Figure: Overview of ERP, MES, CNC Inspection - The 3 Pillars
This figure shows the overall architecture, with ERP, MES, and CNC Monitoring System as the three pillars working together in a factory (they may be shown as layers or as interconnected blocks), with Work Order as the heart through which it flows.
Synopsis: In the Industry 4.0 era , accurate and rapid work order management is the key to success. Integrating technology systems in the factory is therefore essential. This article will explore the differences and interoperability of MES, ERP, and CNC Monitoring System, the three pillars that drive production efficiency. It will explain the role of each system and show how to integrate data to ensure smooth and efficient work order management.
1. Role and differences of core systems: ERP vs. MES vs. CNC Monitoring System
To get an overview of Work Order Management in a Smart Factory, we need to understand the role of each system and the differences in their scope of work.
| Full name system (abbreviation) | Main role (level) | Related information |
| ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) | Planning and managing enterprise resources (management/organizational level) | Sales Order, Finance, Accounting, Purchasing, Production Order Planning ( Master Production Schedule ) |
| MES (Manufacturing Execution System) | Control and monitor production in real time (factory/operation level) | Work Order Status , Production Progress, OEE, Quality Management, Production Order Sending to Machines |
| CNC Monitoring System | Collect data and track machine status (machine/worksite level) | Machine status ( Run/Idle/Error ), sensor data, production cycle time ( Cycle Time ), I/O signals |
Note:
ERP emphasizes long-term "planning" and budget management.
MES focuses on "executing" and "tracking" production to ensure it is in line with the plan in real time.
CNC Monitoring System is an important source of raw data from the "worksite".
2. Working together to efficiently manage production orders (Work Orders)
The key is data integration to ensure that work orders flow efficiently through the system, from planning to actual production, known as Production Data Flow .
ERP creates Work Order
ERP receives orders and performs resource planning (raw materials, manpower, time) and creates master Work Orders.
Integration: Work Order data (number, quantity required, delivery date) is passed down to MES via API or Middleware.
MES manages and tracks Work Orders
MES receives work orders, performs scheduling, and sends the orders, along with job details (such as the required CNC program), to the appropriate machines.
Integration: MES connects to CNC Monitoring System to get real-time working status (e.g. the machine is now producing workpiece according to Work Order #123).
CNC Monitoring System collects work site data
CNC Monitoring System collects detailed raw data such as when the machine started/stopped, how long the downtime was , and how many pieces were produced.
Integration: This information is sent back to the MES to automatically update the progress status of the Work Order, resulting in highly accurate production status.
Data is fed back into ERP
MES summarizes actual production results (quantity produced, time used, waste) and sends the information back to ERP.
Integration: ERP uses this information to update actual production costs, cut raw material inventory, record finished goods inventory, and plan the next production cycle (Accurate Capacity Planning).
3. Benefits of integrating data from all three systems
Fully integrating these three systems allows plants to overcome the limitations of data silos and achieve significant benefits:
📈 Increase planning accuracy: ERP receives actual production data from MES, enabling future planning to be based on reality (Accurate Capacity Planning), which reduces estimation errors.
⏱️ Reduce Downtime and Increase OEE: CNC Monitoring System helps you see machine problems immediately. MES alerts and records the reasons, enabling precise and measurable improvements to OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness).
🔗 Traceability: Factories can trace which machine this Work Order was produced on, when, and with which version of NC program, which is crucial for quality control and regulatory compliance.
Summary and Call to Action (CTA)
Using separate MES, ERP, and CNC Monitoring Systems can create disconnected "data islands." However, with the right data integration, your factory can manage work orders with maximum efficiency, reduce errors, and be ready to fully transition to a Smart Factory.
| Main system | MES, ERP, CNCMonitoringSystem, ManufacturingExecutionSystem, EnterpriseResourcePlanning |
| management | WorkOrder, Production Order, Production Order Management, Capacity Planning, Traceability |
| Technology/Concept | Industry4.0, SmartFactory, Data Integration, RealTimeData, DataIntegration, OEE |
| efficiency | Reduce Downtime, Production Efficiency, Production Efficiency, Production Data Flow |
| Thai language only | Smart factory, management system, collaboration, production data |
