The MES (Manufacturing Execution System) is a real-time production control and management system responsible for connecting the shop floor with planning (ERP), quality, and engineering systems. It allows monitoring, tracking, documenting, and optimizing production execution, ensuring full visibility of what is happening on the line.
Function of MES in the industry
The MES acts as a bridge between planning and execution, coordinating the following elements:
- Production orders and sequencing
- Resource allocation (machines, operators, tools)
- Process and product data collection
- Tracking by serial number or batch
- Quality control and release
- Integration with testing and validation systems
- Communication with ERP (SAP, Oracle, TOTVS, etc.)
Benefits of implementing an MES
- 📊 Real-time visibility of each production stage
- ✅ Reduction of manual errors and non-conformities
- 🧾 Complete traceability by product, operator, station, and batch
- ⚙️ Better resource utilization and operational efficiency
- 📉 Reduction of waste, rework, and cycle time
- 📁 Solid foundation for audits and certifications (ISO, IATF, FDA)
Difference and complementarity between MES and ERP
While the ERP operates in planning, administrative, and strategic management (financial, purchasing, inventory, HR), the MES is responsible for execution and production control on the factory floor.
| ERP | MES |
|---|---|
| Planning and routing | Real-time execution of production orders |
| Inventory and materials control | Material consumption and usage reporting |
| Accounting and tax data | Process, operator, and machine data |
| Batch traceability | Traceability by serial number / station |
| Integration with suppliers and sales | Integration with instruments, jigs, and tests |
Together, ERP + MES + testing system form a fully connected, agile, and traceable industrial ecosystem.
How AJOLLY Testing integrates MES systems
AJOLLY Testing develops testing and validation systems with direct interfaces with MES platforms, providing:
🧩 Bidirectional integration
- Receiving production orders directly from the MES
- Sending test status (PASS / FAIL), measurements, and logs
- Recording serial numbers and traceability by sample
📊 KPI analysis via MES
- FPY, CPK, cycle times, failure causes
- Dashboards integrated into production for quick decision-making
- Generation of reports and automatic alerts
🔐 Compliance and security
- Digitally signed logs
- User/level access control
- Compliance with quality standards and good manufacturing practices (GMP)
Typical applications
- Electronic and electromechanical assembly lines
- Pharmaceutical production and medical devices
- Testing of RF modules, sensors, and actuators
- Functional validation of embedded systems
- Automotive, aerospace, and railway production
Custom MES development by AJOLLY Testing
In addition to integrating testing systems with existing MES in the market, AJOLLY Testing also offers the possibility of developing a custom MES system, tailored to the client’s real needs. This solution is feasible thanks to the internal mastery of modular components already applied in previous projects, such as:
- Automatic acquisition and recording of test data
- Database with traceability by serial number, station, and operator
- Custom production dashboards and KPIs (FPY, CPK, cycle time)
- Order sequencing and production flow control
- Direct integration with testing instrumentation, jigs, and validation software
Result: a lean, reliable, scalable MES fully aligned with the factory’s reality.