MES Applications

02 Mar 2017

MES Applications, MES Tools Diames 0 comment

The Benefits of Integrating MES and ERP

Manufacturing execution systems and enterprise resource planning applications have been helping manufacturers be more efficient for decades. However, each of the two systems has its own pitfalls, which are easily covered by their counterpart. This has experts wondering what would happen if MES were combined with ERP, or even an MRP system. Integrating all of the necessary features and functions of both systems could create the best manufacturing processes we’ve seen yet. Here are some of the potential benefits of this integration.

Supply Chain Management

Having enough materials incoming to make products is obviously a critical need for manufacturers. Managing the supply chain can be difficult if you don’t have enough details about how the manufacturing process is operating at any given moment.

The integration of MES and ERP would be able to give managers a clear view of where a particular product stands in the process at all times. This would allow for better forecasting, distribution, production and better overall business decisions. The integration would prevent late arrivals for materials, which would have a trickle down effect to customers and overall business success.

Resource Management

Managing all resources in a manufacturing plant is vital to becoming more efficient. The resources range from actual materials to machines and even the people working the machines. No matter if your company is using MES, ERP or MRP, keeping track of resources is the only way to maintain efficiency.

The integration of MES and ERP would help plant managers analyze flaws anywhere in the process and improve workflow at any given location. You would have the ability to view historical data, current data and future projections in order to manage resources more accurately. The management of resources will help streamline the manufacturing process, which will benefit business at every stage.

Overall Business Efficiency

The overall goal of every manufacturing company is to create an efficient machine. Whether that means integrating processes or systems, improved scheduling or anything else, efficiency means more profits. Integrating MES and ERP will give managers complete control over the entire manufacturing process, so they can focus on smaller areas to recognize and fix bottlenecks and enhance workflow. Without this integration, some flaws could be overlooked, simply because managers don’t have the proper resources to identify the issues.

MES and ERP systems have generally stood alone over the years because they perform different functions. However, they are different enough to be able to create a nearly perfect system if integrated. For more ideas on how this is possible and whether it will ever occur in the future, feel free to contact us.

23 Feb 2017

MES Applications, Production & Operations Management Diames 0 comment

How MES Applications Can Benefit Your Production

Making the decision to install the right MES applications can greatly impact your business’s production line. Not only will production run more efficiently as a whole, but production managers can make better business decisions by utilizing MES. The technology in MES applications creates transparent processes at any stage of production, meaning operators can react immediately if an issue arises. Without this technology, workflow will not be as efficient, which can cost time and money. Here are some key ways MES can impact your production business process positively.

1. Improves Cost Optimization

Using human resources on the shop floor can cost a significant amount of money, and the same volume of facts and figures can’t be produced. Without using MES applications, it is virtually impossible to have a proactive production management approach.

Cost optimization can happen at any stage of the production process. When analyzing your business process management, you have to look at everything from the planning stage to the delivery stage and anywhere in between. Manufacturing execution systems can make each one of those stages more efficient, thus reducing costs and driving profits.

2. Reduces Downtime and Waste

Errors on the production line will occur, regardless of what systems are in place. However, with MES applications, the time elapsed between the error being noticed and being corrected is significantly lower. This results in much less waste and could prevent shutdowns.

Your business process management planning likely takes waste into consideration. Raw materials alone can account for a significant amount of the cost of the product, so reducing waste can give a big boost to a company’s bottom line and create happier consumers as well.

3. Creates Overall Synchronization of Processes

When data is collected from every stage of the supply chain, it leads to processes running like a well-oiled machine. MES applications can tie in any and all stages of your production to create a more efficient and effective business. Plus, production managers can make better decisions about any maintenance repairs or other business decisions based on the real-time data provided by MES. It’s the synchronization of the company’s processes that makes it more powerful and profitable.

If you are one of the few companies without MES applications, you need to at least consider the benefits you’re missing out on. For more specific ways on how manufacturing execution systems can be incorporated into your business, be sure to contact us.

