MES Providers: What Companies Should Really Look for When Choosing

MES Providers – Why Choosing the Right One Is Critical

The demands on production are continuously increasing: shorter delivery times, greater product variety, rising quality requirements, and seamless traceability. This is exactly where an MES comes into play.

An MES forms the digital bridge between the ERP system and the shop floor, ensuring that production data is available in real time. However, not every MES fits every company—and not every provider understands the specific requirements of individual industries.

How Do I Find the Right MES Provider?

Selecting an MES provider should be done strategically and systematically. What matters most is not the sheer number of functions, but how well they fit your processes, IT landscape, and industry.

Key selection questions:

• Which production processes should be digitized?
• Which data is required—real-time or historical?
• How flexibly must the system be able to grow?
• How well can the MES be integrated into existing systems?

Criteria Catalog: What Defines a Good MES Provider?

1. Modularity and Scalability

Why this matters:
No company introduces all MES modules at once. The entry point is usually specific pain points such as Machine Data Collection (MDC) or Operational Data Collection (ODC). However, the solution must be able to grow along with your requirements.

What to look for:

• Can modules be licensed individually and introduced step by step?
• Is seamless integration of additional functional areas possible without changing systems?
• Can the system be rolled out to additional sites, including internationally?
• Does the solution work both for individual production areas and across the enterprise?

gbo datacomp advantage:
gboMES is consistently modular. Companies often start with MDC and ODC and gradually expand the system to include Quality Management, Production Monitoring and Control (MPC), or Tracking & Tracing—without system breaks or complex migrations.

→ Go to the module overview

2. Integration into Existing System Landscapes

The core challenge:
An MES must act as the link between the shop floor and management level. It receives data from machines and equipment and communicates with higher-level ERP systems.

Key questions:

• Which interfaces are supported as standard (OPC UA, REST APIs, SQL databases)?
• How complex is the connection of your specific machine landscape?
• Is there experience with your ERP system (SAP, Microsoft Dynamics, Abas, etc.)?
• Are standard protocols for IoT and Industry 4.0 supported?
• How flexible is integration with existing quality assurance systems or HR tools?

Practical tip:
Request concrete references for integrations in environments similar to yours. Technical feasibility on paper is one thing—proven practical experience is another.

3. Industry Expertise and Process Understanding

Why this is critical:
Every industry has specific requirements. What is standard in automotive manufacturing can look completely different in food production.

Industry-specific requirements at a glance:

Automotive & suppliers:

• Seamless traceability for every component
• Integration of PPAP processes and initial sample inspections
• Serial number and batch management across the entire supply chain
• Just-in-time planning and control
• IATF 16949 compliance

Mechanical engineering & toolmaking:

• Order-based production with high product variety
• Detailed quality data handling with extensive inspection protocols
• Tool Management (TM) with tool life monitoring and preventive maintenance
• Flexible production planning for single-part and small-batch manufacturing
• Integration of CAQ systems

Food industry:

• Batch and lot management with allergen labeling
• Seamless documentation for audits and traceability
• Real-time hygiene and temperature monitoring
• Best-before date (BBD) management
• IFS/BRC compliance

Plastics industry:

• Monitoring of process parameters (temperature, pressure, cycle times)
• Material batch tracking from granulate to finished part
• Tool and mold management
• Energy and resource consumption per part

gbo practical example:
The success story of Cohline shows how industry-specific expertise makes the difference. The automotive supplier increased production efficiency by 15% using gboMES while also automatically providing the required quality documentation—an essential factor for customer satisfaction in the automotive sector.
→ Read more real-world success stories

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4. Support, Service & Partnership

Often underestimated:
The go-live phase is just the beginning. An MES evolves with your company and must be continuously adapted.

Check specifically:

• Which support levels are offered (standard, premium, 24/7)?
• What is the average response time for critical issues?
• Is there a support team that speaks your language?
• Does the provider offer regular updates and enhancements?
• How is the partner network structured—are there local implementation partners?
• Are training sessions offered for different user groups (machine operators, production managers, administrators)?
• Is there an active user community or user groups?

gbo datacomp approach:
With over 35 years of experience in the MES market, gbo offers a proven support concept. Customers benefit from direct access to the development team, fast response times, and a partner network that ensures regional support.

