# Best Manufacturing Execution System (MES) Software - Page 12 *By [Nathan Calabrese](https://research.g2.com/insights/author/nathan-calabrese)* Manufacturing execution system (MES) software is used by manufacturers to monitor the production process. Manufacturing companies benefit from MES by tracking real-time production data, which they can use to optimize the production output. Manufacturing execution systems is used mostly by production managers, shop floor supervisors, and the employees involved in the production process. Managers and supervisors utilize MES software to implement production plans and monitor efficiency, as well as to detect potential issues and implement corrective actions. Shop floor employees use this type of software to follow their work schedules, allocate resources to the right workstation for each production stage, and alert supervisors and managers when something goes wrong. MES software requires data from supervisory control and data acquisition systems (SCADA), which are utilized to manage and control the equipment used in production. It is also critical for manufacturers to integrate this type of software with their [ERP solutions](https://www.g2.com/categories/erp) to transfer information on production performance, materials consumption, and so on. For large and complex manufacturing processes, it is important to integrate MES with solutions such as [product lifecycle management (PLM)](https://www.g2.com/categories/plm), supply chain management, and [enterprise asset management (EAM)](https://www.g2.com/categories/enterprise-asset-management-eam). To qualify for inclusion in the Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) category, a product must: - Implement production plans and schedules and adjust them when required - Allocate resources (human and material) to each production stage and activity - Provide shop floor employees with detailed plans on which tasks to perform during the production cycle - Deliver visual representations of the shop floor as well as physical locations of workstations and equipment - Allow managers to monitor movements of materials and personnel on the shop floor in real time - Capture data from SCADA systems and analyze it to track equipment performance - Help managers identify potential production issues and take action when needed - Include reports, dashboards, and analytics capabilities to track production output, resource utilization, or equipment performance ## Top Manufacturing Execution System (MES) Software at a Glance | # | Product | Rating | Best For | What Users Say | |---|---------|--------|----------|----------------| | 1 | [SAP Digital Manufacturing](https://www.g2.com/products/sap-digital-manufacturing/reviews) | 4.1/5.0 (68 reviews) | SAP-native shop-floor-to-ERP execution | "[Real-Time Manufacturing Visibility That Boosts Efficiency](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/sap-digital-manufacturing-review-12737499)" | | 2 | [Kinetic](https://www.g2.com/products/epicor-kinetic/reviews) | 3.9/5.0 (721 reviews) | Quote-to-cash manufacturing with deep customization | "[Kinetic: the change we needed - the future we expected!](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/kinetic-review-12839892)" | | 3 | [MasterControl Manufacturing Excellence](https://www.g2.com/products/mastercontrol-manufacturing-excellence/reviews) | 4.4/5.0 (142 reviews) | Electronic batch records with quality-embedded controls | "[Mx for Life Sciences](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/mastercontrol-manufacturing-excellence-review-8512559)" | | 4 | [Katana Cloud Inventory](https://www.g2.com/products/katana-cloud-inventory/reviews) | 4.4/5.0 (117 reviews) | Multi-level BOM manufacturing with real-time inventory | "[Always new ways to connect systems together](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/katana-cloud-inventory-review-6546154)" | | 5 | [AMFG](https://www.g2.com/products/amfg/reviews) | 4.5/5.0 (66 reviews) | End-to-end AM and CNC production execution | "[AMFG Streamlines Quotes, Scheduling, and Reporting for Faster, Fewer-Error Production](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/amfg-review-12390833)" | | 6 | [Opcenter MOM](https://www.g2.com/products/opcenter-mom/reviews) | 4.1/5.0 (59 reviews) | PLM-to-shop-floor digital work instructions | "[Chief Growth Officer](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/opcenter-mom-review-12914292)" | | 7 | [Plex Smart Manufacturing Platform](https://www.g2.com/products/plex-smart-manufacturing-platform/reviews) | 3.9/5.0 (73 reviews) | End-to-end shop floor traceability and quality control | "[PLEX Review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/plex-smart-manufacturing-platform-review-8069746)" | | 8 | [L2L](https://www.g2.com/products/l2l/reviews) | 4.3/5.0 (215 reviews) | Shop-floor dispatch and OEE visibility | "[Easy to Use, Keeps Our Plant Connected and