Many decision-makers in the manufacturing industry face this question when searching for a suitable MES system. The choice between a cloud-based and an on-premise MES (Manufacturing Execution System) is strategic – with far-reaching implications for your digitalization, IT resources, and competitiveness.
This direct comparison highlights all the differences, including specific costs, risks, and opportunities. Ideal for those facing an investment decision – and who want to test Cloud MES for free for 30 days before deciding.
A Cloud MES is fully operated in the cloud and provided as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS). It runs device-independently in the web browser, requires no local installation, and is continuously updated.
An On-Premise MES is installed and operated on the company’s own servers. The company is responsible for hardware, operating systems, updates, data backup, security, and maintenance.
🏆 Cloud MES
✔ First machine digitized in 30–60 minutes
✔ Live KPIs after 1–2 hours
✔ Fully productive in max. 3 hours
✔ 30 days free testing without risk
⏰ On-Premise MES
✘ 6–18 months until go-live
✘ Hardware procurement, IT project, testing phases
✘ Complex internal coordination
Improve your production in just 3 hours with real-time data and KPIs.
20% productivity boost with real-time KPIs like OEE.
15% less waste in 30 days with precise data.
10% lower costs through transparency and scalability.
Connect 1-2 machines in hours.
View KPIs directly on dashboards.
Reduce costs, boost productivity.
🏆 Cloud MES
✔ No major project required
✔ From €850/month for 5 machines
✔ IoT Edge Devices from €350
✔ Low risk through test phase
💰 On-Premise MES
✘ €160,000–€600,000 upfront
✘ Sunk costs in case of wrong decision
✘ Hardware + license + service provider
🏆 Cloud MES
✔ Hosting, updates, and support included
✔ Predictable and transparent
✔ No IT team required
💸 On-Premise MES
✘ Maintenance, updates, and IT operations costly
✘ Typically: €50,000–€150,000/year
🏆 Cloud MES
✔ New machines activated in minutes
✔ Global rollout in days/weeks
✔ No additional IT resources needed
⚡ On-Premise MES
✘ Scaling = new project
✘ License costs + hardware + effort
🏆 Cloud MES
✔ Monthly automatic updates
✔ New features immediately available
✔ Including AI functions from 2025
🔧 On-Premise MES
✘ Updates = standalone projects
✘ High risk of technological obsolescence
Boost your productivity by up to 20% with SYMESTIC CLOUD MES – ready to start instantly, no IT effort required!
Test Free for 30 DaysLive OEE & downtime tracking in real-time
Up to 20% more productivity
Reduce costs & scrap
🏆 Cloud MES
✔ No internal IT team required
✔ 100% managed
✔ IT department can focus on core tasks
👨💻 On-Premise MES
✘ Manage own server operations and maintenance
✔ Backup strategy and monitoring required
🏆 Cloud MES
✔ 99.9% uptime (Azure SLA)
✔ Redundant data centers
✔ Disaster recovery included
📉 On-Premise MES
✘ Availability depends on local IT
✘ No redundancy without additional costs
🏆 Cloud MES
✔ ISO 27001 certified
✔ GDPR-compliant
✔ Microsoft Azure security stack
🔒 On-Premise MES
✘ Full responsibility on company
✘ Own security infrastructure & audits required
🏆 Cloud MES
✔ Native apps for iOS & Android
✔ Web access from anywhere
✔ Mobile dashboards & alerts
📱 On-Premise MES
✘ Remote access only via VPN
✘ Limited mobility
Boost your productivity by up to 20% with SYMESTIC CLOUD MES – ready to start instantly, no IT effort required!
Test Free for 30 DaysLive OEE & downtime tracking in real-time
Up to 20% more productivity
Reduce costs & scrap
🏆 Cloud MES
✔ Modern REST APIs
✔ OPC-UA Cloud Connector
✔ SAP & ERP integration out-of-the-box
🔗 On-Premise MES
✘ Proprietary interfaces
✘ Custom development efforts required
🏆 Cloud MES
✔ Premium support included
✔ Personal onboarding
✔ Tutorials, videos, and community
📞 On-Premise MES
✘ Support contracts cost extra
✘ Slow response times
🏆 Cloud MES
✔ 30 days free testing
✔ Monthly cancellable
✔ Data export possible anytime
⚠️ On-Premise MES
✘ Fixed contract terms
✘ High follow-up costs in case of wrong decision
| Criterion | Cloud MES | On-Premise MES |
|---|---|---|
| Implementation | 🟢 | 🔴 |
| Costs & ROI | 🟢 | 🔴 |
| Scalability | 🟢 | 🔴 |
| Innovation Capability | 🟢 | 🔴 |
| IT Effort & Resources | 🟢 | 🔴 |
| Mobile Usage | 🟢 | 🔴 |
| Security & Compliance | 🟢 | 🔴 |