Although many food manufacturers already have well-established MES solutions, we continue to see system landscapes with isolated data islands, limited traceability and compliance challenges at the OT layer.
Below is an introduction to three typical challenges we still encounter in large food companies and how MES can address them.
Traceability: Do you have enough depth and speed in your data base?
Many systems deliver traceability, but not necessarily fast enough, accurately enough or across the entire value chain. When a batch needs to be traced back across raw materials, process data and operator actions, it often takes too long to get clarity. This is often because dates are in different locations and/or finding the necessary data is a manual process.
MES as a solution
A well-designed MES solution creates end-to-end traceability in real-time. It ties data from PLCs, SCADA, operator input and quality systems together in one unified data layer. The result is not only faster root-cause analysis, but also automatic documentation that can be used for both internal learning and external compliance.
Compliance at the OT layer: Is your infrastructure ready for NIS2 and future requirements?
The NIS2 directive and other cybersecurity requirements have pushed compliance into the boardroom. In food manufacturing, the OT layer is typically the biggest hole in the line of defense. This is partly because many production facilities rely on older, non-updated systems that were not designed with cybersecurity in mind.
There is often a lack of visibility into which devices are connected, how data moves between systems and who has access to what.
Without a centralized system to manage data flow, access rights and version control, it becomes almost impossible to document and comply with increasing cybersecurity and traceability requirements. This leaves businesses vulnerable to both attacks and fines.
MES as a solution
An MES system can play a key role in achieving and documenting compliance. With access control, logging, version control and secure data flows, it becomes possible to handle both operational management and security audits. When MES is integrated into the company’s governance structure, it supports the work with risk management and documentation requirements.
Real-time data: Are you making decisions based on outdated information?
Although many production environments collect data, it doesn’t mean that the data is made available, updated in the right places or is relevant. This has the negative consequence that when data is put into action – for example, in a report or dashboard – the data the report is based on is incomplete or even incorrect.
This means that business-critical decisions are potentially being made based on historical reports or dashboards with incorrect data.
MES as a solution
MES makes it possible to react to deviations in real time, not just when KPIs show a decline. By establishing a real-time data foundation through integration to both ERP and SCADA, production managers and quality managers can act proactively to improve efficiency, reduce waste, ensure quality and anticipate bottlenecks.
Have you gotten the full benefit of your MES setup?
Many large food companies already have an MES in operation, but not everyone is getting the most out of their investment.
At Integra2r, we help you analyze your current setup, identify bottlenecks and optimize the integration between IT and OT.
Want to hear more about how we can help you take the next step with MES? Contact Niels Nyhus at nn@integra2r.com or 29638313 for a non-binding conversation.