Informed](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/l2l-review-12417602)" | | 9 | [PINpoint MES](https://www.g2.com/products/pinpoint-mes/reviews) | 4.7/5.0 (50 reviews) | Discrete assembly traceability with DC tool interlocking | "[Upgrade V6 Pinpoint Panther Site](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/pinpoint-mes-review-11167150)" | | 10 | [TrakSYS](https://www.g2.com/products/traksys/reviews) | 4.9/5.0 (11 reviews) | Configurable MES with unified out-of-the-box modules | "[TrakSYS MES is extremely functional and flexible, enabling more efficient manufacturing.](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/traksys-review-11423086)" | --- ## What Are the Most Common Questions About Manufacturing Execution System (MES) Software? *AI-generated · Last updated: May 26, 2026* ### What Manufacturing Execution System solutions reducing costly manual process overhead for mid-market operations teams? Based on G2 reviews, buyers evaluating Manufacturing Execution System (MES) Software for reducing manual process overhead often prioritize products that centralize production data, replace spreadsheets or paper-based records, and improve real-time visibility. According to verified users, SAP Digital Manufacturing helps connect shop-floor activity with ERP data, reducing manual reporting and improving production tracking. G2 reviewers mention Kinetic for integrated workflows, scheduling, and shop-floor planning that keep multiple departments in one system. Katana Cloud Inventory is also noted for helping manufacturers move away from spreadsheets while improving inventory and production coordination. Across reviews, the biggest time savings come from better data accuracy, fewer disconnected systems, and faster response to production issues. ### What Manufacturing Execution System solutions integrating and working seamlessly with existing enterprise technology stacks? Based on G2 reviews, integration strength is a major theme for Manufacturing Execution System (MES) Software buyers with established enterprise systems. According to verified users, SAP Digital Manufacturing is frequently praised for connecting manufacturing execution with SAP ERP, supply chain, and broader business processes, giving teams a more unified view of operations. G2 reviewers mention TrakSYS for its multiple integration tools that connect OT and IT systems, while Fulcrum is highlighted for cloud-first architecture and API flexibility that supports links to accounting, analytics, and quality systems. Reviewers consistently describe seamless integrations as valuable when replacing fragmented data flows, improving traceability, and helping production, planning, and inventory teams stay aligned. ### What most reliable Manufacturing Execution System platforms based on reviews from long-term enterprise users? Based on G2 reviews, reliability in Manufacturing Execution System (MES) Software is usually described through steady daily use, dependable visibility, and support for critical production workflows over time. According to verified users, SAP Digital Manufacturing is often described as a strong fit for enterprise environments that need real-time production visibility, centralized data, and close ERP alignment, though some reviewers note setup complexity. G2 reviewers also describe Kinetic as a dependable platform that supports ongoing manufacturing, inventory, and scheduling operations, while Fulcrum is recognized for helping teams maintain control across quoting, scheduling, and inventory. Long-term reviewers generally associate reliability with consistent tracking, reduced spreadsheet dependence, and better coordination across departments and sites. **Here are some of the top-rated products on G2:** - [SAP Digital Manufacturing](https://www.g2.com/products/sap-digital-manufacturing/reviews) – used for real-time production visibility, ERP-connected execution, and centralized shop-floor reporting - [Kinetic](https://www.g2.com/products/epicor-kinetic/reviews) – used for scheduling, inventory, workflows, and multi-department manufacturing operations - [Fulcrum](https://www.g2.com/products/fulcrum-fulcrum/reviews) – used for inventory control, job tracking, scheduling, and production visibility across modern manufacturing teams ### Which Manufacturing Execution System vendors provide responsive customer support during critical production incidents? Based on G2 reviews, customer support quality varies by product, but several vendors are repeatedly recognized for being responsive when manufacturing teams need help quickly. According to verified users, Kinetic reviewers often mention access to support groups and help during implementation or customization issues. G2 reviewers also highlight Lineview for highly engaged support teams that help users work through reporting, downtime analysis, and operational questions. Shoplogix Smart Factory Suite is also described as having helpful