8.4
Editor’s Rating:
Best Overall
FactoryTalk
  • Includes Internet of Things (IoT) support
  • Offers global, multi-site customer deployment
  • On-premise and cloud-based scalability
9.1
Editor’s Rating:
Also Great
ShiftWorx™ MES
  • Real-time machine monitoring
  • Predictive modeling through AI integration
  • Competitive pricing with a "pay as you go" model
8.4
Editor’s Rating:
Best for ISO and FDA Compliance
Hydra MES
  • Popular with enterprise-level corporations
  • Gathers real-time shop floor data
  • Ideal for electronics, medical, and food and beverage

The best manufacturing execution systems (MES) link enterprise planning with shop floor activities via real-time data collection and resource control–increasing visibility, enforcing quality, and maximizing efficiency from raw materials to finished products.

We’ve examined 20+ providers across 7 metrics to rank the best MES software. We tested features such as production scheduling and workflow modeling to better determine the top options on the market today.

1 FactoryTalk - Best Overall

FactoryTalk MES software is built for supporting advanced industrial applications such as IoT. Offered both on-premise and on the cloud, this software provides global visibility of operations across your entire enterprise. The four main solution suites cover design, operation, maintenance, and innovation.

Best Overall:
FactoryTalk

Tags
View Machines
What We Like
Includes Internet of Things (IoT) support
Offers global, multi-site customer deployment
On-premise and cloud-based scalability
What We Don’t Like
Pricing requires consultation call
Steep learning curve
May require advanced coding knowledge
Overview
Client OS: Windows, Web
Deployment: Cloud Hosted

2 ShiftWorx - Also Great

ShiftWorx by FreePoint Technologies, stands out in the realm of machine monitoring and predictive modeling, offering real-time insights and data visualization.

This modular, scalable system is particularly effective for small to medium-sized manufacturers seeking enhanced productivity and waste reduction. Priced competitively at $100 per machine per month, ShiftWorx is a cost-effective solution for firms aiming to optimize their manufacturing processes.

Also Great:
ShiftWorx™ MES
★★★★★
★★★★★
(18)

Machine Call-Outs
Status Codes by Machine (Tablet View)
Key Performance Indicators
What We Like
Real-time machine monitoring
Predictive modeling through AI integration
Competitive pricing with a “pay as you go” model
What We Don’t Like
Overview
Price Range: $$
Starting Price: $250/user/month
Client OS: Web
Deployment: Cloud Hosted

3 HYDRA by MPDV USA - Best for ISO and FDA Compliance

HYDRA by MPDV USA is a fully integrated Manufacturing Execution System that collects and analyzes critical data related to production, HR, and quality management. Manufacturers can gather real-time data directly from the shop floor, along with personnel, machines, and other processes.

MPDV gives is both ISO certified and FDA validated, so it can be used in automotive, plastics, metals, and electronics manufacturing industries, as well as in the medical and food and beverage industries.

Best for ISO and FDA Compliance:
Hydra MES
★★★★★
★★★★★
(3)

Quality Chart
Planning Start End
OEE KPI
Manufacturing Software
Terminal Line Status
AIP SWA
What We Like
Popular with enterprise-level corporations
Gathers real-time shop floor data
Ideal for electronics, medical, and food and beverage
What We Don’t Like
Overview
Price Range: $$$$$
Client OS: Windows
Deployment: Cloud or On-Premises

4 Eyelit MES - Best Platform-Independent System

Eyelit MES, is a next generation, platform-independent MES. This software includes functionalities for coordination, control, and optimization of production processes. Starting with the initial order receipt to finished goods, Eyelit MES manages the flow of critical information across the enterprise while reducing or completely eliminating paper to improve efficiency with real-time manufacturing and quality controls.

Best Platform-Independent System:
Eyelit
★★★★★
★★★★★
(4)

Site Level WIP Chart
Mobile Tools
Diffusion Checklist
MES Structuring
What We Like
Platform-independent software
Offers continual improvements
Flexible subscription licensing models
What We Don’t Like
Overview

What is a Manufacturing Execution System (MES)?

Manufacturing execution systems (MES) enable complete shop-floor control and scheduling capabilities while also supplying monitoring and corrective action guidance for quality and performance continuous improvement. With a broad range of functionality, the main goal of an MES platform is to streamline and automate the processes necessary to turn raw materials into finished products.

Sometimes known broadly as manufacturing operations management (MOM), capable MES software supports key manufacturing initiatives:

  • Maximization of throughput and resource utilization,
  • Decreased manufacturing cycle times,
  • Reduction of scrap and rework,
  • Increased ability to reliably achieve quality targets,
  • Minimized inventory holding costs based on just-in-time inventory, and
  • Improved ability to meet regulatory compliance standards.

