MES
Manufacturing Execution Systems extend the Human Machine Interfaces (HMI), SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) and data historian systems and the automation layer typically consisting of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and/or Distribution Control Systems (DCS). MES originated around the need to direct and validate plant floor activities in regulated industries, ultimately retaining these functions but evolving into more comprehensive performance management solutions. MES centralizes the connection between ERP and the plant floor, standardizes supervisory control, provides the basis for performance monitoring and continuous process improvement, and simplifies data feeds to Data Warehouse/Business Intelligence (BI). PerfOps’ founder specialized in this area for the first 20 years after the birth of MES and our teams regularly address MES and automation layer subjects on our projects.
In addition to the common enterprise software subjects, the following relate specifically to MES:
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MES is the business system for the process and requires enterprise grade project methodology. PerfOps’ principal evolved system lifecycle methods originally created for NASA projects into more streamlined and agile methodologies for industrial operations. We have subsequently further enhanced our methods with enterprise systems experience. With PerfOps’ deep understanding of plant floor automation, data acquisition and MES, we get lasting results in these areas.
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PerfOps has a complete understanding of real-time systems. Several core members were there in early automation days using traditional distributed control systems (DCS), through our involvement throughout the rapid commercialization of PLCs, then HMIs and ultimately the advent of MES and its evolution into today. We understand everything from the sensor and final control elements through the various automation layers to the enterprise systems which either direct and/or benefit from this information. We don’t apply office automation techniques to the plant floor nor do we promote true real-time techniques in the business layers. This understanding is of great benefit in so-called hard automation, data collection, interfaces to plant floor equipment (ex: scales) and more.
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One of PerfOps’ benefits is by having the same consulting team who is helping with a larger operations initiative to lead or assist with MES or automation needs. MES is the source of real-time production information which becomes part of business KPIs and and can be an effective way to improve inventory control in continuous or batch process operations. Having an operations team that understands the unique needs of the automation layer, such as maintaining the aforementioned good distributed control practices, is important for sustained success.
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With modern solutions breaking down the traditional walls between the office and plant floor (ex: Internet of Things (IOT), RFID inventory, intelligent monitoring devices), new benefits can be obtained without traditional system structures. Often MES crosses these boundaries and, if solution designs are left to solution architects who only understand ERP or MES, then additional single sources of failure can be introduced into systems which increase downtime, decrease reliability and are difficult to maintain. PerfOps knows how to bring these two worlds together correctly to achieve both the short-term initiative and the long-term result.
RESULTS
PerfOps’ deep experience in automation and evolved enterprise project methods yield superior results on MES and automation projects.
Contact PerfOps to discuss your MES or automation initiative and learn how our skills, experience and methods can enhance your project.
SYSTEMS EXPERTISE
PerfOps maintains a superior methodology for selecting enterprise software as well as finding the right ERP solution provider for each project. We reduce risk, ensure the right fit and identify resource gaps prior to spending on software licenses and solution provider services. During implementation, PerfOps offers a complete portfolio of services scaled and provided on an as needed basis, including project management, solution design, process and SOP development, training, application of technology, project governance and executive advisory.
PerfOps has been guiding the selection, designing and implementing warehouse management and automated material handling systems since 1988. There is nothing we haven’t seen in warehousing and distribution including all forms of Automated Data Collection (ADC) and every level of real-time automation. PerfOps can operate across all activities from the initial vision through facility design, storage and material handling equipment selection, software implementation and process optimization. Our team of project, operations and technology professionals can provide any level of service you require to achieve your warehousing objectives.
PerfOps has been working with TMS solutions for the past 20 years, including integration of such systems with ERP and WMS, and assisting owners with implementation. Our methods of bringing all resources together, including supply chain partners, to develop the optimum “to be” process, build stronger teams offering more supply chain resilience. As with all our areas of focus, we can work from initial vision through software and vendor selection, solution design, testing and optimization. Our project management and governance methods ensure these solutions actually achieve stated objectives. We help design and conduct testing and ensure project timelines are maintained.
OTHER ENTERPRISE LEVEL SOLUTIONS
PerfOps has deep experience in other supply chain related solution technologies such as PLM, QMS, CMMS, etc. We can quickly generate Enterprise Software Roadmaps which pull all these functions together into a coherent system over the appropriate timeframes. The same methods we apply to ERP and WMS for software and solution provider selection, project planning, governance and management applying to projects in these areas.
Our knowledge and experience across these operations areas gives us the means to quickly create effective systems and operations roadmaps which speed deployment, reduce rework and protect owners’ investments.
SYSTEMS EXPERTISE
PerfOps maintains a superior methodology for selecting enterprise software as well as finding the right ERP solution provider for each project. We reduce risk, ensure the right fit and identify resource gaps prior to spending on software licenses and solution provider services. During implementation, PerfOps offers a complete portfolio of services scaled and provided on an as needed basis, including project management, solution design, process and SOP development, training, application of technology, project governance and executive advisory.
PerfOps has been guiding the selection, designing and implementing warehouse management and automated material handling systems since 1988. There is nothing we haven’t seen in warehousing and distribution including all forms of Automated Data Collection (ADC) and every level of real-time automation. PerfOps can operate across all activities from the initial vision through facility design, storage and material handling equipment selection, software implementation and process optimization. Our team of project, operations and technology professionals can provide any level of service you require to achieve your warehousing objectives.
PerfOps has been working with TMS solutions for the past 20 years, including integration of such systems with ERP and WMS, and assisting owners with implementation. Our methods of bringing all resources together, including supply chain partners, to develop the optimum “to be” process, build stronger teams offering more supply chain resilience. As with all our areas of focus, we can work from initial vision through software and vendor selection, solution design, testing and optimization. Our project management and governance methods ensure these solutions actually achieve stated objectives. We help design and conduct testing and ensure project timelines are maintained.
OTHER ENTERPRISE LEVEL SOLUTIONS
PerfOps has deep experience in other supply chain related solution technologies such as PLM, QMS, CMMS, etc. We can quickly generate Enterprise Software Roadmaps which pull all these functions together into a coherent system over the appropriate timeframes. The same methods we apply to ERP and WMS for software and solution provider selection, project planning, governance and management applying to projects in these areas.
Our knowledge and experience across these operations areas gives us the means to quickly create effective systems and operations roadmaps which speed deployment, reduce rework and protect owners’ investments.
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Our professionals work together because they prefer to and not because they happen to be employed by the same firm. PerfOps is a principled organization and our team members meet a high level of standards.
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While our teams focus on each project’s goals, our team members must also demonstrate a commitment to achieving long-term results for clients beyond each project’s specific scope.
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The PerfOps consortium is comprised of highly experienced individuals. Most team members exceed 10 years of continuous skills development in their chosen areas of work.