Helping customers achieve approximately 33% improvement in their overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) through implementing an advanced manufacturing execution system (MES) solution is a sure-fire way for plastics and rubber manufacturers to stay ahead of their competitors.
Significant improvements in product costing and loss identification can be achieved using the right enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution and when this is implemented alongside a manufacturing execution system, the benefits can then be felt on many levels throughout the business.
The ultimate goal of MES is to enhance production efficiency and throughput by identifying and mitigating real-time losses and their causes.
MES provides real-time visibility into production processes, revolutionising the way manufacturers operate. Here are some key aspects of its functionality:
- Machine monitoring
The software can alert you when machines deviate from specified limits, whether in terms of speed or temperature. This early detection can prevent production losses due to scrap or machine issues.
- Scrap and downtime reporting
MES assists in identifying the root causes of scrap, which can be due to tool issues (mould or die) or machine/operator inefficiencies.
- Downtime and machine utilisation
The system optimises machine utilisation by spreading workloads efficiently. It can even pinpoint the most efficient machine for specific components, reducing operating and maintenance costs.
- Machine and tool maintenance
The software also allows you to schedule pre-emptive maintenance based on run time, cycles, and calendar intervals. MES also offers real-time scheduling ability, providing visibility into schedule impacts when jobs run faster or slower. This flexibility enhances productivity, keeping your operations on track and on budget.
The ERP advantage
ERP is the perfect companion for MES in the plastics and rubber industry. Here’s how it adds value:
- ERP aids in job costing, allowing you to identify risk areas and resolutions. It evaluates operator efficiencies and compares job schedules to their actual progress. This insight can help you identify delays or issues in your manufacturing process.
- Improved product costing is a significant benefit of ERP. It provides a more accurate basis for reviewing sales prices and visibility into labour and overhead costs, which, in turn, helps in optimising product builds and processes.
- ERP facilitates a detailed comparison between estimated and actual costs. This insight is invaluable when it comes to understanding how projects are tracking and can provide early warnings about procurement issues, such as unexpected material price hikes.
MES and ERP are indispensable tools for the plastics and rubber industry. They work in tandem to ensure efficient production, minimise losses and enhance cost control. With these technologies at your disposal, you can stay competitive and agile in the ever-evolving manufacturing landscape.
Click on the video below to see epic’s Advanced MES specialist, Mihir Gulabbhai, demonstrating a connected factory:
The following video gives you an idea how the Epicor Advanced MES realtime display can give you a window as to what is happening in your production plant:
EpicERP has also helped companies to save time and costs in the agriculture and manufacturing sectors:
Speak to one of our experienced consultants about how your business can benefit by using Advanced MES: www.epicerp.co.za or email in**@ep*****.za.