Read more: What is MES? Understanding Manufacturing Execution Systems to better understand what really goes into an MES platform.

MES Software Functionality

The best MES software for your business should offer a combination of these top features.

Feature Functionality
Change management Coordinate order changes including alterations to material, equipment, processes, or supply chain routing
Customer complaint management Convert customer complaints into actionable inspections designed to discover the root causes of production quality issues
Document management Go paperless with multi-format data storage, search, and retrieval for operational documents such as SOPs, CAD drawings, production specifications, and quality procedures
Downtime management Schedule and track machine downtime based on connections with programmable logic controllers (PLCs) or via manual input
Electronic traceability Barcode or RFID-enabled part, batch, or lot tracking to pinpoint order/material position in production flow without manual data input
Inspection management Specify workflow controls for coordination and execution of product and process quality inspections
Job tracking Real-time visibility into order status as a job progresses through the factory
Labor tracking Track for labor time and attendance against job assignment and dispatching data
Master production scheduling Planning of production orders based on assessed capacity, resource availability, and deadlines
OEE analysis Measure overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) analytics based on collected performance, loading, and availability data
Production workflow modeling Design production steps for optimal execution of manufacturing processes
Quality management Coordinate quality control processes including data collection, defect tracking, and corrective actions
Rule-based routing Route the production process based on conditional business logic inputs
SPC Statistical process control (SPC) analytics measure process variation, analysis of process capability, and reduction of process variation
Supplier quality performance Record, investigate, and manage supplier product quality non-conformances
Work-in-process (WIP) tracking Identification of inventory position at all stages within the production process
Workload projections Incorporate order forecast data for production scheduling and requirements analysis

Benefits of Manufacturing Execution Systems

The automation of shop-floor decision-making capabilities manufacturing execution systems (MES) offers is an indispensable competitive advantage to companies, whether you are a made-to-stock, made-to-order, or process manufacturer. The chief benefits of MES software are categorized as: production planning, resource optimization, production workflow management, and quality management.

Graphic with MES Benefits
MES software benefits businesses in production planning, quality control systems, and resource optimization.

What Does Your Business Need?

The exact MES you need will depend on factors such as your company size and manufacturing environment.

  • Small businesses: Since most MES solutions have initial investment costs of tens of thousands of dollars, most small businesses cannot afford a full MES. Fortunately, affordable manufacturing software options exist for small businesses which provide integrated financials, MRP, and advanced inventory to better improve your manufacturing process.
  • Mid-range companies: For established and expanding manufacturers users requiring additional functionality, MES offers many different options. Software includes custom-built solutions or pre-made software packages which can integrate with existing software like an enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution.
  • Large enterprises: Companies with the resources to purchase and implement a new MES system should look ahead to the future and consider long-term scalability. Larger organizations have the flexibility to find the best solution to work for them with custom functionality, integrations, or add-ons.
IQMS MES Plant Floor RealTime Dashboard
A real-time plant floor dashboard in IQMS MES.

Manufacturing Execution System Integrations

Manufacturing execution systems depend on inputs from various other business management systems to function properly. MES systems can be integrated with other management technologies via software APIs or provisioned as part of a larger software system, such as an ERP platform. Just a few of the top manufacturing integrations include:

Benefits of MES
Integration Functionality and Benefits
Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) Information from PLCs passed to MES software includes equipment status, output, count, and availability information.
Sales order management Data from sales order management systems on customer requirements facilitates better production scheduling. MES software passes order fulfillment status information back into sales systems to enable sales personnel to keep customers apprised of expected lead times, order status, and delivery dates.
Product lifecycle management (PLM) Data from PLM and bill of materials modules is passed into manufacturing execution systems to coordinate the steps required to produce a particular product. Diagnostic quality information captured by MES systems can be communicated back to PLM/BoM systems to improve how products should be manufactured.
Computerized maintenance management software A CMMS application helps MES software take into account scheduled downtime for equipment maintenance. Sensor data about equipment health collected in MES software is passed into CMMS modules to coordinate required maintenance events.
Warehouse management software WMS and inventory modules provides information on stock availability to coordinate material availability and production scheduling. MES software provides information back to WMS applications detailing WIP inventory tracking.
Material resource planning (MRP) Coordinate forecasting, materials management, production, and other business processes for manufacturing operations. MES systems can provide data about shop floor conditions to optimize the timing of material procurement activities to support just-in-time initiatives that lower inventory carrying costs.
Workforce management Use labor scheduling and tracking functionality to guarantee employee availability when shift scheduling. Employee performance information captured by manufacturing execution systems can be passed to workforce management software to improve future workforce scheduling.
Business intelligence software Allow for the aggregation of business data from multiple sources, while providing report generation and visual data analysis tools to support more effective business decision-making. MES data such as OEE analytics, throughput, quality metrics, and more can go to BI systems for additional reporting capabilities including visual display in executive decision-making dashboards.

