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Deconstructing MES: How the Architecture in Manufacturing is Changing and Why It Matters
by Mark Cubine, EnteGreat

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Paper Overview
In the 1990's, as companies moved from the paradigm of home-grown software to commercial off-the-shelf software applications, a sort of middle layer of functional applications grew to be known as Manufacturing Execution Systems, or MES. While companies that only sold specialized MES application software certainly have flourished, there are now new pressures on software vendors in this architectural middle space. The ERP companies are encroaching from the top and the Automation vendors are creeping up from the plant floor. In this paper, we explore what this implies in the long term. Additionally, we will delve into what manufacturing companies need to be thinking about today in order to make the best long term choices about their IT architectures, and the software suppliers on which they plan to build those architectures.

Paper Outline

• Introduction
• Why the Architecture is Changing
  • The History of Manufacturing IT
  • Where We Stand Today
• What The Changes Can Mean for Manufacturing Companies
  • Lower Total Cost of Ownership
  • Standardized Practices through Enterprise-wide Solutions
  • Master Data Management
• How Manufacturers can Respond
  • Conduct an assessment of your current architecture.
  • Formulate a portfolio plan for your manufacturing future.
  • Ensure that your IT strategy is actually aligned with real business goals.
  • Utilize industry standards where they can help you.
  • Establish the practice of change management.
• Conclusion

About the Author
Mark Cubine, Vice President of EnteGreat, has over 23 years of experience in manufacturing, including work within the Food & Beverage, Consumer Products, Pulp & Paper, Steel, Specialty Chemicals/Fibers/Films, Printing, Pharmaceuticals, Biotech, Automotive, and Electronics industries. Mark's papers, industry press articles, and technical sessions have helped people throughout the industry gain a better understanding of manufacturing systems integration within the Enterprise IT environment. Mark has also co-authored the book "Information Technology for Manufacturing: Reducing Costs and Expanding Capabilities."

Download this paper - Click here - 749 KB file download.