MES or custom production software: how to choose
A manufacturing execution system can do almost everything. That is both its strength and the problem for smaller manufacturers. An honest comparison.
· 1 min read
A manufacturing execution system (MES) covers the ground between your ERP and the machines: scheduling, work orders, data collection, quality, traceability and performance. For large plants with standard processes it is often the right choice. For small and mid-sized manufacturers the decision is less obvious.
When an MES makes sense
- You run many similar lines or sites and want one standard way of working across all of them.
- Your sector requires validated software with a vendor-backed audit trail.
- You have the internal team to configure, own and administer a large system.
- Your processes match the way the MES expects you to work.
When custom software makes sense
- You need two or three things done well (say OEE, job tracking and quality logging) rather than everything.
- Your process is unusual, or is part of what makes you competitive.
- You want to start small, prove value in weeks, and grow the system over time.
- Per-user or per-machine licence fees would outlast the value.
Comparing the two
| MES package | Custom system | |
|---|---|---|
| Up-front cost | Licences plus implementation | Fixed project price |
| Ongoing cost | Annual licences and support | Optional support, no licences |
| Fit to process | You adapt to the software | Software fits the process |
| Time to first value | Months | Weeks |
| Scope | Very broad | Exactly what you need |
| Ownership | Vendor owns the product | You own the code |
The questions to ask
- Which three problems cost us the most? Solve those first, whichever route you take.
- How much of the package would we actually use? Paying for modules you will never switch on is common.
- Who will own it internally? Both routes need someone who cares about the data.
- What happens in five years? Consider licences, upgrades, and whether you could change supplier.
There is no universal answer. We are happy to tell you when an off-the-shelf MES is the better fit. Book a free process review and we will give you a straight view.