Implementation and evaluation of MES in one-of-a-kind production

Customers are demanding more and more a product of high quality and fast delivery at a low price, while simultaneously expecting that the product meets their individual needs and requirements. For companies characterized by a highly customized production, it is essential to optimize the use of machines and reduce the production cycle. The aim of this paper is to develop and evaluate how a MES is able to collect data from the machines and use such data to perform a real time planning of production activities. The system has been implemented in an Italian company that produces metal sheet components for prototypes and small series in the automotive sector, which is characterized by a production with high complexity and high mix of products. The obtained results show that the system provides several benefits in term of reduction of times.