Clarity in the MES selection process. Clarity in the final decision.
That’s exactly what the fourth part of the blog series is about.
MES Selection – Clarity in the Selection Process and Decision-Making!
So far, you have already gained clarity on the following points. You now know:
Your project goals
Your project constraints, especially
Budget (possibly also budget per phase…)
Timeline (overall timeline, time per phase, time for selection)
Scope (machine integration, data migration, ERP connection, reporting…)
Your technical requirements
Your non-technical requirements
Your requirements regarding integration into your production and IT landscape
Your requirements for the vendor
These are important insights that will serve as valuable guideposts throughout the MES selection process.
Clarity in the Selection Process
You have documented your requirements in a specification sheet and sent it to various MES vendors. Now you have the first responses in hand.
At this stage—the “paperwork process”—you can use the results from the previous “homework” phase to begin narrowing down potential candidates.
The clearer you were about your constraints and requirements beforehand, the less effort it takes to do this first evaluation.
Before going deeper, one important premise:
“There is no good or bad MES.”
What does this mean? Every MES on the market has its purpose, and each has individual strengths and weaknesses. However, it doesn’t make much sense to list strengths and weaknesses in a table and simply tick them off. The assessment is highly individual—what one customer considers a strength, another may see as a drawback. The key question for your company is: “Which MES fits us best?”
That is the question the selection process must answer.
Paperwork
With the tender documents you received, you now have the first information at hand. Depending on the scope and depth of the tender, you may already have addressed constraints such as timeline, scope, or phased integration.
If you already addressed machine integration during the preparation phase and perhaps included the machine overview in the tender, you can draw important conclusions from the responses.
For example, you can see whether the MES vendor performs the machine integration themselves or works with an integrator. You will also understand the vendor’s technical approach—whether the machine is directly connected to the MES via an interface or whether an additional framework solution is used. Depending on the solution’s scope, this can affect the timeline, e.g., if training or additional infrastructure is needed.
Evaluation also depends on how you want to handle this operationally in the future. Assume that the number of machines, machine types, and data exchange volume are not “carved in stone.” How will you handle expansions and changes? If you have the capacity, consider enabling your team to implement future changes and expansions independently.
Next step:
From the paper evaluations, you have likely created your first overview or ranking.
Important: use a consistent template and ensure clarity and agreement on evaluation criteria. The clarity from the preparation phase helps here because discussing your constraints naturally leads to evaluation criteria.
Evaluate not only technical functionality coverage but the overall package and how it aligns with your goals.
Your ranking will then guide you in inviting your Top 3, Top 5, or Top X vendors to the demo phase.
MES Demonstration Phase
As stated before, the key question is: “Which MES fits our company best?”
Typically, vendors present a standard demo of their MES. That’s fine, but to gain clarity, ask: “Can we truly determine if this MES fits our needs?”
Usually, the answer is no. Therefore, always customize the MES demo.
How? Provide the vendor with your use cases in advance. The focus is less on showing a perfect demo and more on:
Has the vendor understood your use case and the expected outcome?
Does the vendor speak your language?
How was the use case implemented—configured or programmed? How complex was it?
You get a feeling for how the MES will look and operate for your use cases.
If the vendor works with an integrator, ensure the demo is presented as a team. This gives insight into team dynamics and lets you meet the experts directly.
Is this effort worth it? From experience: absolutely!
Strategically important software like an MES should not be selected through a simple feature-and-price comparison. You are laying the foundation for digitizing and automating your production. The MES must “hit the floor” in your company.
In addition to customized demos, take advantage of reference visits—or currently, reference calls. Speaking with project managers from reference projects provides insights, best practices, and lessons learned.
Tip for evaluation: do it as a team immediately after the demo while impressions are fresh. Waiting days or weeks will weaken the quality of your assessment.
Clarity in the Final Decision
With clarity in all previous phases and a clear roadmap, you reach the final decision stage.
After the demo phase and reference calls, a preference typically emerges. Now, evaluate thoroughly as a team:
Are there open questions or follow-ups needed?
Are any points requiring further review?
Has the vendor promised additional information?
Do you understand the overall package?
Review the overall package: how well does the MES fit not only technically but also with your project constraints? Consider:
Timelines (possibly multiple phases)
Budget
Machine integration
IT and production landscape integration
Impression of vendor/integrator team
Proposed project execution
Remember: this is a major project. You are in control to start it under optimal conditions.
Last but not least: make a decision! With clarity and a clear roadmap, this should not be a problem. Be aware of internal politics, but stand behind your decision. The MES must be actively used in your organization to achieve ROI and prepare your company for the future. Your clear decision is critical.
That’s it! Congratulations!
With your clear decision, you’ve set the course successfully. Next: commercial negotiations, and more importantly, moving forward with your MES integration project!
In the final part of the series, I will deliver on my promise and share additional thoughts and tips on MES selection. Stay tuned!
Clarity for You!
Need clarity for your MES selection? Already in the selection phase but struggling to decide? Want ideas on how to “customize” a MES demo?
Take advantage of a free strategy session! One thing is certain: after it, you will be a definite step further!
Click the blue button below this blog post. I look forward to speaking with you!