Platform Scope Options

In order to function most effectively, connecting MES applications with other software systems is vital. As a result, some buyers are better suited to purchase an ERP which includes MES as a module. In those situations, there are some advantages:

  • Pre-configured integration. Provisioning an ERP system that includes an MES component offers the most confidence for strong inter-application integration, as developers of a consolidated system will have had ample opportunities in both development testing and live-use cases to verify integration capabilities.
  • Single vendor support. Managing multiple support relationships and contracts can be tricky. Working with a single ERP provider with MES functionality can make contract negotiations easier and avoid issues of finger-pointing between solution providers.
  • Common user interface. In today’s matrixed organizations, many users may have cross-departmental roles. The ability to rely on a single ERP program can reduce the friction related to learning multiple system interfaces and promote quicker training.

The pace of technological change in the MES software market is rapid. Customer appetite for improvements in MES functionality and fierce competition among developers vying to supply product differentiators have ensured that MES programs are some of the most cutting-edge products on the market. It’s no surprise MES software options have embraced the leading technology trends, including the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and cloud computing.

When looking ahead to predicted manufacturing technology use in the next 3 years, our study found 34% of software buyers already use or plan to implement MES software within the next three years. After MRP software, MES was the most common tech manufacturers wanted.

MES Technology Use

Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)

Manufacturing execution systems have been one of the commercial application types at the technological forefront for adopting IIoT. While the popular usage of the term “IoT” has exploded in the last few years, manufacturers have been collecting data from industrial equipment via web interfaces for many years before the “Internet of Things” became a household phrase. Manufacturing execution systems benefit from the IoT collection of data from a variety of sources including: automation systems, robots, NC machines, digital gauges, cameras, sensors, and wireless tools. Data collected can provide information on equipment usage, condition, current job, output statistics, and more basic conditional equipment attributes like temperature, pressure, speed, and location.

The impact of taking advantage of IIoT capabilities to collect and integrate production data is significant:

  • Production-level KPIs can be combined with other business metrics for analysis in a single system
  • Asset tracking and maintenance management can be improved to lower equipment costs
  • Real-time resource utilization information can be used to coordinate and optimize shop-floor scheduling
  • The power of the IIoT is enabled by web APIs. Application programming interfaces (APIs) enable data sharing between interconnected devices and software platforms. As more manufacturing devices are equipped with web APIs, the opportunity for IoT integration possibilities for MES applications will continue to increase.

Cloud-based Computing

Cloud-hosted software has been a game-changer for the manufacturing industry. In traditional manufacturing environments, a manager or supervisor had to be physically present on the factory floor to oversee work. Today, a manager in a satellite office can check on real-time shop-floor conditions on the other side of the world in an instant. Other benefits include:

  • Cloud enables access anytime, anywhere, so managers outside of the office or away from the production floor can still monitor plant floor conditions.
  • The ability to host MES applications on vendor hardware in their data centers allows manufacturers the ability to minimize support and technology investments while focusing on core manufacturing competencies.
  • The SaaS pricing model, often paired with cloud solutions, means the initial investment costs for manufacturing execution systems can be minimized, lowering the barrier to entry to cutting-edge technologies.

Over the years, MES software developers have released web-based software versions that enable native cloud capabilities. Additionally, traditionally client-server options can be made cloud-accessible with the usage of remote access technologies and hosting services, enabling a wider range of product options to modernize your smart manufacturing process.

MES Selection Process Map

Want to start selecting a new MES for your business? Get free MES software recommendations, pricing info, and demos today from Software Connect.

