welcome MES

In a factory, it is essential to maximize production capacity. With various production locations across Europe, this retail chain had one location operating on an outdated Manufacturing Execution System (MES). To gain control over the production process and enhance the quality of the output at the production facility in Portugal, a new MES was necessary.

SST was tasked with the challenge of developing a customized MES, tailored to the factory's operations. This involved not only creating the software for the production line but also ensuring seamless integration with the new warehouse and order software SAP, through SAP PI. Concurrently with the development of the new MES, the customer was implementing SAP SAP EWM & SAP ECC. This made the collection of the appropriate master data and its enrichment a challenging process.

The new MES we have developed, along with the conveyor system and integration with SAP, establishes control over the quality of the production process. There is greater overview of the over 40 parameters of an order before it enters the factory. Additionally, an order can be meticulously tracked throughout the entire production process using sensors and scanners, and extra checks can be incorporated. Any re-routing of orders can now easily be executed.

To enable a suitable MES and effective integration with SAP, we collaborated closely with the client, the factory employees, and other SAP development teams. Using a detailed architecture, we applied an agile development process with continuous testing, feedback and refinements. We also conducted regular on-site testing with the production line hardware. Setting up the test days alongside the ongoing production process was also part of our responsibilities. This yielded valuable insights that facilitated the smooth launch of the MES.