Stop a machine and watch your line starve: an interactive MES demo
A production order goes from ERP to four machines. You release it, break one machine and watch what a manufacturing execution system sees: which machine stopped, why, how long, which machines waited behind it, and how far the order fell behind plan.
Every number, ID and event in this demo is simulated to show how the system behaves. None of it is customer data or a measured result.
What you are looking at
- Order released: a production order (simulated) for 240 parts moves from ERP to the line.
- Machines processing: cutting, pressing, welding and inspection run in sequence and each counts its parts.
- Counts rising: good parts and rejects are counted at inspection, against the order target.
- Downtime event: you stop a machine. The operator records the reason at the machine, and every machine downstream waits for parts.
- Dashboard reflects it: availability, OEE and planned versus actual change the moment the machine stops, not at the end of the shift.
- Next action: when the machine returns, the stop is logged against the order and a maintenance follow up is suggested.
How this maps to a real MES
In a plant, machine states come from PLC signals, OPC UA tags or simple sensors at the edge, the order comes from the ERP you already run, and confirmations post back to it. The dashboard is the same view a supervisor sees on the floor and a plant head sees on a phone.
We usually start with one line or one bottleneck machine, connect read only, and add the next line once supervisors rely on the first. Your ERP stays the system of record and you own the code and the data.
Questions
What does an MES show that a shift report does not?
A manufacturing execution system records each machine state, count and stop reason as it happens and ties them to the production order. A shift report is written later from memory, so short stops and the starving of machines behind a breakdown are rarely captured.
Is the data in this demo real?
No. The order, machines, counts, stop reason and OEE are simulated to show how the system behaves. They are not customer data or a measured result.
How is OEE worked out in the demo?
Availability is run time over planned time, performance is parts made against the ideal rate for the run time, and quality is good parts over parts made. OEE is the three multiplied together, the same method as our free OEE calculator.
Do we need new machines to get this view?
No. Older machines are the usual case. A running signal, a cycle signal or a current sensor is enough to start, without changing the machine program.
Why does the demo ask for my name and email?
So an engineer can follow up if you want to talk about your own line. The explanation on this page is open to everyone; only the interactive view needs the form, once.
Free scoping call. We start with one line, never change your machine logic, and you own the code and the data.