The manufacturing world is big and complex, and the sheer number of standards can be overwhelming. After all, there are terms like MES (Manufacturing Execution System), ISA-95, MES-11, and more, each addressing a piece of the complex puzzle of modern manufacturing processes.
But have you ever wondered why they are there in the first place? These frameworks and standards exist for a solid reason—to simplify, standardize, and optimize the highly intricate manufacturing landscape. So, let’s dig deep into their purpose in detail and find out where the future of MES fits into this picture.
Understanding MES: The Backbone of Modern Manufacturing
MES are software solutions that can commendably monitor, control, and optimize manufacturing operations in real-time. In other words, consider MES the bridge between high-level planning systems like Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and the physical shop floor.
While we had been leveraging traditional MES solutions for a while, manufacturers realized that they weren’t as effective as before. With technological advancements, we were lucky to see the emergence of more sophisticated, Next-Gen MES solutions that integrate seamlessly with IoT devices, cloud platforms, and AI-powered analytics. In short, next-gen MES solutions are the future of manufacturing as they provide manufacturers with unprecedented levels of visibility and control.
Why So Many Standards?
When we talk about standards in manufacturing, we are essentially addressing the need to bring structure and consistency to diverse and complex operations. So, let’s see why these specific standards exist and what they contribute to the industry.
Why Should You Choose ProManage Next-Gen MES Solutions in 2025?
ISA-95: The Framework for Integration
This is a global standard developed by the International Society of Automation. ISA-95 serves the primary goal of ensuring smooth communication between ERP and MES. Before it became a standard, manufacturers faced different challenges when integrating these layers, and they usually had to rely on custom solutions that were very expensive and unreliable.
By the way, ISA-95 provides a hierarchical model that defines five levels of manufacturing operations:
- Level 0: The physical process (e.g., sensors and actuators).
- Level 1: Basic control (e.g., PLCs and SCADA systems).
- Level 2: Supervisory control and monitoring.
- Level 3: Manufacturing operations management (the domain of MES).
- Level 4: Business logistics (handled by ERP systems).
MES-11: Refining MES Functionalities
And while you have the ISA-95 playing the role of outlining a broad integration framework, there is MES-11 that has sole purpose of focusing on the functionalities of MES. Think of it as a standardization and refinement of what MES should deliver. Therefore, it focuses on key functions like scheduling, dispatching, data collection, quality management, maintenance management, labor management, and more.
The Future of MES
MES-11: Refining MES Functionalities
It is worth pointing out that traditional MES solutions face limitations in their ability to handle decentralized and collaborative environments. Why, you ask? One specific reason is that manufacturing has changed and become more connected. This is where we have Collaborative MES (cMES)—a next-generation approach designed to meet the demands of Industry 4.0.
The key features of cMES include:
- There are cloud-based operations that provide scalability and accessibility
- You have the benefit of integration with IoT to get real-time data collection from sensors, machines, and workers
- There is AI and machine learning that provide advanced analytics for predictive insights
So, we can confidently say that shifting from isolated, plant-specific systems to collaborative, cloud-enabled platforms would make cMES the next evolutionary step in MES.
NAMUR: Bridging the Gap in Process Industries
NAMUR (User Association of Automation Technology in Process Industries) is another important standard, primarily focused on the needs of the process industries, such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and oil and gas. While ISA-95 and MES-11 cater more broadly to manufacturing, NAMUR addresses the unique challenges of continuous and batch processes.
By the way, NAMUR guidelines emphasize these three:
- Interoperability: Ensuring that systems from different vendors work seamlessly together.
- Digital transformation: Supporting the adoption of digital technologies, such as modular automation and digital twins.
- Operational safety: Providing frameworks to enhance safety and reliability in hazardous environments.
The Future: A Unified Approach?
As the manufacturing world continues to evolve, there’s a growing need for greater standardization and interoperability across these frameworks. Initiatives like Open Process Automation (OPA) aim to create universal, vendor-agnostic standards, further simplifying the landscape.
The manufacturing sector is complex, and its challenges are ever-evolving. Standards like ISA-95, MES-11, cMES, and NAMUR exist to bring order to this complexity, each addressing specific needs and use cases. As next-generation MES solutions take center stage, they promise to unify and enhance these standards, driving the industry toward greater efficiency, collaboration, and innovation.
And while the number of standards may seem excessive at first glance, each plays a crucial role in shaping the manufacturing landscape. Together, they form a cohesive framework that enables manufacturers to thrive in the competitive world of Industry 4.0.
We hope you found this information helpful. If you need any help with implementing MES for your manufacturing company, please feel free to contact us.