The world manufacturing execution systems (MES) software markets accrued revenues worth $1.2 billion in 2003 and are poised to expand to $2.51 billion by 2010, according to analysts at Frost & Sullivan.
The world manufacturing execution systems (MES) software markets accrued revenues worth $1.2 billion in 2003 and are poised to expand to $2.51 billion by 2010, according to analysts at Frost & Sullivan .
As regulatory authorities demand greater transparency in manufacturing processes, MES is expected to increase in popularity, specifically in the food, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals industries, according to Frost & Sullivan’s “World Manufacturing Executions Systems Market” report. Regulations such as U.S. FDA 21 CFR Part 11 require automated and up-to-date manufacturing records. Compliance with such rules drives MES deployment for comprehensive coverage of production activities and easy access to critical data.
The report goes on to say that the food industry, in particular, holds immense growth opportunities for MES, since additional compliance with the Food Bio-Terrorism Act requires maintenance of detailed production records identifying the source of specific food ingredients. Being a high-volume industry, electronic storage of such elaborate information enables food companies to achieve significant time and cost savings.
Manufacturers require real-time shop-floor data to optimize production and assist in managerial decisions. This stimulates adoption of MES that accurately correlates product, processes, quality information, and interfaces with enterprise solutions. Integration of mission-critical functions, such as planning, design, production, control, and sales—with a focus on increasing value-added activities—drives the popularity of MES.
For more information, visit the Frost & Sullivan Web site .
—David Greenfield, editorial director, Control Engineering, [email protected]
