The need for having an integrated connected system is growing daily for manufacturing operations. Manual, on-premise ERP, MRP, and MES systems just simply do not make the cut for modern manufacturing anymore, which is why it may be time to gravitate toward the cloud. Cloud technology has become an extremely beneficial component to manufacturing operations of any size.
Cloud ERP is becoming common within manufacturing, which leaves on-premises MES systems a step behind. Most manufacturing operations should integrate a cloud MES system to keep up with an advanced ERP system. The two systems combined allow for an integrated and connected system, with each of the systems cooperating with each other to ensure smooth production. The two cloud based software presents up-to-the-minute data that you can easily access on your phone, enabling you to always keep a close eye on the health of your supply chain.
MES is able to oversee production and make sure everything goes according to plan. On-premise systems are not able to be as easily accessed and monitored like cloud-based MES software. As MES is taking responsibility for overall production, this leaves room for other areas of manufacturing to be focused on. Cloud based MES software is the easiest way to gain insight into your supply chain at any given time and locate areas where aid is needed.
Integrating your ERP and MES system enables your operation to be able to collect data across your entire supply chain. All of the data that is presented throughout the supply chain (low productivity, bottlenecks, etc.) are broadcasted to the entire system, allowing for thorough visibility into your production. As this data is collected, systematic decision making capabilities are enacted and permit the entire system to be able to optimize the production cycle. This is how the system is able to enhance the supply chain through various periods of production and attempt to reach maximum efficiency within your facility.
Many project managers are coming to the realization that ERP alone is not enough and are beginning to look for ways to further enhance their supply chain. Ultimately, many are coming to the same conclusion - advanced planning and scheduling (APS). Advanced planning and scheduling software (APS) can be easily integrated with cloud ERP and MES software. APS offers various capabilities that can enhance production immensely. Benefits of APS include:
Cloud-based MES and ERP give you real-time visibility into what’s happening on the shop floor—but visibility alone doesn’t protect your margins. If production plans still live in spreadsheets, you can end up with the same old problems: late deliveries, overloaded bottlenecks, underused capacity, and excess inventory—just with prettier dashboards.
Download our one-page “The Money Is in the Planning” infographic to see the most common ways poor planning and scheduling quietly erode profit, and how Advanced Planning & Scheduling (APS) on top of your cloud MES and ERP can help you:
Turn real-time data into better, constraint-aware schedules
Improve on-time delivery while reducing overtime and expediting
Use capacity more effectively across machines and lines
Lower inventory without risking service levels
Use it as a quick checklist to find where your connected systems are strong—and where planning is still the weak link.