Smart manufacturing through MES

Digital transformation is rapidly evolving the entire manufacturing industry. Digital transformation in manufacturing is when an organization begins implementing new digital technologies to improve all aspects of the manufacturing process. This can be a wholesale approach or a piece-by-piece implementation where software applications and digitization is the key driver. A manufacturing execution system (MES) is a software solution designed to uphold quality and efficiency throughout the manufacturing process. Manufacturing is growing more competitive and complex, demanding faster turnaround time, lower-cost production, and stringent compliance with industry standards and regulations. Using real-time manufacturing data to drive business decisions is imperative. The system tracks and gathers real-time information about the entire product lifecycle, right from order release to product delivery. And, in a way, helps decision-makers to understand the current situation of the shop floor and take timely actions to optimize the production process. The variability of modern manufacturing, the complexity of manufacturing processes, and the pressure to drive productivity and profitability typically require most manufacturers to invest at some level in the automation of manufacturing execution. Technically, all manufacturers use some form of an MES, but to what degree and sophistication of the system varies greatly.

As the MES landscape is evolving rapidly, with new solutions and trends emerging to meet the ever-growing demands of data management, businesses are also in search of innovative solutions that fit our exact requirements. To help our readers to get a clearer picture of the MES solution space we have developed this special edition, featuring some of the most innovative solution providers. We have also included insights from tech experts and people close to the MES solution space.

We hope this edition adds value to your MES Implementation initiatives.

Top 10 MES Innovators 2023

Many modern manufacturing processes are highly automated and rely on applications and systems to manage large amounts of transactions and information. These manufacturing processes are also increasingly integrated, both vertically and horizontally. In many industries, rapid changes in demands and markets trending toward more customization and variety make it crucial to count on systems with close to real-time information about the production process that can adjust as needed. One of these systems is the manufacturing execution system (MES). The main goal of an MES is to ensure the effective execution of manufacturing operations and improve production output.

An MES helps achieve that goal by tracking and gathering accurate, real-time data about the complete product lifecycle, beginning with order release until the product delivery stage for finished goods. In today’s competitive marketplace, manufacturers need to know how to improve efficiency to gain an advantage. The future of manufacturing execution systems is tied closely to the future of manufacturing itself. As Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things (IoT) become commonplace, MES systems are allowing manufacturers to implement their factories of the future. An MES provides businesses with data on product tracking and genealogy, performance, traceability, management, work in progress (WIP), and other plant activities throughout the production cycle. This information provides decision-makers with detailed insight into how to optimize their operations.

However, it can be difficult for businesses to find the right MES solution providers in an industry that is already crowded with so many. This is where Engineers Outlook magazine’s MES special edition comes in. We’ve compiled a list of some of the most innovative and creative MES solution providers. The companies listed below were selected by our team of experts.

42Q

Management: Wellington Giolo
Designation: VP, Business Development & Strategic Alliances
Headquarters: San Jose, CA
Website: 42-q.com

42Q provides a fully featured, cloud-based manufacturing execution system (MES) solution, developed by manufacturers for manufacturers. This proven solution delivers value to operations around the world with deployment in weeks, scalability, and subscription pricing only for features used. Transforming the market, 42Q started allowing customers to align with the industry 4.0 trends.

Aegis Software

Management: Jason Spera
Designation: CEO
Headquarters: Horsham, PA
Website: aiscorp.com

Aegis Software develops, deploys and services manufacturing optimization, management, and analysis software. Its systems utilize the CAD design of a product to be manufactured to assist in the preparation of the information required by the factory floor to actually execute the assembly process. The solution then controls the execution of the process on the factory floor, acquires data from production machines and operators, manages the quality processes, and produces traceability and analysis regarding process, product, and materials information.

Andea Solutions

Management: Lukasz Gorka
Designation: CEO
Headquarters:Brea, CA
Website: andea.com

Andea specializes in delivering MES services and solutions; from conducting technical assessments and implementing strategic manufacturing systems to managing global MES rollouts. Employees are process experts in the fields of production and logistic, quality management, and production data analysis. Andea has successfully delivered tens of global manufacturing system implementations in various industries including; Automotive, Aerospace & Defence, Packaging, Medical Devices, FMCG, and Industrial Machinery & Equipment.

Critical Manufacturing

Management: Francisco Almada Lobo
Designation: CEO
Headquarters: Austin, TX
Website: criticalmanufacturing.com

Critical Manufacturing provides the most modern, flexible and configurable manufacturing execution system (MES) available. Critical Manufacturing MES helps manufacturers stay ahead of stringent product traceability and compliance requirements; reduce risk with inherent closed-loop quality; integrate seamlessly with enterprise systems and factory automation; and provide deep intelligence and visibility of global production operations.

Intraratio Corporation

Management: Ryan Gamble
Designation: CEO
Headquarters: San Diego, CA
Website: intraratio.com

IntraRatio,is a provider of cybersecurity solutions and services for organizations. IntraRatio offers a range of services to help organizations to protect their digital assets, including network security, vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, incident response, and compliance consulting.

MASS Group

Management: Gamal Balady
Designation: President & CEO
Headquarters: Los Angeles, CA
Website: massgroup.com

Manufacturing Automation & Software Systems, Inc. dba MASS Group, Inc. is a software company providing full lifecycle capability to track, manage, and maintain an organization’s assets, equipment, and inventory. For over 20 years, MASS Group has worked with hundreds of organizations that include Fortune 1,000 companies, privately held businesses, government agencies, and public sector & non-profit entities.

MESTEC

Management: Mark Carleton
Designation: General Manager
Headquarters: Bracknell, UK
Website: mestec.net

MESTEC is a manufacturing execution system (MES) software company that provides solutions for manufacturing operations management. Their software helps companies improve productivity, optimize production processes, track and analyze production data, and make data-driven decisions.

POMS

Management: Patrick Nazzaro
Designation: President
Headquarters: Herndon, VA
Website: poms.com

POMSnet Aquila is the industry’s leading Manufacturing Execution System MES integrating ERP through plant floor control into a comprehensive electronic batch record standardized solution. POMSnet meets the global challenge of Life Sciences with industry specific functionality.

Oden Technologies

Management: Willem Sundblad
Designation: CEO
Headquarters: New York, NY
Website: oden.io

Oden Technologies is an intelligent industrial automation and AI-powered analytics provider. They offer a platform that enables manufacturers to collect, analyze, and visualize real-time data from their production processes. By leveraging advanced analytics and machine learning algorithms, Oden Technologies aims to help manufacturers optimize their operations, improve productivity, reduce downtime, and enhance product quality.

Tulip

Management: Natan Linder
Designation: CEO
Headquarters: Somerville, MA
Website: tulip.co

Tulip, the leader in frontline operations, is helping companies around the world equip their workforce with connected apps — leading to higher quality work, improved efficiency, and end-to-end traceability across operations. With Tulip’s cloud-based platform, those closest to operations can take advantage of composability and edge connectivity to digitally transform processes, guide operators, track production, and gain a real-time, holistic view of operations.