Information Management in MES

Definition

Information management in MES ensures that data becomes actionable knowledge.
It consolidates all feedback from machines, personnel, quality, and materials into one central system for analysis.
According to VDI 5600, information management is a core MES function that provides the foundation for fact-based decision-making at every production level.

Purpose and Significance

The goal is the transparent delivery of relevant information to all roles in manufacturing – from operators to management.
Dashboards, reports, and analytics make performance indicators, deviations, and trends immediately visible.
This enables faster reactions, better planning, and continuous improvement.

Key Tasks

• Creating and maintaining real-time dashboards for lines, machines, and plants

• Calculating and visualizing KPIs (OEE, availability, scrap, productivity)

• Performing trend and deviation analyses for performance and quality

• Providing reports for different roles and management levels

• Integrating with BI systems and management reporting

• Sending alerts and notifications for predefined thresholds or events

Practical Benefits

• Better decisions: up-to-date KPIs and real-time reporting

• Higher transparency: complete visibility into production and performance losses

• Faster response: automated alerts for deviations or downtime

• More efficient meetings: digital shopfloor boards replace Excel and paper

• Continuous improvement: data-driven identification of optimization potential

Example from Manufacturing Practice

A metalworking company implements MES dashboards to visualize real-time production data.
Supervisors immediately see bottlenecks and downtime causes.
Result: 8 % higher output, faster reaction times, and clearer improvement priorities.

Integration with Other MES Functions

Information management serves as the connection point for all MES modules:

• receives process, quality, material, and personnel data from other functions

• consolidates real-time input from data collection (BDE/MDE)

• provides KPIs to scheduling and management levels

• supports quality management with SPC and audit information

Conclusion

MES information management turns raw production data into meaningful insight.
It is the key to transparency, efficiency, and continuous improvement – the foundation of data-driven manufacturing optimization.