MES is at the heart of Mitsubishi’s e-F@ctory providing the seamless integration of automation components and integrated information flows that  are the key to achieving flexible, customer-focused and economical production.

Information is essential to identify opportunities for improvement, and the chart is typical for a production line.  In order to visualise this, data on the availability of materials and machines must be available transparently at the touch of a button.

Only access to complete real-time information can enable fast decisions and optimisation from order processing to the finished product.

No gateway PC

This transparency is made possible by the MES Interface, which is a new microprocessor module for the MELSEC System Q automation platform. One of these communications modules for Mitsubishi Electric’s most powerful modular PLC (programmable logic controller) is installed in every production cell. The machines and other systems there are connected with the main controller via the network. The module inputs the data collected and pre-processed by the controller and sends it directly to the central database.

A user-friendly configuration tool makes it easy for PLC programmers to enter the data required for controlling all the production and business processes. Communication in the other direction works in the same way: it is equally possible to access the MES module and the controller via the database.

Communication takes place with the standard SQL (Structured Query Language) database language via an Ethernet interface integrated in the module and using TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol). Support is also included for exchanging documents in the equally non-proprietary XML (Extensible Markup Language) format. The MES interface interoperates with all standard databases but it is specially optimised for the very popular Oracle Fusion Middleware database family.

The demands for improved speed and agility conflict with a business’ ability to respond. Visibility into current operations, including the control system, is the primary reason manufacturers buy Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES). This visibility provides the information necessary for informed decision making in real-time by all levels of personnel – plant floor to the executives. However, where does the MES get its data from?

Open automation

MES applications contain the critical business processes for executing a production schedule. These systems perform the production-centric functions of planning, controlling, operating, and informing. Control systems execute these functions to produce the goods needed to fulfil customer orders.

By integrating MES with control systems, manufacturing becomes more agile for responding to change in this increasingly dynamic business environment. Integrating the control system with the MES allows for a more effective and broader set of production management functions to improve operational performance. To improve their response to operational issues, managers look to technology for connecting plant floor and business systems for automated business processes.

Go to the Mitsubishi e-Factory alliance website

Open the e-F@ctory brochure from Mitsubishi Electric

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