MES for Discrete Manufacturing
From job shops to complex assembly, we implement, upgrade and support Siemens Opcenter Execution Discrete so you can build distinct, traceable products efficiently and with consistent quality.
Individual products, built step by step
Discrete manufacturing produces individual final products by taking materials, parts, components and subassemblies through a series of steps such as machining, assembly, etching, fastening, polishing and packaging.
Examples range from nanotechnology to airliners. Electronics and semiconductors, automotive and transportation, and aerospace and defense are among the most common, but many other industries rely on discrete processes.
Discrete techniques have progressed from craft production through mass production and automation to Industry 4.0: interconnectivity, real-time data, smart devices and autonomous systems.
Discrete vs process manufacturing
| Discrete manufacturing | Process manufacturing | |
|---|---|---|
| Approach | Assembles parts in a prescribed process to produce a distinct item | Creates formulas or recipes to produce a product |
| Output | Components or finished products identified by serial numbers or labels | Bulk quantities, such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and paints |
| Disassembly | Products can be broken down into their constituent parts | Products cannot be broken down into constituent parts |
| Definition | Bill of materials (BOM) | Formula or recipe |
| Advantages | Flexibility, efficiency, quality control, customization and speed | Efficiency, cost savings, scalability and consistent quality |
| Examples | Automobiles, aircraft, medical devices, furniture, apparel, electronics | Food and beverage, refined oil, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, chemicals, plastics, paints |
Key features of MES for discrete manufacturing
MES has become indispensable as discrete manufacturers face new markets, materials and production technologies, and growing product and supply chain complexity.
- Regulatory and quality requirements built into production
- Synchronized production across the supply chain
- Real-time shop floor visibility
- Optimized sequencing of operations and WIP
- Instant access to production documentation
- Management of personnel training and certification
- Materials and maintenance management
- Well-planned resource allocation and control
Why discrete manufacturers invest in MES
Most discrete manufacturers use software to maximize both the productivity of their facilities and the quality of their products.
- Flexibility to manufacture smaller lot sizes efficiently
- Control of complex products and supply chains
- Efficient regulatory compliance and documentation
- Lower production costs
- Greater customer satisfaction
What is shaping discrete manufacturing
Tech-enabled lean
Modern MES lets mid-market manufacturers apply lean techniques that were previously out of reach.
Cloud investment
Global customers, competition, regulation and decentralized operations are driving cloud adoption.
Connected smart devices
IoT devices connected to MES and ERP provide real-time production data.
Business intelligence
BI has become a real-time decision tool for analyzing manufacturing data.
Customer focus
With increased competition and better-informed buyers, manufacturers are investing in CRM.
Additive manufacturing
3D printing uses only the material needed for each part, reducing waste and speeding up prototyping.
Augmented reality
AR guides operators with digital instructions overlaid on the real world, reducing errors.
Opcenter Execution Discrete
A dedicated MES for discrete job shops and complex assembly operations.
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