Glossary · M
Manufacturing Execution System (MES)
Manufacturing Execution System
Software for managing and tracking production execution
What it means
A manufacturing execution system tracks and manages production activities on the factory floor. It can record work orders, machine status, output and quality information. It connects production planning with execution, often exchanging data with an ERP and shop-floor equipment.
What it means for a business
A manufacturer can use MES data to compare planned and actual progress, investigate downtime and identify work that needs attention. The timeliness and usefulness of that view depend on the data collected and how production teams respond to it.