An MES is characterized above all by the fact that it is directly linked to the operating processes and enables real-time production control. The MES collects data that has a direct impact on the manufacturing process. These include, for example, production data acquisition (PDA), material flow acquisition (MFE) and personnel time recording (PZE). The data collected by the MES system in turn serve as the basis for production planning and optimization.
Usually an ERP system is located above the MES system in order to use the existing resources in the company as efficiently as possible and to plan production. The production plan is passed on to the MES by this system. With the direct connection to the automation, the MES software then has the task of implementing the goals defined by the company management in practice.