Business Central (BC) Integration with Manufacturing Execution System (MES)

    Business Central (BC) Integration with Manufacturing Execution System (MES)

    What is Industry 4.0 Add-On?

    Industry 4.0 represents a significant shift in manufacturing and industrial processes, leveraging digital technologies to create more efficient, flexible, and intelligent production systems. As this revolution continues to unfold, it is expected to have far-reaching impacts on various industries and the global economy. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems are undergoing significant transformations to align with the principles of Industry 4.0, leveraging IoT, smart manufacturing, and other advanced technologies. This evolution enhances operational efficiency, promotes agility, and positions organisations to thrive in the dynamic landscape of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. 

    Integrating a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central streamlines manufacturing operations, enhances data accuracy, and provides real-time visibility into production activities, ultimately leading to improved efficiency and cost savings. 

    Why Industry 4.0 Add-On?

    Current accounting systems can’t keep up with growth so we would need to connect your people and processes with a single, unified ERP solution. The integration of ERP and MES can significantly enhance manufacturing operations by providing real-time data, improving efficiency, and reducing manual error. For example, after integration, costing of finished goods will be more accurate by including operation hours.

    How does it work?

    Singapore Polytechnic is our newly signed client & partner for this integration, below are the details of what Winspire has done for them and what we can do for you.

    We will build more agile factories through integration of ERP and MES:

    1. [ERP] Sales Orders are recorded in ERP ​ 
    2. [ERP->MES] Production schedule is initiated in ERP and flow to MES​ 
    3. [MES->ERP] Revised schedule is updated back to ERP ​ 
    4. [MES] Production WIP and completion are done in MES​ 
    5. [MES->ERP] Output of Finished Goods and consumption of Raw Material are updated to ASRS and ERP​ 
    6. [ERP] Finished Goods are dispatched to customer and recorded in ERP 

    Key aspects of MES integration with Business Central

    The integration ensures automated, near-real-time data exchange between the MES and Business Central, keeping inventory records and production data current without manual data entry. This synchronisation supports essential processes such as planning and sales.

    With Business Central, businesses can automate order entry, track orders throughout the fulfillment cycle, manage pricing and discounts, and coordinate with suppliers and logistics partners. This streamlines the order processing and fulfillment process, resulting in improved accuracy, faster order fulfillment, and enhanced customer satisfaction.

    The integration provides complete visibility into production progress, order statuses, and expected completion times within Business Central. It also allows for the analysis of efficiency and downtime by machine and operator, facilitating continuous improvement.

    Operators can access all necessary instructions, drawings, and specifications via touchscreen displays, reducing the time spent on starting jobs and ensuring all documentation is readily available.

    Solutions like Clever MES can be installed on low-cost tablets or existing PCs and smartphones, requiring only Business Central Team Member licenses, making it a cost-effective option for manufacturers

    Key processes that can be enabled after the Integration Process

    Release and status changes of production orders are communicated to the MES, ensuring both systems have up-to-date information.

    • Information about the start and end of production orders is shared between the systems, maintaining synchronised manufacturing activities.
    • The MES reports material consumption and time spent on operations back to Business Central, keeping inventory and production records accurate.

    Implementation Steps for Administrators

    • Enable the necessary license keys and features in the system
    • Configure the integration settings and proc esses in Business Central
    • Monitor and troubleshoot incoming MES messages to ensure smooth operation

    Additional Information for Understanding

    Industry 4.0 Add On

    Industry 4.0, also known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution, represents a significant shift in Manufacturing and Business Processes, driven by the integration of digital technologies. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems play a crucial role in this transformation by adapting to and supporting the implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies. 

    Navigating the Fourth Industrial Revolution requires knowing these components:

    Key characteristics:

    Manufacturing Execution System

    A Manufacturing Execution System (MES) is a computerised system used in manufacturing to track and document the transformation of raw materials into finished goods. MES provides real-time data that helps manufacturing decision-makers optimise production output by monitoring and controlling various elements of the production process, such as inputs, personnel, machines, and support services. 

    MES systems offer real-time monitoring capabilities, enabling the control of multiple elements of the production process. This includes tracking production, quality management, work order handling, inventory control, data analysis, and reporting

    MES often integrates with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems to align business operations with production activities. This integration fosters seamless information flow across departments, enhancing overall efficiency and productivity

    MES collects data about product genealogy, performance, traceability, material management, and work in progress (WIP). This data allows decision-makers to understand current factory floor conditions and optimise the production process accordingly

    MES is particularly crucial in regulated industries such as food and beverage or pharmaceuticals, where documentation and proof of processes, events, and actions are required. It creates an “as-built” record, capturing the data, processes, and outcomes of the manufacturing process

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