Manufacturers today face increasing pressure to digitize their shop floor processes and achieve full information transparency across their entire business ecosystem. However, according to a recent BDO survey, only 2% of manufacturers have achieved this level of transparency. This is where an MES (Manufacturing Execution System) solution that is fully integrated into SAP software can make a significant difference.
The survey conducted by BDO found that 51% of middle market organizations are making digital changes as a result of the events of 2020, such as Covid and supply chain disruptions. Additionally, evidence is growing of the correlation between Industry 4.0 maturity and business success, with early adopters outperforming their counterparts. Implementing an Industry 4.0 strategy is a priority for 24% of surveyed manufacturing executives.
An MES solution based on SAP technology, like MES CAT from T.CON, offers a number of advantages for manufacturers looking to digitize their shop floor processes. First and foremost, data and key figures from production and production-related systems are seamlessly integrated into the corporate information flow, ensuring a homogeneous data basis within the company, including across multiple locations. The MES and the ERP applications are based on the SAP development platform, making installation and implementation simple.
SAP integration matters
Moreover, the MES functions can help manufacturing enterprises move towards Industry 4.0 by providing maximum transparency and traceability over all production steps and products, along with data consistency right through every corner of the ERP system. MES CAT is the central information and data hub, linking together the levels of the automation pyramid. Platform-based MES solutions like this one are future-oriented developments that bring you closer to a smart factory.
The MES can also be gradually networked with innovative, easy to set up cloud apps and smart industrial IoT technology to capture and process bulk data. Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence can be used to exploit this data and transform it into optimizations. The links between different systems on the shop floor and the ERP system are created using T.CON’s in-house development, “CAT Connector”, which provides a standardized communication infrastructure and is flexible and quick to configure.
Less work and cost for the IT department
In conclusion, using an MES solution based on SAP technology, like MES CAT from T.CON, is an ideal way for manufacturers to achieve full information transparency across their entire business ecosystem. It offers a host of benefits, including seamless integration with the corporate information flow, ease of installation and implementation, and the ability to network with innovative, easy to set up cloud apps and smart industrial IoT technology. Using SAP technology also saves the IT department unnecessary work and costs.