→ More about gbo datacomp support

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5. Technology Stack and Future Readiness

Looking ahead:
Technologies evolve rapidly. Your MES should not be based on outdated platforms that become difficult to maintain in just a few years.

Technical evaluation criteria:

• What platform is the solution based on (client-server, web-based, cloud-ready)?
• Are modern web technologies used for dashboards and mobile access?
• Is a cloud deployment option available or planned?
• What does the update and upgrade strategy look like?
• Are new technologies such as AI/ML integrated for predictive analytics?
• Is the solution ready for Industry 4.0 and IoT integration?

Caution:
Avoid proprietary systems that lock you into a vendor long term. Open interfaces and standard protocols are essential here.

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6. Usability and User Acceptance

The human factor:
The best technology is useless if employees do not accept it or cannot use it efficiently.

Usability checklist:

• Is the user interface intuitive and self-explanatory?
• Can different user profiles (machine operators, shift supervisors, production managers) be individually configured?
• Are mobile access options available for tablets and smartphones?
• How complex is training for new employees?
• Are dashboards visually appealing and informative?
• Can employees create reports without IT expertise?

Best practice:
Involve machine operators and shift supervisors early in the selection process. A live demo with real users often provides the most valuable insights.

→ Request a demo

Core MES Functional Modules in Detail

A modern MES consists of multiple functional building blocks that should seamlessly interact. Below are the most important modules and what to look for:

Machine Data Collection (MDC)

Core functions:

• Automatic recording of machine states (production, downtime, fault)
• Real-time quantity tracking
• Alerts in case of deviations or faults
• Integration of sensor data (temperature, pressure, vibration)
• OEE calculation (Overall Equipment Effectiveness)

Critical success factor:
Connectivity must work independently of the manufacturer—from modern CNC machines with OPC UA to older equipment using digital I/O signals.

→ More information on MDC

Operational Data Collection (ODC)

Core functions:

• Recording of order data, times, and quantities
• Terminal-based or mobile data collection via tablet
• Automatic target/actual comparisons
• Downtime recording with categorization
• Feedback to ERP systems

Practical tip:
Look for flexible data collection options—from classic terminals and barcode scanners to voice input.

→ More information on ODC

Planning and Production Monitoring & Control (MPC)

Core functions:

• Graphical capacity planning for machines and personnel
• Drag-and-drop planning with real-time feedback
• Optimization algorithms to minimize setup times
• What-if scenarios for alternative planning variants
• Integration of maintenance windows and planned downtimes

What to watch for:
The planning logic must reflect your specific constraints—from tool changes and personnel qualifications to material availability.

→ More information on MPC

Quality Management (QM)

Core functions:

• Inspection planning and execution
• Statistical Process Control (SPC)
• Measurement equipment monitoring and calibration management
• Complaint management with 8D reports
• Integration of measuring systems and inspection devices

Special note:
For automotive suppliers, integration into APQP processes (Advanced Product Quality Planning) and PPAP management (Production Part Approval Process) is essential.

→ Read more about QM

Tracking & Tracing (TRA)

Core functions:

• Serial and batch number management
• Material genealogy across all production stages
• Forward and backward traceability
• Integration of RFID, barcode, or 2D matrix codes
• Blocking and recall management

Regulatory requirements:
In industries such as automotive, medical technology, or food, seamless traceability is not optional—it is legally required.

→ Read more about TRA

Key Performance Indicators (KPI) and Dashboards

Core functions:

• Real-time visualization of key KPIs
• Predefined and customizable dashboards
• OEE, utilization, scrap rates, on-time delivery
• Drill-down functions for detailed analysis
• Mobile dashboards for management and production leadership

Practical note:
Dashboards should not just look good—they must provide actionable insights. KPIs must support decision-making, not just inform.

→ Overview of production KPIs
→ Web dashboard – for smart, data-driven production

Process Data Collection (PDC)

Core functions:

• Recording of critical process parameters (temperature, pressure, flow, etc.)
• Monitoring of tolerance limits with alarms
• Long-term archiving for quality documentation
• Correlation analysis between process parameters and quality
• Trending and predictive analytics

Added value:
Especially in plastics processing or food production, even small deviations can have major impacts. Early warning systems prevent scrap before it occurs.