21 Feb 2017

Diames manufacturing operations management

Manufacturing Planning, MES Applications, Production & Operations Management Diames 0 comment

Leveraging Manufacturing Operations with Automation

Some companies still operate under the assumption that automating a single machine on the production line will create higher productivity and better ROI. However, large companies ultimately don’t benefit at all if they have multiple machines at the plant, but only choose to automate one of them. When it comes to manufacturing operations management today, automating the entire system and processes is critical to having better productivity and efficiency. The good news is there are applications available to improve the entire complex immediately, without changing the existing infrastructure.

Automated Solutions Lower Costs

Automating your existing infrastructure by incorporating MES applications can provide an immediate impact to costs. Simply put, having a reliable automation system will reduce errors on the production line. With the help of MES applications, the root of a potential problem can be identified and corrected immediately. A human worker would still likely be able to identify an issue, but it would take longer to diagnose and pinpoint the issue’s origin.

In manufacturing, time is money. The longer it takes to produce something, the more money is lost. If there is any sort of downtime, money is going down the drain every minute. Automating the entire production process will eliminate downtime and keep everything running efficiently, which will lower the overall production cost and increase profits.

Improves Productivity

One of the challenges of manufacturing planning is trying to anticipate the unexpected. Machines could be damaged and have to be shut down for a certain amount of time, or there could be a variety of other issues influencing planning and inventory. When you incorporate MES applications into your processes, productivity and efficiency will increase to the point where managers can make better business decisions. There are still no guarantees, but the increased productivity with fewer errors makes it easier to plan.

MES Creates Efficient Workflow

The best thing about MES applications is companies don’t have to alter their infrastructure to incorporate them. A business can immediately become more efficient in their processes and manufacturing by incorporating manufacturing execution systems. From the planning stage all the way to packaging the products for shipment, MES can make companies more efficient every step of the way.

Companies always look for ways to become more efficient. Automating your machines can help you leverage manufacturing operations and put your company ahead of the game. Be sure to contact us to learn more about how automation can improve your business immediately.

16 Feb 2017

MES Applications, MES Tools Diames 0 comment

How the Cloud Impacts Manufacturing

When manufacturing companies use the cloud extensively, they are able to focus more on their own core business rather than worry about other IT related items. Not all companies today use a cloud based MES, but those that do have typically saved some money in both the short-term and long-term. They can essentially use cloud service based IT tools and applications on a rental basis, so the costs and time spent using these resources remain low. Here are some other ways the cloud impacts manufacturing in a positive way.

Keeps IT Processes Current

Most companies are able to trim back their in-house IT staff when they implement cloud based manufacturing execution systems. The service providers will handle all the necessary software updates and automatically backup your systems without the need of a full IT team. In the event of a shutdown at the manufacturing facility, data is stored offsite, so you’ll never have to worry about lost information.

Advanced Inventory Management

There’s nothing worse than having a large amount of orders, but not enough inventory to fill those orders. This can happen occasionally, but not with cloud based MES applications. The cloud service will work behind the scenes with your suppliers or partners to ensure the amount of inventory meets the volume of orders. Some managers are hesitant to use a data-sharing program like this, but there are still security measures in place to guarantee confidentiality.

Provides Better Client Support

Customers have the ability to check the status of orders when you implement a cloud based MES. Not only will this give the customer real-time access to their order, but it will prevent manufacturers from having to take the time away from the production floor to answer status questions. Or if you’d prefer to have an actual person answer phone calls, you can have a remote team dedicated to doing so by granting them access to the information from the cloud.

More Accurate Forecasting

The only way to make better business decisions is to have accurate forecasting. With cloud based manufacturing execution systems, you’ll have access to real-time information, statistics and projections, so forecasting accuracy can improve. When you have the ability to look at both past results and accurate projections, you can make easier business decisions without as much risk.

To learn more about cloud based MES systems and how they could be implemented into your manufacturing company, feel free to contact us at any time.

14 Feb 2017

MES Applications, Production & Operations Management Diames 0 comment

Improving New Product Introduction with Manufacturing Execution Systems

Anyone in the manufacturing business knows the challenges of New Product Introduction. Translating a market need into a product ready to sell can be a challenge at many different levels. With the help of MES solutions, the manufacturing process of these new products can be closely monitored so no details are missed.