support, especially for implementations and plant reporting needs. In this recent review set, Kinetic stands out as the single most-reviewed option among products discussed for responsive support, while buyers should still evaluate whether they need stronger onboarding, reporting assistance, or ongoing technical guidance. ### Which Manufacturing Execution System tools work best for small teams lacking dedicated IT support staff? Based on G2 reviews, small teams without dedicated IT support tend to value ease of use, straightforward setup, and minimal reliance on outside consultants. According to verified users, Katana Cloud Inventory is often described as intuitive, fast to learn, and helpful for small manufacturers moving beyond spreadsheets while managing inventory, production, and purchasing in one place. G2 reviewers also mention MRPeasy for keeping production, inventory, and purchasing aligned without unnecessary complexity, and Smart Shop Floor for giving teams live visibility that is easy to train across different roles. Reviewers consistently suggest that small teams do best with tools that simplify daily execution, reduce manual updates, and make onboarding easier for nontechnical users. ### Which Manufacturing Execution System platforms deliver fastest time to value for distributed remote teams? Based on G2 reviews, fast time to value for distributed or multi-location teams usually comes from quick onboarding, cloud access, and the ability to give users shared visibility without heavy setup. According to verified users, Kinetic is frequently praised for browser-based access, modern web views, and support for multiple device types, which helps distributed teams access manufacturing data more easily. G2 reviewers also note Katana Cloud Inventory for intuitive onboarding and connected workflows across inventory, production, and accounting, while Smart Shop Floor is recognized for live visibility that different teams can use from the same system. Reviewers generally connect faster time to value with simpler implementation, easier training, and immediate improvements in visibility and coordination. ### What highest rated Manufacturing Execution System for organizations transitioning from legacy systems and infrastructure? Based on G2 reviews, organizations moving off legacy systems tend to prioritize products that centralize fragmented processes, improve visibility, and reduce manual reconciliation. According to verified users, SAP Digital Manufacturing is frequently chosen to replace disconnected spreadsheets, manual reporting, and separate shop-floor systems with a more integrated manufacturing environment. G2 reviewers also mention Kinetic for modernizing older ERP and production workflows, while AMFG is described as helping teams move from spreadsheets and manual tracking into centralized scheduling and production management. Reviews suggest that successful legacy transitions depend less on feature breadth alone and more on how well the platform unifies production data, supports training, and helps teams standardize processes after go-live. ### What most trusted Manufacturing Execution System platforms by operations leaders based on user reviews? Based on G2 reviews, trust in Manufacturing Execution System (MES) Software is usually tied to visibility, consistency, and confidence in day-to-day decision-making. According to verified users, SAP Digital Manufacturing is trusted for connecting shop-floor operations with enterprise processes and giving operations teams real-time transparency. G2 reviewers also describe Kinetic as a dependable system for planning, inventory, and manufacturing workflows, while Shoplogix Smart Factory Suite is trusted for real-time machine and OEE visibility that helps teams focus on downtime and performance issues. Across reviews, operations leaders appear to trust platforms that reduce manual work, support faster issue identification, and create a clearer operational picture across plants, lines, or departments. **Here are some of the top-rated products on G2:** - [SAP Digital Manufacturing](https://www.g2.com/products/sap-digital-manufacturing/reviews) – trusted for real-time shop-floor visibility and close connection to enterprise workflows - [Kinetic](https://www.g2.com/products/epicor-kinetic/reviews) – trusted for manufacturing planning, inventory visibility, and customizable operational workflows - [Shoplogix Smart Factory Suite](https://www.g2.com/products/shoplogix-smart-factory-suite/reviews) – trusted for live production monitoring, downtime analysis, and OEE-focused visibility ### What Best Manufacturing Execution System tools delivering strong implementation support for large enterprise deployments? Based on G2 reviews, large enterprise deployments often require strong onboarding, training, and vendor guidance because implementation complexity is a recurring challenge in this category. According to verified