Lessons in this course (10)

2. ISA-95, MES and what MES does

Basic★ Must knowLesson 2 of 10

ISA-95 (IEC 62264) defines the interface between enterprise systems (Level 4, ERP) and manufacturing operations (Level 3, MES) and a standard equipment hierarchy:

text
Enterprise → Site → Area → Work centre / Production line → Work unit / Machine

MES (Manufacturing Execution System) — the system that runs production on the shop floor between ERP and machines. Typical functions (MESA model):

FunctionWhat it does
Production order managementReceive orders from ERP, dispatch to lines, track progress
Work instructionsDigital SOPs per step and product
Data collectionCounts, scrap, downtime reasons, process parameters
Quality managementInspections, SPC, non-conformances, CAPA
Traceability & genealogyWhich materials, lots and machines made each product
Performance analysisOEE, downtime, cycle times
Labour managementOperators, skills, shifts
Maintenance integrationMachine states → CMMS work orders
Material/inventory on the floorWIP, consumption, kanban

ERP plans what and when (days/weeks); MES executes how (minutes/seconds); PLCs control the machine (milliseconds).