The terms MES (Manufacturing Execution System) and MOMS (Manufacturing Operations Management Systems) are increasingly mentioned together. But what exactly are the differences between these systems, and why are they sometimes used interchangeably? Below, we provide clarity.
MES emerged in the mid-1980s as a bridge between PLC/SCADA systems and ERP systems. An MES receives production orders from the ERP system and provides essential information to various production departments. Through PLC/SCADA, the MES collects data from production and communicates it back to the ERP system.
Initially, MES solutions were quite limited in their capabilities. As companies gained more experience with MES, the demand for additional functionalities grew. In response, vendors expanded their systems with features related to quality, inventory management, and maintenance, integrating them more closely with ERP systems. To describe these expanded applications, the term MOMS was introduced.
MOMS aims to make production as efficient as possible while minimizing waste. MOMS software encompasses various aspects:
According to the ISA-95 model, which describes different layers of manufacturing processes, Manufacturing Operations Management (Level 3) falls under MOMS. This includes MES, WMS, LIMS, and OEE. Some MOMS vendors have developed particularly mature MES and WMS functionalities.
While MES is a crucial component of Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM), it is increasingly becoming part of a broader MOMS. This shift reflects the evolution from standalone systems to integrated solutions that support a wider range of manufacturing functions.
Image 1: The ISA-95 model with MOM in Level 3
Image 2: Application landscape with MES in Level 3
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