In today's digital age, manufacturers are constantly searching for solutions that can improve their operations, increase efficiency, and enhance decision-making processes. Two such solutions that have gained significant attention are MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems) and data platforms. However, there is a misconception that these two systems can replace each other. In reality, MES and data platforms have different natures, objectives, and levels of data granularity. But when used in conjunction, they can yield powerful synergetic benefits. In this blog, we will delve into the distinct characteristics of MES and data platforms and explore how their combination can drive operational excellence.

1. A Manufacturing Execution System (MES) is a solution designed to map processes, whether physical or business-related, to provide visibility, control, and compliance. It operates as a transactional system, validating transformation steps before they occur and storing transactional information for traceability purposes. MES records data with higher granularity, such as control charts and compliance/traceability data. In terms of business intelligence, MES offers limited functions, primarily focused on record lookup and historical analysis using aggregated data in data warehouses.
2. On the other hand, a data platform is designed to ingest, store, and process large and high-frequency data sets from various sources. It enables the analysis of real-time data points as well as vast amounts of stored individual data points. Data platforms serve the purpose of data transformation, calculations, and analysis, whether in real-time or at a later stage. With extensive capabilities for stream or batch processing, including mathematical, statistical, and AI functions, a data platform opens an array of analytical options.
3. By integrating an MES with a data platform, the MES system becomes an additional data producer. All MES transactions can be treated as events and sent to the data platform for analysis and processing. This integration allows for a holistic view of manufacturing operations by enriching the data platform with contextual information from the MES system. This contextualization layer enhances the overall understanding of data points generated by other sources, such as equipment sensors.
4. Successful companies in the digital age prioritize data integration and analysis. A Common or Canonical Data Model (CDM) plays a crucial role in achieving this integration. Creating a CDM from scratch can be a lengthy and arduous process, requiring multiple trial and error cycles and constant data translation from different systems. However, when an MES is already implemented, a subset of its model can serve as an ideal starting point for the data platform's canonical model. Over time, this model will evolve, enabling seamless integration and understanding among different applications and systems.
5. An MES is an operational tool utilized by various roles within a manufacturing plant. On the other hand, a data platform operates automatically, aside from initial setup and configuration. The integration of these two systems allows for the complete closure of the loop between the MES and the data platform. Outputs from the data platform can be visualized at the MES level, triggering actions or serving as a basis for decision-making. Similarly, the MES can initiate new analysis or processing tasks on the data platform. This seamless interaction between the MES and the data platform ensures truly synergetic results, enhancing operational efficiency and effectiveness.

While a data platform cannot replace an MES, the combination of these two systems unlocks a multitude of synergetic benefits. MES provides contextual information, contributes to the creation of a Common Data Model, and enables seamless collaboration between the two systems. By integrating MES and data platforms, manufacturers can achieve enhanced visibility, control, compliance, and analytical capabilities. Embracing this combined approach is crucial for manufacturers seeking to thrive in the digital age