The MES is (or will become) a central hub for all your production data. This means that a large part of your team will work with this system or come into contact with it.
Clarity is key—and from the very beginning!
Start with the Question: “Why are you doing this project?”
At the very start, the most important question is: “Why are we doing an MES project?”
You could throw around buzzwords like: “digitalization,” “entry into Industry 4.0,” “production automation,” or, in today’s context: “monitoring production from the home office,” “remote control,” “error detection from a distance,” “online overview of current production KPIs,” etc.
The clarity starts right with your project goals:
“Why are you undertaking an MES project?”
“How will you know at the end that you have achieved your goals?”
These are the most critical questions at the beginning of any MES project. Move away from buzzwords—what matters is what is important for YOUR company, YOUR production, YOUR logistics, YOUR team. These are your unique framework conditions and priorities.
Examples of Concrete Goals
You might already have specific starting points, such as:
Optimizing production logistics
Better handling and monitoring of outsourced production steps
Automated evaluation of measurement results
Improved worker guidance to avoid errors
…and so on
These are examples of use cases that have the potential to bring quick (partial) project success. Many people in the company know the “pain points” either directly or indirectly. It’s a big win if the new MES solves exactly these problems—this also increases acceptance of the new system.
Engage Your Organization—Clarity in Communication
Speaking of acceptance: another important aspect is clarity and transparency in internal communication. It helps if you have already done your “homework” and are aligned on why you are doing the MES project and how you will measure success.
Open, clear communication from the start significantly increases acceptance of the new MES throughout the organization. A one-time announcement at a company meeting is not enough.
Most importantly, involve the colleagues who will work directly with the MES. Discuss requirements, business processes, internal logistics, communication chains, and machine-specific workflows. This provides:
Feedback on what is important
Valuable insight into what exactly can be improved
Remember: your MES investment is only successful if the system is actually used by your organization!
ROI Considerations—Investing in the Future
A word about ROI: calculating ROI for an MES project is not always straightforward, as many benefits cannot be directly converted into euros. Nevertheless, you should weigh project costs against opportunities and future benefits.
Typical ROI topics include:
Productivity improvements (shorter throughput times, higher production volumes, on-time delivery)
Quality improvements (product quality, yield, fewer returns)
Production efficiency (more stable production, fewer reworks)
Greater agility (adapting to new products, modifications, or process improvements)
Compliance with documentation requirements or regulations
My suggestion: see it primarily as an investment in the future!
We live in the information age. Collecting production data regularly and in context gives you:
Reliable “ZDF—Numbers, Data, Facts”
Valuable information for decision-making
More opportunities for analysis, both for error detection and process improvement
This “more data” can enable:
More effective error detection and resolution
Automatic error detection and correction based on historical data
Better understanding of your production process, leading to improvements
Simulations to optimize throughput or develop new products
Testing machine setup changes on a virtual model (“Digital Twin”) without affecting live production
Clarifying Project Framework Conditions
If you agree that an MES project makes sense, then you need to clarify your framework conditions. Ask yourself:
What is your budget?
Consider the project in phases and define budgets per phase. Typical budget items include:
MES license costs
Database license(s)
Additional hardware/software
Project costs (software implementation and integration into IT, ERP, reporting, etc.)
Costs for machine integration
What is your project scope?
Define what you want to implement:
Full MES implementation or selected modules
With or without machine integration
With or without ERP connection
With or without internal software integration (e.g., reporting, planning)
Who is on your project team? Who is the project manager?
It’s essential to have an internal project driver—a project manager. For a project of this size, this is a must!
Include other key stakeholders in the MES selection team, such as production managers, quality, planning, logistics, operators, etc., to ensure a complete perspective.
What are your timelines?
It’s not just about selecting the MES—what matters is: “When will the MES be live?” Define phases clearly, including the expected results and deadlines for each phase.
These questions help structure and manage your MES project and allow clear communication with MES vendors, project service providers, and all stakeholders.
Clarity for You!
Clarity is essential in all phases of MES selection—it should guide the entire process.
Do you need clarity to get started with MES selection? Are you wondering if production digitalization makes sense for your company?
I am happy to advise you in a free strategy session, sharing my long-standing IT automation and MES expertise—interactive and online!
Simply click the blue button below this blog post. I look forward to speaking with you!
