Manufacturing businesses thrive on quick, informed decisions.
But without access to real-time tracking & accurate data, staying on top of operations can be a challenge.
That’s where ERP and MES systems come in.
ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) provides a macro-level overview of business workflows, while MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems) dives into granular, real-time production floor insights like equipment status, output rates, and quality control.
Integrating ERP and MES with digital signage transforms raw data into actionable visuals, enabling your team to make precise, real-time decisions where it matters most.
But how much of a difference does real-time data make when it comes to making real-time decisions?
ERP and MES are the navigation systems that guide your manufacturing process. Here’s how they work:
|
Aspect |
ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) |
MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems) |
|
Focus |
Macro-level view of the entire business |
Micro-level view of the manufacturing process |
|
Purpose |
Streamlines business processes like finance, HR, supply chain, and sales |
Tracks and manages production processes, including equipment and workflows |
|
Primary Users |
Business executives, finance teams, HR, and sales teams |
Operations managers, floor supervisors, and technicians |
|
Data Insights |
Historical and forecasted data for planning and resource allocation |
Real-time data on equipment status, production rates, and quality control |
|
Scope |
Company-wide integration and reporting |
Shop-floor-focused management and execution |
|
Real-life example |
Tracks supplier orders for car parts and forecasts demand for assembly lines |
Monitors real-time status of machines assembling car doors |
With ERP and MES in your corner, you can easily keep tabs on key metrics like OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness), equipment health, production progress, and inventory levels---all in real time.
But here’s the million-dollar question: how do these solutions translate into real, measurable ROI?
That’s where Forrester’s Total Economic Impact (TEI) framework comes to the rescue. Using its tried-and-tested methodology, businesses can quantify the financial impact of integrating ERP, and MES:
The beauty of it all? This raw data isn’t stuck in a report nobody reads.
Plug it into a digital signage setup, and suddenly, complex numbers turn into clear visuals your team can act on immediately.
Now, everything is measurable, comparable, and downright useful.
📌 Example: a TEI study by Forrester Consulting showed that manufacturers using Salesforce achieved a whopping 354% ROI and a net present value (NPV) of $27.17 million over three years. Imagine the potential of capturing and displaying such data effortlessly through digital signage—it’s efficiency on steroids.
Let’s understand this better.
Also Read: Enhancing Safety & Efficiency: The Role of Digital Signage in Modern Manufacturing
Did you know that over 43% of manufacturers struggle with accessing real-time data for decision-making?
It’s a common challenge—having valuable insights from ERP and MES systems but not being able to deliver them effectively to the people who need them most—the decision makers of an organization.
This lack of visibility can slow down decisions, create bottlenecks, and hurt overall productivity.
Here’s where digital signage or real time displays change the whole way to access and visualize data and information.
Think that all the vital information is always at your fingertips.
Yes, it’s possible with digital signage.
Digital signage revolutionizes operational insights by seamlessly integrating MES & ERP data streams into dynamic, user-friendly dashboards.
Whether you're on a busy shop floor, an executive boardroom, or various facilities, real-time data is available right where you need it—bringing critical insights to the forefront.
For example, you’re overseeing multiple assembly lines.
With digital signage, you can see real-time updates from the MES system about machine performance and inventory levels from the ERP system.
All this on a single screen, thanks to the tech behind digital signage!
MES & ERP integration brings your manufacturing data to life.
Real-time updates on production KPIs, equipment diagnostics, and critical safety alerts are now accessible at a single glance.
It streamlines decision-making across all levels and keeps everyone in the loop—ensuring teams stay informed and aligned without digging through reports.
With instant visibility into operations, real time displays or digital signage streamlines communication, cuts downtime, and empowers faster, smarter decisions.
This visibility keeps everyone in sync, from operators to management, enabling better communication and collaboration.
Moreover, MES & ERP integration fosters a culture of transparency and accountability, which in turn motivates your teams to work toward shared goals.
Book a demo today to see how real-time data tracking works for you.
It can’t be overstated how crucial real-time data is to a company’s success.
Just look at Ciena, a major player in telecom networking equipment and software. The company built a self-serve data ecosystem to:
Ciena moves a staggering 40-90 million business events daily from Oracle databases to Snowflake. This real-time data fuels advanced analytics across manufacturing, sales, and other business functions.
The result? Smarter decisions and happier customers with a little help from ERP MES system.
But let’s face it—who has time to sift through massive reports? Already 82% of people miss important emails simply because their inboxes are stuffed.
This is where data visualization comes in clutch. Digital signage takes your data from “yawn-worthy” to “can’t miss.” Pop those real-time insights onto a massive screen, and you’ve got the whole room analyzing, strategizing, and acting on fresh data—literally updated every second.
Also Read: The Impact of Digital Signage on Uptime, Productivity, and Labor Cost Reduction
Here's a quick recap to reinforce how ERP & MES integration can take your operations to the next level:
When it comes to manufacturing, the integration of ERP and MES systems is not just an advantage—it’s essential.
Bringing these two systems together empowers your team to make quicker, more informed decisions while minimizing downtime and enhancing efficiency.
Real-time data displayed keeps everyone aligned; everyone from operators to executives stays aligned and up-to-date. This makes decision-making faster as executives have access to data at all times.
Ready to give ERP and MES integration a chance? L Squared specializes in bringing these integrations to life.
L Squared offers customizable solutions, seamless integration with top tools, quick setup in under an hour, and 24/5 support geared to your manufacturing needs.
Contact L Squared to discover the highest potential of your manufacturing!
How do MES and ERP work together?
MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems) and ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) work together by bridging production floor operations with broader business workflows. MES provides real-time production insights, while ERP offers a macro-level view of resource management. Integrated together, they create a seamless data flow that leads to efficient manufacturing operations.
What does MES stand for?
MES stands for Manufacturing Execution System. It is a software solution that tracks, monitors, and manages production processes in real-time, helping manufacturers improve efficiency, ensure quality, and optimize overall production.
What is the difference between ERP and manufacturing execution systems?
ERP focuses on managing enterprise-wide functions like finance, inventory, and supply chain, providing a macro-level view of the organization. MES, on the other hand, operates on the production floor, offering detailed insights into real-time operations like equipment performance, workforce efficiency, and production tracking.
What is the role of ERP systems in systems integration?
ERP systems play a crucial role in systems integration by connecting various departments within an organization, such as finance, inventory, and production. When integrated with systems like MES and ERP ensure a unified data flow, enabling real-time visibility and more effective resource allocation.