users, SAP Digital Manufacturing delivers broad enterprise functionality and SAP ecosystem alignment, but reviewers frequently note that rollout requires planning, technical coordination, and user training. G2 reviewers also point to Kinetic for consultant-supported implementations and broad customization, while AMFG is described as improving cross-department workflows but still requiring time for setup and onboarding. Reviews suggest that the strongest implementation support matters most when manufacturers are migrating legacy processes, integrating multiple systems, or standardizing operations across plants with different requirements. **Here are some of the top-rated products on G2:** - [SAP Digital Manufacturing](https://www.g2.com/products/sap-digital-manufacturing/reviews) – suited for enterprise rollouts that need ERP-connected execution and multi-team coordination - [Kinetic](https://www.g2.com/products/epicor-kinetic/reviews) – suited for manufacturers needing consultant-backed setup and customizable workflows across departments - [AMFG](https://www.g2.com/products/amfg/reviews) – suited for organizations centralizing scheduling, order workflows, and production visibility across teams ### What are the best Manufacturing Execution System platforms for teams beginning digital transformation? Based on G2 reviews, teams beginning digital transformation usually look for Manufacturing Execution System (MES) Software that replaces paper, spreadsheets, and disconnected tools with clearer visibility and easier daily execution. According to verified users, SAP Digital Manufacturing helps centralize production data and connect shop-floor operations to ERP processes, which supports a more data-driven environment. G2 reviewers also mention Katana Cloud Inventory for helping teams move off spreadsheets while improving inventory and production coordination, and MasterControl Manufacturing Excellence for digitizing batch records and reducing paper-heavy workflows. Reviewers consistently point to early wins such as better traceability, less manual entry, and faster access to operational information when starting digital transformation initiatives. **Here are some of the top-rated products on G2:** - [SAP Digital Manufacturing](https://www.g2.com/products/sap-digital-manufacturing/reviews) – helps teams centralize shop-floor data and replace disconnected reporting processes - [Katana Cloud Inventory](https://www.g2.com/products/katana-cloud-inventory/reviews) – helps teams move off spreadsheets and connect inventory with production workflows - [MasterControl Manufacturing Excellence](https://www.g2.com/products/mastercontrol-manufacturing-excellence/reviews) – helps teams digitize batch records and reduce paper-based manufacturing processes ## How Many Manufacturing Execution System (MES) Software Products Does G2 Track? **Total Products under this Category:** 273 ### Category Stats (Jun 2026) - **Average Rating**: 4.41/5 (↑0.01 vs May 2026) The average rating of products in this category, based on all submitted ratings - **Top Trending Product**: Smart Factory Suite (+1.45%) - Among all products in this category, Smart Factory Suite recorded the largest rating increase compared to last month *Last updated: June 09, 2026* ## How Does G2 Rank Manufacturing Execution System (MES) Software Products? **Why You Can Trust G2's Software Rankings:** - 30 Analysts and Data Experts - 2,500+ Authentic Reviews - 273+ Products - Unbiased Rankings G2's software rankings are built on verified user reviews, rigorous moderation, and a consistent research methodology maintained by a team of analysts and data experts. Each product is measured using the same transparent criteria, with no paid placement or vendor influence. While reviews reflect real user experiences, which can be subjective, they offer valuable insight into how software performs in the hands of professionals. Together, these inputs power the G2 Score, a standardized way to compare tools within every category. ## Which Manufacturing Execution System (MES) Software Is Best for Your Use Case? - **Leader:** [SAP Digital Manufacturing](https://www.g2.com/products/sap-digital-manufacturing/reviews) - **Highest Performer:** [AMFG](https://www.g2.com/products/amfg/reviews) - **Easiest to Use:** [MasterControl Manufacturing Excellence](https://www.g2.com/products/mastercontrol-manufacturing-excellence/reviews) - **Top Trending:** [PINpoint MES](https://www.g2.com/products/pinpoint-mes/reviews) - **Best Free Software:** [Epsilon3](https://www.g2.com/products/epsilon3/reviews) --- **Sponsored** ### TrakSYS TrakSYS MES is a manufacturing execution system (MES) software platform that helps manufacturers manage, monitor, and optimize production operations by connecting, contextualizing, and acting on real-time shop floor data. TrakSYS MES is designed for discrete, process, and hybrid manufacturing environments and is used by operations