What is MES in Epicor?

In today’s competitive manufacturing environment, real-time visibility on the shop floor is critical for improving productivity and maintaining quality standards. A Manufacturing Execution System (MES) provides this visibility by bridging the gap between production activities and business operations.

In Epicor ERP, MES is an integrated solution that enables manufacturers to monitor, control, and optimize production processes. It connects machines, people, and data into a single platform, ensuring that everyone—from operators to executives—has access to accurate, up-to-the-minute information.

What Does MES in Epicor Do?

MES in Epicor ERP captures and consolidates data from the shop floor as it happens. This information allows manufacturers to track work orders, manage production resources, and maintain quality standards without relying on manual processes.

Key Features of MES in Epicor

1. Real-Time Data Capture

• Employees record the start and completion of tasks directly in the system.

• MES tracks productive time versus downtime, highlighting inefficiencies.

• Supervisors can instantly see who is performing which task.

2. Work Order Tracking

• Provides a live view of jobs in progress, upcoming tasks, and completed work.

• Tracks material usage and scrap to maintain accurate production reports.

3. Quality Control Tools

• Operators can enter inspection results during production, allowing issues to be addressed early.

• Defect trends can be monitored to reduce rework and waste.

4. User-Friendly Interfaces

• Touchscreen displays make it easy for employees to clock in, report issues, and update task progress.

• Interfaces can be customized for specific roles, such as operators, supervisors, or quality teams.

5. Traceability

• Tracks the origin and movement of every part or material through the production process.

• Simplifies audits, product recalls, and compliance with industry regulations.

Why MES Matters for Manufacturers

• Improved Visibility: Real-time data from the shop floor helps managers make faster, better decisions.

• Reduced Errors: Automated data capture minimizes manual entry mistakes.

• Increased Efficiency: Teams can identify bottlenecks and resolve them quickly.

• Enhanced Quality Control: Traceability tools ensure consistent product quality and compliance.

• Integrated Operations: MES works seamlessly with other Epicor ERP modules, such as inventory management and finance, to deliver a connected view of the business.

Practical Examples: How MES in Epicor Improves Operations

1. Reducing Downtime: A manufacturer notices frequent machine stoppages during the afternoon shift. Using Epicor MES data, the production manager identifies that unplanned changeovers are causing delays. By adjusting the production schedule and providing additional operator training, downtime is reduced by 15%.

   
   

2. Improving On-Time Delivery: A custom parts supplier uses MES to track work orders in real time. When a critical order falls behind schedule, the system automatically alerts supervisors, allowing them to reallocate labor and prioritize tasks. This proactive response helps the company meet delivery deadlines.

   
   

3. Strengthening Quality Control: A food and beverage manufacturer leverages MES traceability features to track the origin and handling of raw materials. When a supplier quality issue arises, the company can quickly isolate affected batches, reducing the scope of recalls and protecting its brand reputation.

Optimizing MES for Your Manufacturing Business

Epicor MES can be configured to match the unique workflows of each manufacturing environment. Companies can use dashboards, alerts, and custom reports to focus on the metrics that matter most—whether that’s production efficiency, on-time delivery rates, or scrap reduction.

In Summary

MES in Epicor ERP is a powerful solution for manufacturers seeking better visibility, efficiency, and quality on the shop floor. By integrating people, processes, and data, it gives decision-makers the insights they need to run operations with greater precision and agility.