All Products

No products found
AutoSuite Screenshot

AutoSuite

AutoSuite MES enables you to integrate your control and business systems across your enterprise and turn production data into actionable information. This scalable solution, when combined with library-based content, offers personalization options that promote faster user adoption and time-to-value. Rockwell Software knows the competitive nature of maintaining a flexible manufacturing process in the automotive industry. With AutoSuite, you will find industrial automation, control, and software
Client OS
Windows, Web
Deployment
Cloud Hosted
DELMIAWorks Screenshot
In manufacturing, your money is made on the shop floor. That is why accurate, real-time visibility into your production and factory floor is a critical component of the modern manufacturing environment.
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Client OS
Windows
Deployment
Cloud or On-Premises
MasterControl Manufacturing Excellence Screenshot

MasterControl Manufacturing Excellence

★★★★★
★★★★★
(3)
MasterControl’s purpose-built manufacturing solution is revolutionizing quality manufacturing for life sciences organizations by providing a flexible, scalable, and cost-effective alternative to traditional MES. MasterControl Manufacturing Excellence is fast to deploy, simple to configure, easy to use, and cost-effective to roll out across all your production lines, including those that traditional MES have difficulty serving such as high-mix, low-volume lines or batch of one. Once implemented
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Client OS
Web
Deployment
Cloud Hosted
IMCO - CIMAG MES Screenshot

IMCO - CIMAG MES

★★★★★
★★★★★
(3)
IMCO - CIMAG MES know manufacturing is not a “one size fits all” industry, which is why this software is designed for smaller businesses to increase efficiency and lower operating costs. As an MES, IMCO adds visibility, accuracy, and control to today’s competitive manufacturing environment. This software offers a state-of-the-art scheduling module which minimizes idle time, reduces setup or disassembly time, and improves staging. Strong quality control features lower costs with real-time
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$16,630 (perpetual license)
Client OS
Windows, Web
Deployment
Cloud or On-Premises
FactoryTalk Screenshot
FactoryTalk is an MES tailored for industrial operations and various roles, including system designers to on-floor operators and maintenance staff. It’s a prime option for large-scale manufacturers and international plants moving towards Industry 4.0.
Client OS
Windows, Web
Deployment
Cloud Hosted
FactoryLogix Screenshot

FactoryLogix

★★★★★
★★★★★
(1)
FactoryLogix is an integrated suite of manufacturing software modules and devices that adapt to and improve every aspect of your manufacturing operations. Built from the ground up, FactoryLogix merges state-of-the-art technology with the knowledge and experience from 17 years of development and 1700 global installations, to deliver a solution that redefines the very concept of Manufacturing ERP Software. Save Time, Simplify your NPI Process and Eliminate Chaos: Simple, fast, guided and monitored
Client OS
Windows, iOS, Android
MESTEC by Eyelit Screenshot

MESTEC by Eyelit

★★★★★
★★★★★
(2)
MESTEC’s Manufacturing Execution System (MES) helps you improve all aspects of factory performance including: Labor Productivity, Overall Equipment Effectiveness, Quality, and Compliance. MESTEC’s Advanced Planning and Scheduling tools removes dependency on spreadsheets, streamlines planning processes, optimizes resource utilization, maximizes capacity and improves On-Time Delivery. MESTEC provides the foundation for a journey to Industry 4.0 even in environments with low levels of automation.
Deployment
Cloud Hosted
ShopVue Screenshot
ShopVue MES is best-of-breed shop floor productivity software for mid-sized and large manufacturers. ShopVue collects data with user-friendly screens and automatic machine polling to provide deep insights into what’s happening in your factory—all in real-time. With ShopVue, you can decide how much software you want. Choose from basic labor and WIP tracking or deploy everything to provide total manufacturing execution, including Paperless Manufacturing Workflows, Digital Instructions and
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$40,000 (perpetual license)
Client OS
Windows, Web
Deployment
On-Premises
ShiftWorx™ MES Screenshot

ShiftWorx™ MES

★★★★★
★★★★★
(18)
ShiftWorx by FreePoint Technologies is a robust machine monitoring and data visualization MES software designed for the manufacturing sector.
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$250/user/month
Client OS
Web
Deployment
Cloud Hosted
Eyelit Screenshot

Eyelit

★★★★★
★★★★★
(4)
Eyelit MES, is a next generation, platform-independent, manufacturing execution system, providing the broadest set of functionalities for coordination, control, and optimization of a manufacturer’s business and production processes.
Bluestreak Screenshot

Bluestreak

★★★★★
★★★★★
(15)
Designed specifically for the Service-Based Manufacturing industry, Bluestreak is a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) and Quality Management System (QMS) in one integrated solution, that ties quality management directly to individual operators on the production floor. Bluestreak” works well in various manufacturing verticals such as additive manufacturing, heat treating, powder coating, surface finishing, plating, laboratory management and NDT, forge, etc. Can also interface with existing
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$600/month
Client OS
Web
Deployment
Cloud or On-Premises
Epicor Advanced MES Screenshot
Epicor Advanced MES (Mattec) is a manufacturing execution system that automatically monitors machines and analyzes production and performance data 24x7 to help you improve capacity and, ultimately, profitability. The system collects data directly from equipment and operators on the shop floor in real time, eliminating inaccurate and time-consuming manual data collection. With this timely information, you become proactive, able to anticipate and solve production problems before they happen.
Client OS
Windows
Deployment
Cloud or On-Premises
Wonderware MES/Operations Screenshot

