What’s the difference between MES and ERP systems? Many business owners and managers are unsure of the differences between these two types of systems, and even more uncertain of which system they need for their business. In this blog post, we will break down the differences and similarities between MES and ERP systems, to help you decide which system is best for your business.
What is an MES System?
MES systems stand for Manufacturing Execution Systems. These systems are used to track and monitor the production process in manufacturing environments. MES systems can be used to track things like raw materials, production progress, and finished products.
An MES is used to gain insight into manufacturing operations in order to analyze what may be improved and how costs can be reduced and production efficiency can be increased. An MES can collect real-time data, enable production analysis, and enforce process requirements.
Benefits of an MES system
Some of the benefits of an MES system include the following:
- Reduction in operation cost
- Improvement in productivity
- Real-time visibility
What is an ERP System?
An Enterprise Resource Planning (ERS) system is used to manage operational activities such as plant scheduling, order processing, inventory management, and customer service. Manufacturing ERP software, as opposed to MES software, is designed to increase company performance by providing reports on business operations and suggesting where procedures may be streamlined.
An ERP can oversee business operations, perform scheduling, integrate business processes with manufacturing processes, and track materials.
Benefits of an ERP System
Some of the benefits of an ERP system include the following:
- Better inventory control
- Better customer experience
- Mitigation of risk
What are the Differences Between MES and ERP?
Now that we know a little bit about each system, let’s dive into the differences between the two. Some of the differences between MES and ERP include the following:
- How Data is Kept and Delivered: MES systems are designed to keep track of data in real-time. ERP systems, on the other hand, are not built to handle real-time data. The data from an ERP system is typically batch processed and delivered at set intervals.
- Functionality: ERP and MES systems fulfill different purposes in the manufacturing industry. MES was designed to handle the day-to-day activities of your manufacturing process and operations in real-time, which is where it differs from an ERP system. An ERP system focuses on scheduling and quantitative analysis.
- System Integration: ERP systems are not always easy to integrate with other software. MES systems, on the other hand, are designed to be easily integrated into other software.
What are the Similarities Between MES and ERP?
Now that we know some of the key differences between these two types of systems, let’s take a look at some of the similarities. Some of the similarities between MES and ERP systems include the following:
- Data Management: Both MES and ERP systems are designed to manage data. This data can include things like customer information, product information, supplier information, etc.
- Process Automation: Both MES and ERP systems can automate processes. This automation can help to improve efficiency and productivity.
- System Administration: Both MES and ERP systems require system administrators. These administrators are responsible for managing the system and ensuring that it is updated and running smoothly.
Need an MES or ERP System?
Whether you are considering an MES or ERP system, or both, the professionals at VersaCall can help. We have a team of experts who can help you to select the right system for your needs and budget. Contact us today to learn more!