This also goes for calculating more accurate costs and identifying any process that may need to be reevaluated and tweaked for better efficiency. Here are some of the ways manufacturing execution systems can boost the effectiveness of a newly introduced product.

Streamlined Process

Getting a new product right the first time is the best way to succeed with a newly introduced product. The best way to do that is to be on the same page with the design, engineering and production teams. The best thing about MES applications is manufacturers can go through the entire process of making a new product without losing any time along the way. Not only will this create a high quality product the first time, but the costs will also be lower, meaning more profit.

Decreased Challenges, Increased Accuracy

Any time a new product gets developed, there will be challenges along the way. With manufacturing execution systems in place, those challenges decrease because of the data available for use in improving the entire process. The fewer challenges standing in the way before the newly introduced product hits the market, the better accuracy you’ll experience.

Reduced Latency Issues

Latency is one of the most frustrating things about manufacturing. When every level of a new product introduction is on the same page with each other, latency will be reduced drastically. MES applications can provide the real-time information and data needed to monitor the process from start to finish. The real-time information can also help production managers identify problems before they cause larger issues leading to latency.

Keeps Manufacturers Ahead

It seems like before a new product gets introduced, the next one is already in the works. For manufacturing companies, it makes business more profitable, but it can also present challenges because of the rapid movement. Companies have turned to different MES solutions to help create shorter planning and implementation of new product production.

Staying ahead of New Product Introduction is critical for manufacturing companies. Be sure to contact us for more ways MES applications can help make your next newly introduced product a success.

09 Feb 2017

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The Advantages of Implementing a Comprehensive MES

It’s nearly impossible to have a proactive production management improvement approach without a comprehensive MES implementation. A comprehensive MES will give production managers a broader overview of the manufacturing environment, so it’s easier to identify what’s working and what’s lacking. This is different from the watch-and-see approach, because not everything can be viewed at once and it’s difficult to measure productivity in the long-term.

With the real-time results generated by manufacturing execution systems, companies can get a better overview of key performance indicators instantly. Here are some of the other reasons why manufacturing plants are turning to comprehensive MES implementation.

Connects The Entire Process

Many companies make the mistake of taking a narrow approach to viewing different operations. For example, they will look specifically at the workflow of a certain part of the process, but not look as closely at other issues. These issues could range from a general overview of equipment maintenance, supply and demand or the overall quality of the product.

Comprehensive MES implementation connects all processes, from the planning, engineering and scheduling to the entire production process. It’s essentially the only way to be able to view the full picture of production in order to be proactive and get ahead of any potential issues to prevent downtime.

Greater Inventory Turns

Companies who have adopted MES have seen greater inventory turns than those who haven’t. The last thing any production manager wants to deal with is not having enough inventory to meet order demands. Manufacturing execution systems can help prevent a shortage.

Comprehensive MES to Fit Individual Companies

Some companies go through MES consulting to determine what system is right for them. Most companies will at least implement applications for planning and scheduling, inventory control and overall quality management at the production plant. However, since every company operates differently, the comprehensive MES can be tailored to best fit your needs.

When an MES is completely implemented, companies have proven to be more effective and efficient on the production line. This includes providing higher quality products in a shorter amount of time and at a lower cost. All of these factors turn into higher profits, better systems with lower maintenance costs and happier clients overall. For more information on MES consulting and to learn about what manufacturing execution system would be right for your company, be sure to contact us.

26 Nov 2016

MES Applications Diames 0 comment

The Science of Manufacturing Operation Management

The most successful manufacturing companies always look to streamline and improve their operations management. With so many moving parts, a single manager (or group of managers) can’t watch every aspect of the manufacturing process at all times. Every business that has used Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) as the technical tool has sustainably improved their manufacturing operation management drastically.

When a plant manager, supervisor or workcenter operator understands the science behind Manufacturing Operation Management (MOM), they can use resources more efficiently to boost production. With a specific emphasis on an MES as the technical platform in combination with MOM as the administrative tool, the basics for world class manufacturing standards are in place.