→ More about process data

Tool Management (TM)

Core functions:

• Tool master data with service life and costs
• Predictive maintenance planning
• Tool tracking from warehouse to machine
• Repair history and cost tracking
• Integration into production planning

Benefit:
In tool and mold making, tool failures can cause significant downtime. Predictive management significantly reduces unplanned stoppages.

→ More about tool management

The Pragmatic Path to the Right MES Provider

Guidance Instead of Rigid Selection Phases

Choosing an MES provider is not a classic IT procurement project. In practice, medium-sized manufacturing companies benefit from a step-by-step, learning-oriented approach that respects existing structures while leaving room for future development.

Instead of a linear phase model, the following proven steps have emerged:

1. Create Transparency: Understand the Current Situation

The starting point is not a requirements document, but a realistic view of your own production:

• Which processes run smoothly, and which are reaching their limits?
• Which data is available—and which is missing for sound decisions?
• Which systems (ERP, in-house developments, isolated solutions) are in use?
• Where do manual efforts or media disruptions occur today?

The goal is not a perfect process model, but a shared understanding of the biggest levers and risks.

2. Develop a Target Vision – Focused on Value

Based on the current-state analysis, an individual target vision is defined:

• What transparency should be achieved in the short term?
• Which KPIs are truly relevant for the company?
• Where can quick wins be achieved (e.g., ODC, OEE, traceability)?
• Which requirements arise from industry or regulation?

Important:
The target vision remains deliberately modular and evolvable—not everything has to be implemented from the start.

3. Think Modular: Entry Instead of a Full Solution

A key practical insight: An MES does not have to do everything immediately.

A proven approach is to start with clearly defined functional building blocks, such as:

• Operational or Machine Data Collection
• Transparent order and status reporting
• Initial analyses and dashboards

Existing systems can continue to run in parallel and are gradually integrated or replaced. This hybrid approach minimizes risk and increases acceptance on the shop floor.

4. Evaluate Providers – Not Just the Software

Choosing an MES provider is about more than feature lists. Key questions include:

• Does the provider understand mid-sized manufacturing realities?
• Is there experience with comparable industries and processes?
• Is the architecture modular and integration-ready?
• How partnership-oriented is the collaboration—beyond sales?

Live demos, reference calls, and workshops help realistically assess practical relevance and cooperation.

5. Learn in Operation: Pilot and Evolve

Instead of a formal proof of concept, many companies opt for a hands-on pilot phase:

• Introduction in a clearly defined production area
• Training of a core team
• Collection of user feedback in daily operations
• Adjustment of functions and processes

This way, the MES is not simply “rolled out,” but developed together—with clearly measurable benefits.

6. Think Long-Term: MES as a Transformation Platform

After the initial rollout, the real value begins:
The MES grows with the company’s requirements.

• Expansion with additional modules
• Integration of more machines or sites
• Deeper analytics, quality management, and traceability

Selecting an MES provider is therefore not a one-time decision, but the start of a long-term partnership.

The gbo datacomp Difference: Modular Architecture Meets 35+ Years of Experience

Modular Architecture for Maximum Flexibility

Unlike monolithic systems that offer all-or-nothing functionality, gboMES is based on a consistently modular architecture. In practice, this means:

Step-by-step entry without risk
Companies typically start with MDC and ODC to gain transparency into their production processes. Once this foundation is established and proven, additional modules such as Quality Management, Production Monitoring and Control (MPC), or Tracking & Tracing can be seamlessly added—without system changes, data migration, or restarts.

Investment protection through expandability
The modular architecture protects your investment. You only pay for the functions you currently need, while remaining confident that expansions are possible as your requirements grow. A typical customer starts with 2–3 modules and expands to 6–8 modules over time—a natural growth aligned with digital maturity.

No vendor lock-in thanks to open interfaces
All modules communicate via standardized, open interfaces. This not only enables integration with third-party systems but also gives you the freedom to supplement individual functional areas with specialized solutions if needed—without jeopardizing the overall system.

→ Learn more about gbo datacomp

Conclusion: Compare MES Providers—But Do It Right

The best MES provider is not the one with the most features, but the one that:

• understands your industry
• integrates seamlessly
• grows modularly with your company
• supports you long-term

gbo datacomp combines technological depth with decades of production experience—for MES projects that deliver measurable value.

Get in touch | Request a demo | Download the whitepaper

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