Learn about bridging the gap from edge to cloud MES to make automation more effective

Edge of automation to cloud MES insights

• Manufacturing execution systems (MES) and edge computing can resolve challenges related to integrating automation and other applications.
• A modern MES makes automation more effective in four primary ways.
• Edge computing (or an industrial server computing platform) can consolidate connected software platforms, lower risk and add reliability for industrial applications.

Enhance operational excellence by using manufacturing execution systems (MES) to bridge the gap between human-machine interface/supervisory control and data acquisitions (HMI/SCADA) systems and enterprise resource planning (ERP), the enterprise and the cloud, ensuring efficient decision-making and visibility, according to software experts in an Oct. 5 Control Engineering webcast, “Bridging the Gap: Edge to Cloud MES.”

Jason Andersen, vice president, business line management, Stratus, and Ron Harrison, president and founder, Conperio Technology Solutions, explain four ways a modern MES makes automation more effective, in an Oct. 5 Control Engineering webcast, “Bridging the Gap: Edge to Cloud MES,” archived for a year. Courtesy: Stratus, Conperio Technology Solutions

Modern manufacturing revolves around MES functionality, a fundamental need for trust in the data, a secure infrastructure and a growing emphasis on incorporating intelligence and analytics into an integrated ecosystem of applications. Edge computing can help manufacturers overcome today’s integration, complexity, maintenance, training, cost and cybersecurity challenges, explain Jason Andersen, vice president, business line management, Stratus, and Ron Harrison, president and founder, Conperio Technology Solutions. During the webcast, Andersen and Conperio explain how to:

• Use edge computing to foster information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) team collaboration.

• Navigate the complexities of HMI/SCADA, MES and enterprise resource planning (ERP) integration to unlock operational potential.

• Learn to recognize the impact of data on manufacturing and emphasize its importance in analytics, acquisition, management, trust, data accessibility and cybersecurity.

• Unlock the power of downtime monitoring for enhanced manufacturing efficiency and insights and navigate supply chain challenges, regulatory compliance, digital transformation and traceability imperatives.

With an MES-enabled automation and control architecture, explains Harrison, an MES platform “executes the process of what happens on the manufacturing floor. It is a system that collects data from the shop floor and provides real-time information to operators, managers and other stakeholders. MES delivers greater efficiency on the plant floor that translates into faster response times, lower costs and higher profits — all the things any manufacturer needs to be competitive.”

Those with an outdated manufacturing execution system (MES) may not understand how modern systems can bring automation and connected systems more scalability, optimization, supply chain production streamlining and minimized downtime, according to Ron Harrison, president and founder, Conperio Technology Solutions. Courtesy: Stratus, Conperio Technology Solutions

4 ways a modern MES makes automation more effective

Four leading functions of a modern MES, according to Harrison, are:

1. Scalability – it refers to the ability of an MES system to adapt to changes in production volume or complexity. Scalability is vital in smart manufacturing solutions and it encompasses the ability to handle data growth, expand IO, devices, clients, services and functionality. This is important for manufacturers who want to be able to grow their business without having to replace their existing MES system.

2. Optimization – refers to the ability of an MES system to improve the efficiency of production. A modern MES system can help manufacturers to optimize their production processes by collecting and analyzing data in real time. This data can be used to identify bottlenecks, optimize workflows and reduce waste.

3. Supply chain – refers to the network of suppliers, manufacturers and distributors involved in the production and delivery of a product. A modern MES system can help manufacturers to improve their supply chain efficiency by tracking the movement of materials and products through the supply chain. This information can be used to identify disruptions, optimize inventory levels, and reduce costs.

4. Minimizing downtime – refers to the ability of an MES system to prevent or reduce unplanned downtime. Downtime can be caused by a variety of factors, such as machine breakdowns, quality problem or operator errors. A modern MES system can help manufacturers to minimize downtime by providing real-time alerts and notifications, scheduling preventive maintenance and resolving issues quickly.

By combining functions of various automation related or connected software platforms into one advanced virtualized edge computer or server, advantages can be realized, according to Anderson, including:

• Smaller number of devices for less panel space and wiring;

• Consolidation of software assets in one, redundant and industrially hardened edge device where it’s easier to implement solutions in industries that require good manufacturing practices (GMP), validation and/or regulation.

The Oct. 5 webcast, which will be archived for a year, offers live attendees to get questions answered during the live question and answer session after the presentation from Anderson and Harrison. Poll questions encourage additional audience participation.

Edited by Mark T. Hoske, content manager and webcast moderator, Control Engineering, CFE Media and Technology, mhoske@cfemedia.com.

KEYWORDS: Manufacturing execution systems, MES, edge computing

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