Standardize Your Management Process

Any successful manufacturing company wants to standardize the management process in order to give production a boost. Certain MES applications can automate procedures and processes to the point where human interaction isn’t always a necessity. Of course, checking in with employees frequently is critical to the success of any company, but having the proper software in place will help identify the most critical items needing to be addressed.

Focus on Both Large-Scale and Small-Scale Operations

A good MES will provide real-time data on both the big picture and the minor details. It’s impossible to have quality operations management if you don’t know what’s going on with all aspects of the manufacturing process. With MES implementation, managers can view the process as a whole and identify what’s working well and what needs improvement. It could take days or weeks to do this manually by running reports and checking data, but MES solutions can generate the same information in real time.

Use Efficient Software

If you haven’t guessed already, the science behind successful manufacturing operations management is efficient software. MES are designed to streamline management processes from the time a machine is turned on all the way through the sale of the product. While the technicalities behind how the software works may be complex, a good MES application will simplify and customize the information for you. Every manufacturing company is different and requires unique management styles, so MES solutions can be tailored toward your specific industry.

Boost Your Bottom Line

Enjoying an increase to the bottom line takes more than just a couple of steps. Often companies need more employee motivation, while other times machine upgrades are necessary. The use of an MES is the best way to know what areas of production to give your focus. When management is involved with the daily operations of the manufacturing process, the bottom line will experience a natural boost.

With the help of MES applications, your manufacturing operations management doesn’t have to be complicated. The science behind successful management isn’t that complex with the correct MES in place.

21 Nov 2016

Manufacturing Planning, MES Applications Diames 0 comment

How a Manufacturing Execution System Supports a Sustainable Increase in Shop Floor Productivity

All manufacturing companies permanently need to increase productivity and efficiency. Most of the time, this is not as easy as flipping a switch. With a state of the art Manufacturing Execution System (MES) application, your company sustainably increases efficiency and productivity within a short time. An MES provides managers, supervisors and workcenter operators with real-time production activity information wherever they are. It allows you to proactively manage manufacturing processes and immediately prevent non-required down- and wait-time. An MES provides many additional functions and features besides increasing productivity and efficiency. For example, it also provides proactive quality management and optimized maintenance and repair organization.

Improve All Stages of the Supply Chain

One of the main benefits of an MES is the strict execution of an ERP and optimized production schedule. An MES immediately recognizes business-critical deviations between the plan and the execution and automatically alerts those responsible. One part of the supply chain around the manufacturing processes may be slacking, but the reason could be from another area. An MES application provides an on-line real-time data view about the whole supply chain and enables the differentiation between symptoms and the effective cause.

When such information is collected at every stage and location of the supply chain, it’s easier to determine where immediate alterations need to be made in order to boost the overall productivity. The DIAMES Manufacturing Execution Manager (MEM) and the Shop Floor Manager (SFM) applications are such tools that enable users to look at the entire plant on one screen at their own workspace. It’s applications in context with many others provides the opportunity to drill down to the cause of a problem from the department to the single workcenter or operator level.

Reduce Costs and Waste

One of the key efforts for efficiency optimization with MES is to reduce waste in time/material and also the cost itself. Without an MES application, a company may not be able to identify the cause of any waste until the damage has effectively happened.

With the DIAMES-MEM and -SFM, users can easily tell where issues are occurring and work diligently to correct the problem immediately. The DIAMES real-time data feature is a critical component to this application and is a significant factor in maintaining cost-saving efforts.

Quickly Identify Problems

When plant managers have a full view of the entire manufacturing process for a particular product, it’s easy to identify where a problem is occurring. Sometimes it may be a technical issue with machinery or just a human error. An MES will immediately alert users of potential backlogs or production errors before major problems occur.

Nothing slows productivity more than a malfunctioning machine. An entire day or more of manufacturing planning could be wasted if the proper MES solutions aren’t integrated within the systems of a company.

The DIAMES-MEM and -SFM support several companies for an immediate sustainable increase of shop floor productivity. These applications are the front-end tools of DIAMES and therefore, also the complementary extension of an existing ERP.

Once you commit to use a state of the art MES platform, you’ll be able to improve and sustain your shop floor productivity and efficiency.

Contact us for more information on DIAMES Manufacturing Execution System and how it can increase your shop floor productivity.