The convergence of production and business data, actionable metrics and continuous improvement processes were again hot topics for automation vendors, end user and analysts at this year’s MESA’s annual Plant2Enterprise Conference, Sept. 16-18, in Orlando, FL.

Presentations included data collection and business process management, with a heavy focus on “real world” stories from manufacturers of all sizes whose engineers are leveraging information rooted in the plant floor to literally transform their businesses.

A prime example is UPCO Inc., a Claremore, OK-based manufacturer of oilfield products, which transformed itself in six years from a “troubled, cash-starved” company in 2000 to the winner of a Manufacturing Leadership Award from the Governor of Oklahoma. By taking a data-centric approach to process improvement, and by creating a positive and rewarding environment for its employees, UPCO has dramatically increased sales and revenue.

Evan L Hand Jr., senior project engineer of controls and data communication for Sara Lee Food and Beverage, spoke on “Controls: The Foundation of an MES Implementation.” Control integration and infrastructure improvements represent more than half of typical MES project implementation costs. From PLC and operator interface modifications to addressing data accuracy and system security, it’s clear that when it comes to creating a successful MES implementation, data must be captured at its source.