. It offers high flexibility and strong analytics, making it ideal for industries needing precise production control and extensive data analysis.
Features:
- Real-time production monitoring
- Quality management
- Advanced analytics
- Integration with IoT devices
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12. Plex Smart Manufacturing
Plex Smart Manufacturing is a versatile manufacturing execution system (MES) that provides real-time production monitoring, quality management, and advanced analytics. This MES integrates with ERP systems, supporting efficient production workflows.
Plex is known for its scalability, perfect for enhancing smart manufacturing systems with robust data management and reporting tools.
Features:
- Real-time production monitoring
- Quality management
- Advanced analytics
- Integration with ERP systems
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What to Consider Before Choosing a Manufacturing Execution System
Selecting the right manufacturing execution system (MES) is crucial for manufacturers in Singapore, aiming to enhance their production efficiency and maintain a competitive edge. Here are some key considerations to help you choose the best MES for your needs:
- Industry-Specific Requirements: Different industries have unique needs. For instance, regulated sectors like pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and medical devices require robust compliance and traceability features. Ensure the MES you choose can handle your industry’s specific regulatory requirements.
- Integration Capabilities: The MES should seamlessly integrate with your existing enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and other software solutions. This integration is vital for creating a unified ecosystem that enhances data flow and operational efficiency.
- Real-Time Data and Analytics: Look for an MES that offers real-time data tracking and advanced analytics. This feature is essential for making informed decisions quickly, optimizing production processes, and identifying areas for improvement.
- Scalability and Flexibility: As your business grows, your MES should be able to scale with you. Choose a system that offers flexibility in terms of adding new functionalities or accommodating increased production volumes without significant disruptions.
- User-Friendly Interface: A user-friendly interface ensures that your team can quickly adapt to the new system, reducing the learning curve and minimizing disruptions to your operations. Look for an MES with intuitive dashboards and easy-to-navigate features.
- Support and Training: Reliable customer support and comprehensive training programs are essential for a smooth implementation and ongoing use of the MES. Ensure the vendor provides adequate support to address any issues that may arise.
By considering these factors, Singaporean manufacturers can select an MES that meets their current needs and supports future growth and innovation. This strategic choice will enhance operational efficiency, ensure compliance, and drive overall business success.
MES and ERP Integration
In modern manufacturing, MES and ERP systems work together to provide operational clarity that neither can achieve alone.
ERP systems are designed to create and manage plant schedules, covering production, material usage, delivery, and shipping while gathering comprehensive business data. In contrast, manufacturing execution systems (MES) focus on managing and monitoring manufacturing operations, providing real-time reports on production line activities.
When combined, ERP and MES form an integrated ecosystem that offers a holistic view of finance, procurement, supply chain management, manufacturing logistics, and more. This synergy enhances agility and provides robust data, improving forecasting for sales, asset utilization, and manufacturing management.
To summarize, ERP systems help determine what products to manufacture, while MES integrates ERP data with plant floor information to optimize how those products are produced, leading to reduced waste and increased profitability.
If you are still confused about the difference between MES and ERP, you can head to our article that extensively discusses MES vs ERP, including their similarities and differences.
Conclusion
Selecting the best manufacturing execution system software is crucial for Singaporean manufacturers aiming to enhance efficiency. Businesses can find an MES that supports their growth and unique requirements by considering industry-specific needs, real-time data tracking, and scalability.
Given these criteria, HashMicro’s MES stands out as an exceptional choice. It offers robust industry-specific features, seamless integration with existing ERP systems, real-time data insights, and scalable solutions to accommodate growing business demands.
To experience the benefits firsthand, we encourage you to access HashMicro’s free demo and discover how it can transform your manufacturing operations.