leaders, plant managers, engineers, and IT teams to improve visibility, control, and performance across production processes. The platform serves as a central hub for collecting data from machines, systems, and personnel, transforming that data into actionable insights, and enabling coordinated execution of workflows on the factory floor. The system supports a wide range of manufacturing use cases, including production tracking, quality management, inventory and materials management, equipment monitoring, and workforce coordination. TrakSYS is typically deployed as part of broader digital transformation initiatives, where organizations seek to standardize processes, improve efficiency, ensure compliance, and enable data-driven decision-making across one or more sites. TrakSYS is flexible in its deployment and configuration, allowing organizations to start with targeted use cases and expand over time. It can be implemented on-premises, in the cloud, or in hybrid environments, and supports integration with enterprise systems such as ERP, SCADA, IoT platforms, and data analytics tools. Key features and capabilities include: • Production and operations management: Tracks orders, materials, and production performance in real time to support throughput, scheduling, and execution visibility • Quality and compliance management: Enables in-process quality checks, data collection, traceability, and support for regulatory requirements • Connected worker enablement: Provides digital workflows, task management, and guided procedures to support frontline operations and workforce coordination • Data integration and contextualization: Connects to machines, sensors, and business systems to unify operational data into a structured, usable format • Analytics and reporting: Delivers dashboards, KPIs, and reporting tools to monitor performance metrics such as OEE, downtime, and yield • Scalability and multi-site support: Supports single-site and global deployments with capabilities for standardization and centralized management By combining data collection, workflow execution, and analytics within a single platform, TrakSYS MES supports manufacturers in improving operational efficiency, reducing variability, and maintaining control over complex production environments. [Visit website](https://www.g2.com/external_clickthroughs/record?secure%5Bad_program%5D=ppc&secure%5Bad_slot%5D=category_product_list&secure%5Bcategory_id%5D=1300&secure%5Bdisplayable_resource_id%5D=1300&secure%5Bdisplayable_resource_type%5D=Category&secure%5Bmedium%5D=sponsored&secure%5Bplacement_reason%5D=page_category&secure%5Bplacement_resource_ids%5D%5B%5D=1300&secure%5Bprioritized%5D=false&secure%5Bproduct_id%5D=98744&secure%5Bresource_id%5D=1300&secure%5Bresource_type%5D=Category&secure%5Bsource_type%5D=category_page&secure%5Bsource_url%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.g2.com%2Fcategories%2Fmanufacturing-execution-system%3Fpage%3D12&secure%5Btoken%5D=d18c21df34520569a6e3b3e3fe62948340f6f716d0d571e9c590c78656de776d&secure%5Burl%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.parsec-corp.com%2Ftraksys-overview%3Futm_source%3DG2%26utm_medium%3Dcpc%26utm_campaign%3Ddefault&secure%5Burl_type%5D=custom_url) --- ## What Is Manufacturing Execution System (MES) Software? [ Manufacturing](https://www.g2.com/categories/manufacturing) ## What Software Categories Are Similar to Manufacturing Execution System (MES) Software? - [Quality Management Systems (QMS)](https://www.g2.com/categories/quality-management-qms) - [Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/advanced-planning-and-scheduling-aps) - [Manufacturing Intelligence Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/manufacturing-intelligence) --- ## How Do You Choose the Right Manufacturing Execution System (MES) Software? ### What You Should Know About Manufacturing Execution System (MES) Software ### What is Manufacturing Execution System (MES) Software? Manufacturing execution system (MES) software helps manufacturers execute production plans by implementing work orders on the shop floor. While enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems help manage production schedules, MES software manages manufacturing operations. Sometimes referred to as manufacturing operations management software, MES allows manufacturers to track production cycles to identify bottlenecks, monitor quality in real time, and measure shop floor performance. MES is a critical component of industry 4.0 which aims to improve digital transformation by automating manufacturing processes. According to research by Manufacturing Enterprise Solutions Association (MESA) International, MES is an essential part of a manufacturer’s software ecosystem. **What Does MES Stand For?** MES stands for manufacturing execution systems, which describes how this software differs from ERP for manufacturing. MES manages the execution of production orders created in ERP systems. #### **What Types of Manufacturing Execution System (MES) Software Exist?