In modern industrial production, two key technologies converge: Manufacturing Execution System (MES) and Production Planning and Control System (PPC). Both are crucial for a seamless production process—but they pursue different goals and operate on different levels.
In this article, you will learn:
- What MES and PPC each achieve
- Where the differences lie—and where the synergies are
- How you can optimally combine both systems
- The role modern cloud platforms play in this
MES vs. PPC: Two Systems, Two Perspectives
| Aspect |
PPC |
MES |
| Focus |
Planning and Control |
Execution and Real-Time Control |
| Time Horizon |
Days to Weeks |
Seconds to Hours |
| Data Source |
Planning Data, ERP |
Real-Time Data from Machines and Sensors |
| Responsiveness |
Cyclical, Rather Static |
Dynamic, Reactive to Events |
| Shopfloor Integration |
Low |
High |
| Objective |
Optimal Production Planning |
Transparency, Quality, Performance on the Shopfloor |
What Does a PPC System Do?
A Production Planning and Control System (PPC) ensures that production runs efficiently and on schedule—on paper. It plans:
- What is to be produced
- When production occurs
- With which resources production takes place
Core Functions:
- Production Program & Material Requirements Planning
- Capacity Planning & Order Release
- Monitoring Production Progress
A PPC thinks in planning scenarios, not real-time processes.
What Does an MES Do?
A Manufacturing Execution System (MES) is the digital backbone of the shopfloor. It implements PPC specifications in real time, monitors production live, and provides valuable data for control and optimization.
Core Functions:
- Real-Time Production Data Collection
- Order, Resource, and Quality Management
- Performance Analysis (e.g., OEE), Traceability, Maintenance
MES means: knowing in real time what’s actually happening.
Stronger Together: How MES and PPC Work Perfectly in Sync
An MES and a PPC complement each other ideally when they are well integrated:
- ERP creates a rough plan (e.g., customer orders)
- PPC plans materials and capacities
- MES executes, monitors live, and reports back
- PPC adjusts its planning based on MES data
The Result:
- Higher Planning Accuracy
- Faster Response to Disruptions
- Better Resource Utilization
- Improved Delivery Reliability
MES or PPC—or Both? When Each System Makes Sense
Choose a PPC System if…
- Your production is highly complex
- Many dependencies and external factors exist
- You need advanced planning algorithms
Choose an MES if…
- You need real-time transparency
- OEE and quality are a priority
- Traceability and live control are critical
Choose an Integrated Solution if…
- You want to start quickly and scale gradually
- You aim to reduce IT complexity
- Your processes are standardizable
Future Trend: Merging MES and PPC in Modern Platforms
More and more companies are adopting integrated cloud platforms that combine both worlds.
Benefits:
- Modular and scalable
- Real-time + planning in one system
- Lower integration effort
- Faster time-to-value
Example:
SYMESTIC combines classic MES functions with smart planning features—ideal for a pragmatic digitalization start with a focus on value.
Conclusion: MES and PPC Are Not Opposites—They’re Partners
The question isn’t “MES or PPC?”, but rather:
How do I orchestrate both systems optimally for my production goals?
If you:
- Want access to real-time data
- Aim to continuously improve your planning
- Seek to modernize your IT landscape
… then you should consider an integrated, cloud-based approach.