💬 In plain words: An Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system knows the business plan (e.g., "We need 100,000 tablets"). However, the ERP isn't standing next to the operator, ensuring each step is done correctly. While machines physically make the product, they don't understand the business context. A Manufacturing Execution System (MES) fills this gap. It turns high-level business goals into strictly controlled, step-by-step physical actions on the shop floor. Key Points ERP handles the plan: It decides what to make, how much to make, and when it needs to be finished. The Shop Floor does the work: Operators and machines (PLCs/SCADA) execute the physical manufacturing process. MES is the middleman: It sits between the ERP and the machines, translating the business plan into a controlled execution process. Real-time verification: MES actively checks materials, lot numbers, equipment statuses, and op...
MES