** MES types vary depending on how the software is delivered and the industry focus of the solution. **Industry-specific or agnostic** MES functionality depends on the type of manufacturing the solution is being used for. The main manufacturing categories are discrete (medical devices, process pharmaceuticals, and engineering) to order. Mixed-mode ERP combines two or all of these manufacturing categories. For instance, the aerospace industry requires discrete ERP for parts and ETO ERP to assemble an aircraft.  **Standalone or part of a suite** MES is usually sold and used as a standalone software solution but can also be deployed as part of a more extensive manufacturing suite that generally includes other software such as ERP systems and quality management systems.  ### What are the Common Features of Manufacturing Execution System (MES) Software? The following are some core features within MES software that can help users improve quality and increase productivity: **Resource allocation:** Production requires raw materials, ingredients, and components to manufacture finished products, as well as labor and equipment. All these resources are allocated to production orders by MES systems based on the quantities required and their availability.  **Shop floor management:** Dispatching employees on the factory floor is essential in any manufacturing process. Using resource planning, MES assigns technicians to equipment and workstations and ensures everyone knows what to do and when by creating clear work instructions. **Production scheduling:** While the production process is defined in advance, production orders may change either because manufacturers adjust their priorities or because of issues such as defective equipment and lack of inventory.  **Production monitoring:** MES tracks production output and product quality while also focusing on traceability across all production stages. Monitoring should provide real-time data so production and quality managers quickly identify issues that may negatively impact production, equipment, and employees. **Data collection and analysis** : MES collects production data which is transferred to other information systems such as business intelligence to analyze manufacturing performance, production costs, and equipment efficiency. ### What are the Benefits of Manufacturing Execution System (MES) Software? The main benefits of MES are: **Production visibility:** MES provides visibility into all stages of the production process with real-time updates on what is being manufactured, the estimated time to completion, and who is in charge.  **Reduced costs:** Better visibility helps manufacturers avoid costly errors that may compromise an entire production batch if not detected early. It also allows other departments like accounting to track production costs.  **Increased productivity:** By using MES, shop floor employees know precisely what they need to do and how. Also, production managers can optimize equipment use through planning, thus reducing downtimes, which reduces the wait time between production cycles. **Improved overall equipment effectiveness (OEE):** OEE is a global standard used to measure manufacturing productivity. It is often used as a benchmark to compare a manufacturer's performance with its peers in the same industry. MES helps improve OEE scores, a significant competitive advantage for manufacturers. ### Who Uses Manufacturing Execution System (MES) Software? **Production managers:** To execute production orders, managers need to implement manufacturing business processes on the shop floor. MES also provides real-time visibility into everything on the factory floor, from production activities to quality inspections and equipment maintenance. **Shop floor employees:** Shop floors are, by definition, paperless since production employees need to focus on using and supervising equipment. MES is designed to be easily accessed on mobile devices or touch terminals, allowing employees to find the information and work instructions they need quickly.  **Quality managers:** Quality professionals use MES to define workflows for inspections and testing to determine nonconformance and implement corrective actions. For instance, a batch of ice cream that isn't sweet enough can be adjusted by adding more sugar. However, if it's too sweet, the batch may be compromised, so it's critical for quality supervisors to detect issues before their impact is irreversible. ### What are the Alternatives to Manufacturing Execution System (MES) Software? Alternatives to MES software can replace this type of software, either partially or entirely: [ERP software](https://www.g2.com/categories/erp): ERP solutions that include MES modules are the only viable alternative to MES software.  #### Software Related to Manufacturing Execution System (MES) Software Related solutions that can be used together with MES software include other manufacturing software such as: [ERP systems](https://www.g2.com/categories/erp-systems) **:** ERP for manufacturing, such as discrete ERP, process ERP, ETO ERP, and mixed-mode ERP, identify production requirements based on demand and create production plans that consider the availability of inventory, employees, and equipment. MES uses all this information to execute production orders on the shop floor.  [CAD & PLM software](https://www.g2.com/categories/cad-plm) **:** Product design and engineering teams use this software to launch new products or improve existing ones. Product information such as components, bills of materials, and technical specifications need to be transferred to ERP software to plan production and finally to MES for production execution. Production data can also be transferred from MES and ERP back to PLM systems to gather information through the entire product lifecycle. [Quality management systems (QMS)](https://www.g2.com/categories/quality-management-qms) **:** Quality managers need to ensure that the products manufactured by the company comply with standards and regulations for health and safety, sustainability, or ethical procurement. QMS is used to identify which compliance applies to the manufacturer and how to enforce it during production.  [Asset management software](https://www.g2.com/categories/asset-management-f3e79baa-6f93-4d40-b734-16e9b562fc14) **:** Asset management software tracks equipment downtime and monitors maintenance management operations to avoid asset failures and accidents. Through connectivity with MES, asset management solutions can analyze real-time shop floor data on all fixed assets used in production.  [Supply chain management software (SCM)](https://www.g2.com/categories/supply-chain-management): SCM manages all activities related to purchasing raw materials and ingredients for production and shipping finished goods. Logistics processes need to be synchronized with production through MES and ERP so that manufacturers know what they need to buy to satisfy demand and how and when to deliver products to customers exactly. ### Challenges with Manufacturing Execution System (MES) Software MES software solutions can come with their own set of challenges.  **Integration:** MES can only work together with ERP systems for manufacturing, which makes integration between the two systems critical for manufacturers. While MES vendors provide integration with the most popular ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, and Microsoft, hundreds of other ERP solutions require custom integration. MES also needs to integrate with [supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) software](https://www.g2.com/categories/supervisory-control-and-data-acquisition-scada) to capture data from the industrial equipment used on the shop floor.  **Complexity:** Since MES was designed for manufacturers, the software can be as complex as the company's operations. For instance, aerospace manufacturers usually have much more complicated processes than fashion and apparel companies. As a result, MES for aerospace is also more complex, making it challenging to implement and maintain. **Cost:** The complexity of the software and additional expenses like custom integration can make MES quite expensive, especially for SMB manufacturers. For this reason, SMBs prefer to buy ERP software with MES functionality, which may not always provide all the features they need.  **Regulatory compliance** : MES software needs to comply with regulations and industry standards for manufacturing. For example, the ISA 95 standard aims to safeguard the information exchange between MES and other systems such as ERP. There are also numerous local, national, and international regulations for quality control, which vary by industry. For example, industries like food and beverage or pharmaceuticals are usually higher regulated than discrete manufacturing sectors. ### Which Companies Should Buy Manufacturing Execution System (MES) Software? **Manufacturers:** Only manufacturing companies can benefit from using MES since they need to create and implement work orders and work instructions, manage routing and sequencing for production activities, track work in process (WIP) and product quality, and sometimes rework finished products to comply with customer requirements.  ### How to Buy Manufacturing Execution System (MES) Software #### Requirements Gathering (RFI/RFP) for Manufacturing Execution System (MES) Software As mentioned above, MES can provide industry-specific functionality, which should be the primary focus when creating a requirements list. Other essential requirements to consider are the delivery model of the software (cloud or on-premises) and integration with ERP and other software used in manufacturing. #### Compare Manufacturing Execution System (MES) Software Products **Create a long list** A buyer can create a long list of products by eliminating those solutions that do not provide features specific to their industry. For example, a fashion and apparel company won't benefit from using an MES solution designed for food and beverage.  **Create a short list** To create a short list, buyers need to ask vendors to provide detailed information on how their products help with the requirements mentioned above. In addition, companies should require information on MES pricing, implementation, training, and support to further differentiate between vendors. Finally, customer references and product reviews can provide authentic though subjective feedback about vendors and their products. **Conduct demos** While it's difficult to simulate shop floor operations, a demo should aim to show how a buyer can use the MES in production following a real-life scenario. It is also essential to see how MES integrates with ERP and other solutions. Finally, the MES vendor should demonstrate how the system supports unplanned changes to standard operations. #### Selection of Manufacturing Execution System (MES) Software **Choose a selection team** The selection team for MES should include production managers, supervisors, end users, quality managers, members of the maintenance team, and the IT department.  **Negotiation** While pricing negotiation is essential, buyers should obtain other benefits such as free 24/7 global support or advanced training.  **Final decision** The final decision should consider all the factors mentioned above: requirements, demos, pricing, and the services offered by the vendor.  ### What Does Manufacturing Execution System (MES) Software Cost? An MES solution's cost comprises the standard license price plus additional customization, implementation, training, and support fees.  #### Return on Investment (ROI) To determine the ROI of an MES solution, manufacturers need to identify its benefits, such as reducing production times or increasing output, then compare them with the costs mentioned above.  ### Implementation of Manufacturing Execution System (MES) Software **Who is Responsible for Manufacturing Execution System (MES) Software Implementation?** While the buyer and its production team are ultimately responsible for implementing the solution, the vendor and its partners should be an integral part of the process. Therefore, close cooperation between buyer and vendor is critical for the success of the implementation. **What Does the Implementation Process Look Like for Manufacturing Execution System (MES) Software?** MES implementation should start with a clear description of manufacturing processes, integration requirements, and quality control procedures. When applicable, the next step is data migration from other systems such as ERP or PLM and the old MES solution. MES configuration and deployment should only happen after the steps above have been completed.  **When Should You Implement Manufacturing Execution System (MES) Software?** If MES is acquired together with a new ERP system, it is recommended that the two solutions be implemented simultaneously. By implementing MES and ERP together, manufacturers ensure that the workflows and processes are consistent across both systems and that production data is captured and transferred optimally. Manufacturers should not implement MES during peak season since it can disrupt operations and cause delays and potential losses.  ### Manufacturing Execution System (MES) Software Trends **Cloud computing** While MES has been delivered as an on-premises solution for decades, more and more vendors now offer cloud solutions. Some vendors provide both options, making the transition to the cloud less disruptive. New vendors usually provide cloud-only MES software, which has the main benefit of being designed for the cloud, while older MES solutions have been moved to the cloud without fundamental changes to the source code.  **Market consolidation** Due to the complexity of the software, which makes development difficult, MES vendors are pretty rare and tend to be acquired by large ERP providers such as SAP, Oracle, and Infor. PLM vendors like Siemens also acquired MES systems. This trend is expected to continue, and most MES products acquired will likely be incorporated into more extensive ERP or PLM systems. **Internet of things (IoT)** IoT helps manufacturers transfer data between fixed assets and equipment and production facilities or shop floor locations. This improves data accuracy and reduces redundancy. Also, real-time information can help manufacturers identify nonconformant production and adjust operations to avoid significant losses. IoT platforms specifically designed for manufacturing are known as [Industrial IoT](https://www.g2.com/categories/industrial-iot) (IIoT) and provide advanced features for intelligent manufacturing such as digital twins and manufacturing intelligence.