EN|DE
Book Initial Consultation
Home · Services · MES Implementation and System Selection

MES Implementation and System Selection

Structured selection and implementation of Manufacturing Execution Systems — from requirements analysis through to go-live.

What it is about

Positioning

An MES is only as good as the processes it represents. We bring QM and production know-how together so your MES project does not get lost in IT — and the system actually delivers data you can steer the business with.

What you achieve with us

  • A clear requirements profile and specification for your MES — drawn from production, QM and IT.
  • Structured vendor selection with a transparent evaluation matrix.
  • A clean handover between SAP/ERP and MES — no duplicated data.
  • An implemented system with working interfaces, trained staff and documented processes.
  • Validation of the system (especially relevant for medical devices and food).
Scope of services

What we actually do

Requirements analysis

Workshops with production, QM, IT and senior management — output is a prioritised specification, not a wish list.

Vendor research and selection

Market overview, long/shortlist, RFP support, structured evaluation — including SAP DMC, Werum, Critical Manufacturing and smaller vendors.

Interface concept

SAP / ERP, machine data (OPC UA), quality data, possibly ELN/LIMS — designed end-to-end.

Implementation support

Steering the vendor from the client side, tracking risks and actions.

Validation and qualification

For regulated industries: GAMP methodology, IQ/OQ/PQ — documented to certification standard.

Change management and training

Supporting staff through the transition, building key-user structures.

Approach

Certification in four phases

1

Gap Analysis

Assessment of the current state against the target standard — in writing, with effort estimate.

2

Concept

Action plan, document structure, responsibilities and timeline.

3

Implementation

Support with documentation, training and embedding processes in daily operations.

4

Certification audit

Internal audit, management review, support during the external certification audit.

Frequently asked questions

What clients ask at the start

Which MES systems do you cover methodologically?

We are vendor-independent. Experience with SAP Digital Manufacturing Cloud, Werum PAS-X, Critical Manufacturing and with smaller mid-market-capable solutions.

When does an MES even make sense?

From around 30–50 staff in production and/or in regulated industries with batch traceability. We do a joint ROI check up front.

We run SAP S/4HANA — do we still need a dedicated MES?

Often yes — SAP DMC can cover a lot, but a specialised MES has deeper functionality in some areas, e.g. pharma or medical devices. We clarify this in the requirements profile.

What does an MES project cost in the mid-market?

Licences and implementation together typically range between €250k and €1.5m depending on scope. We help calculate a realistic budget.

How long does an MES implementation take?

12 to 24 months is typical, depending on the number of machines, complexity and ERP integration. Pilot lines often start after 6 to 9 months.

Do you also take on project management?

Yes, on an interim basis — on request up to full external project leadership. But we recommend strong internal involvement.

From practice
"We were about to walk straight into one vendor's marketing. The independent evaluation kept us out of it and put the selection on a sound basis." Head of IT, food manufacturer, 180 employees, southern Germany

Free initial consultation

30 minutes, no obligation to follow up. We clarify your situation and the target standard.