Wonderware MES/Operations

★★★★★
★★★★★
(1)
Industrial automation systems are capable of long hours of operation on their own, but someone must tell them exactly what to make and where, when and how to make it. Plant manufacturing strategy defines this; plant supervisors and operators execute it; and MES software synchronizes every step of the way; giving them the power to control operations, performance and quality. Reduced production order lead time; Improved inventory velocity; Improve predictability of order fulfillment; Reduce
Client OS
Windows
Deployment
On-Premises
ASCTrac ERP Supply Chain Software and MES Screenshot
ASCTrac® Supply Chain solution, with built-in Best-of-Breed MES, is the innovative end-to-end Supply Chain software from ASC Software that combines power, convenience, and control in your enterprise distribution and manufacturing operations for 100% perfect orders from start to success. With over 30 years of supply chain experience, ASC has the proven products and skills to help you succeed. Simply put, that is what ASCTrac was designed to do. Your mission is critical, and ASC Software realizes
Client OS
Windows, iOS, Android
Deployment
Cloud or On-Premises
Hydra MES Screenshot

Hydra MES

★★★★★
★★★★★
(3)
HYDRA by MPDV USA is a fully integrated Manufacturing Execution System (MES) that helps organizations collect and analyze critical data related to production, HR, and quality management. With HYDRA, manufacturers can gather real-time data from their shop floor, personnel, machines, and other processes. @youtube MPDV gives organizations access to a global solution that is both ISO certified and FDA validated, so it can be used in automotive, plastics, metals, electronics, as well as medical and
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Client OS
Windows
Deployment
Cloud or On-Premises
Infor MES Screenshot

Infor MES

★★★★★
★★★★★
(1)
Infor MES, formerly known as Lighthouse Systems (Shopfloor-Online), provides a modular approach to all your factory operations. This software offers support across a wide range of processes in discrete, assembly, and process/batch manufacturing.
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$50,000 (perpetual license)
Client OS
Windows, Web
Deployment
Cloud or On-Premises
Plex Cloud ERP Screenshot
Plex Cloud ERP is a cloud manufacturing ERP software that helps lower costs while scaling seamlessly with your business. In a time when manufacturers are beset by an uncertain economy rising steel prices, and global competition, Plexus Online is a critical tool for growth, profitability and continuous improvement. Plexus Online boosts productivity, improves quality, streamlines operations and reduces costs by providing manufacturers with the crucial information and control mechanisms they need
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$3,000/month
Client OS
Web
Deployment
Cloud Hosted
Tulip Screenshot

Tulip

★★★★★
★★★★★
(1)
Tulip is a connected frontline operations platform that connects people, machines, devices, and systems used in a manufacturing, production, or logistics process. The platform allows you to build apps for your frontline operations without writing any code. This allows you to go from idea to production in a matter of minutes. Drag and drop tools make a user-friendly solution with logic editors and rich media. Devices, sensors, and machines can become connected with integrations throughout your
Client OS
Web
Deployment
Cloud Hosted
Macola Screenshot

Macola

★★★★★
★★★★★
(2)
Macola has provided software solutions to thousands of small and medium-sized manufacturers and distributors for over 40 years. Our solutions help organizations increase revenue, reduce costs, mitigate risk, improve operational efficiencies, and customer satisfaction. Our flagship product, Macola, is a business and enterprise resource planning (ERP) software solution aimed at helping customers better: Understand costs and performance metrics; Plan properly for labor, materials, resources, and
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$70/user/month
Client OS
Windows, iOS, Android, Web
Deployment
Cloud or On-Premises
Priority ERP Screenshot

Priority ERP

★★★★★
★★★★★
(1)
Priority offers tailored systems that meet the requirements of its core vertical markets, including manufacturing, professional services, customer service, retail (including a built-in PoS, the critical link between the front and back office), healthcare, construction, automotive, agriculture and more. Further, Priority provides logistics companies with fully-integrated supply chain management to optimize logistics networks, manage transportation and warehousing operations, and provide other
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$100/user/month
Client OS
Web
Deployment
Cloud Hosted

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