MES development and significant applications in manufacturing -A review

Due to the increasing competitive environment in manufacturing sector, many enterprises have started to realize the need of appropriate computer integrated engineering management system. Computers have become an essential tool for the manufacturing and process enterprises with the development of software and network technologies. The Manufacturing Execution System (MES) is a computer system design to facilitate manufacturers for the product manufacturing with high quality, low cost and minimum lead time. MES software solutions are still at formative phases in the developing countries. Therefore, it will be appropriate to preview the key concepts of MES by recounting how it evolved, whom will it benefit, and how to implement it. The main function of MES is to provide information for optimization of production activities from initiation of the product order to the completion of the product. MES is a manufacturing control solution that aims to streamline the flow of information about the product and related processes throughout the production line so that the accurate information is available in the right place at the right time. The product information integration and process integration are the most important factors for establishing a reliable high quality MES system. This review described the background and significance of MES, its relationship with other information systems, and the major applications in the enterprises. Particularly, applications of MES in the aerospace, semiconductors, steel and cement enterprises are study in detail.