MES from the cloud or an MES solution fully integrated in SAP?

Ein in SAP integriertes MES ist die perfekte Lösung für die Produktionssteuerung

An MES integrated into SAP is the key to consistent, digital production control without interfaces and redundant data storage.

Many companies rely on SAP ERP systems to digitize their business processes. However, when it comes to production, the standard quickly reaches its limits. It lacks functions for operational control such as worker dialogs, machine data acquisition, product traceability or performance analyses such as OEE calculations.

To close this gap, many companies therefore rely on external manufacturing execution systems or solutions from the cloud.

Problems with external MES solutions and cloud extensions

External MES systems from third-party providers or cloud solutions can be used to map production processes, but the flow of information to the ERP system only runs via interfaces.

This means, for example:

Information is available twice, which leads to redundant databases
Media breaks and time delays make real-time processing difficult
Integrative functions are limited to what the interface is able to do
Additional servers, backups and maintenance costs bloat the IT infrastructure

This is a clear disadvantage for companies that value end-to-end processes and a seamless flow of information in real time.

The better choice: an MES fully integrated in SAP

Close integration with other areas such as purchasing, logistics and quality management is essential, especially from the perspective of Industry 4.0. Only with a direct flow of information in real time can processes be automated, costs reduced and quality targets reliably achieved.

This is exactly what top MES. The add-on, which is compatible with ERP 6.0 and S/4HANA, runs directly in the SAP system without external interfaces or media disruptions.

Your advantages of the MES integrated in SAP:

Real-time data is immediately available to all relevant areas
No duplication of information
Fully transparent and customizable thanks to Fiori and ABAP standard
No separate infrastructure required

top MES is the solution

With top MES, all key aspects of production can be digitized. Paper-based processes are eliminated and machine and process data flows directly into the SAP system. This makes the status of orders as well as deviations and error messages immediately visible. Work instructions and process information are available digitally, which increases transparency and shortens throughput times. The flow of information allows important KPIs such as downtimes, reject rates and OEE to be reliably analyzed. Quality management, functions for product traceability and material flow control are also integrated.

top MES is specially designed to close the gap between ERP and the store floor and enable efficiency gains.

A direct comparison: Cloud MES vs. MES integrated in SAP

The advantages of an SAP-integrated MES become particularly clear when compared with the weaknesses of traditional solutions:

Comparison of external or cloud MES systems and MES integrated in SAP

Conclusion: Sustainable production needs integration

If you want to set up modern, automated production, you don’t need isolated solutions, but a solution that intelligently complements the existing systems.

An SAP-integrated MES such as top MES makes exactly that possible: it expands your ERP with all the manufacturing functions you need without creating new complexity. You benefit from end-to-end processes, reduced IT costs, faster decisions and maximum transparency. And all this directly with the system you are already using.