Every manufacturer we speak with needs some guidance when it comes to buying a system. Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)–like all enterprise software platforms – are big investments. They can be complex, loaded with features you might not even know exist, and it’s easy to get distracted by the “shiny” factor while losing sight of what you really need.
This guide walks you through five steps to buying an MES system. We will share with you how to buy and what to look for. While we’ll focus on MES for production operations, these steps can be applied to any software platform you might need, even an ERP.
Quick note: While some companies try to use ERP as a shop-floor system, it will always fall short. Even if it’s customized specifically for your team, ERP is transactional, not workflow-based. MES is designed specifically for production.
See how an MES compares to an ERP
production operations: where proverbial rubber meets road
Your production team is where everything comes together. They are often the most burdened group in your organization, challenged every day to get jobs done despite moving schedules, equipment downtime, material delays, and unexpected problems. This is why manufacturers need production control software. It’s not about the bells and whistles, it’s about visibility.
The truth is, if you haven’t used an MES before, you may not know what’s possible. You’re trying to evaluate tools, but you don’t know what’s out there. You have a million questions, but vendors don’t always make it easy either, they’re focused on selling, not teaching. That’s why a software demo is one of the most important parts of the buying process.
the software demo (what you need to know)
Never purchase an MES (or any software system) without seeing a demo. The demo should be run live by a knowledgeable human, and it should show you exactly how the system works in real time. Pay attention to the short cuts that some teams will use that signal a few weaknesses in their product(s) and/or their team(s).
When evaluating a demo, ask yourself:
A strong MES should strike the right balance: structured enough to work reliably but flexible enough to adapt to your processes. These are the things that will make it strong, sustainable, and customizable without heavy costs. Curious to experience a live demo? See the difference for yourself
beware the video-only demos
If a vendor asks you to watch a video while they “navigate”, take caution and steer clear. That often means one of two things:
Both are red flags.
A live demo shows not just the software, but the vendor’s commitment to partnership. If they won’t invest the time to walk through questions with you now, how responsive will they be when you’re in the buying process or when you’re a customer with a real issue? You deserve more. This is a system that is bound to change how your team works, and for that you need time to explore with an expert at the wheel.
what's next: step 1 - discovery
This blog is part of our 5 Steps to Buying an MES series. Over the coming weeks, we’ll break down and uncover each step in detail, starting with Step 1: Discovery. This critical step ensures both you and your vendor have the information needed to make the right decision, and sets the tone for a successful partnership.
Takeaway: Buying or even exploring an MES can seem like a daunting process, but with the right knowledge, it doesn't have to be. Have questions? Reach out and ask us how we can help
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