scope:

Companies that are currently considering the introduction of an MES in their production will have to address the functional aspects of a software introduction, but also basic questions concerning the general concept:

Is it ensured that MES will support the production strategies, some of which have been developed and improved over many years?

In what way and to what extent do MES tasks (for definition refer to VDI 5600 Part 1) support the implemented production systems and applied production strategies?

With the aim of extending guideline VDI 5600 Part 1, a task group was established in early 2010. Its function was to provide assistance for decisionmakers in the actual question of how to apply MES in the different production systems. This guideline gives an overview of widely used production systems and instruments and describes the characteristics of these. Based on this, the most important effects of such systems and how these are supported by MES are described. Accordingly, the guideline is mainly intended for the technical departments of business engineering, for process supervisors, for organisation development, controlling, manufacturing management, and for all parties involved in the MES selection and introduction process, for consultants, and for software and integration suppliers.