The Strategic Role of MES Systems in the Context of Industry 4.0

Abstract

Since the early 1990s, Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) have been playing a pivotal role in managing production activities and integrating business from the top floor to the shop floor, reducing manufacturing costs by increasing overall equipment effectiveness and minimizing unplanned downtime. Cyber-physical systems, the Internet of things and cloud computing are some of the leading technology pillars of the Industry 4.0, also referred as the fourth industrial revolution which is the name given to the current trend of automation and data exchange in manufacturing technologies. In the new context of the Industry 4.0, vertical and horizontal integration of all participants in the production process is required. A smart factory must have collaborative manufacturing systems that can respond in real-time to meet changing demands and conditions in production process, in the supply chain network and its customer needs. Although the concept and application of the main functionalities of MES systems in the manufacturing processes are those prior to Industry 4.0 and therefore they are not considered as one of the technological pillars that represent it, MES systems perform activities which may be considered prerequisites so 4.0 technologies can be implemented efficiently and effectively. This article intends to describe the relation between the main functionalities of the MES with the technological pillars which are the base of the Industry 4.0. in order to position the strategic role of the MES within this new context and business environment.