MES Basics

How can EZ-MES help you with your manufacturing process?

Diagram

The Manufacturing Process

The figure shows a simplified view of a manufacturing process within your organization. In this example, the process produces Finished Goods that ultimately reach your customers.
Any process can be defined as a sequence of operations, each with its own inputs and outputs. By clearly defining these operations, you establish the foundation for a predictable, efficient, and fully traceable manufacturing flow.

The Manufacturing Process

Diagram
The figure shows a simplified view of a manufacturing process within your organization. In this example, the process produces Finished Goods that ultimately reach your customers.
Any process can be defined as a sequence of operations, each with its own inputs and outputs. By clearly defining these operations, you establish the foundation for a predictable, efficient, and fully traceable manufacturing flow.

The Operation

Each operation represents a step in your manufacturing process. By defining all aspects of an operation, you gain complete control over the entire workflow. EZ-MES helps track every required input and records all data generated during execution.
The output from a previous operation enters this operation from the left. Once completed, the product moves on to the next operation on the right.

To successfully execute an operation, you may need inputs such as:

  • Work instructions
  • Product specifications
  • A location where the operation is performed
  • Materials (consumables, BOM parts, etc.)
  • Tools and equipment
  • Personnel required to perform the work
During an operation, you may also want to automate actions based on conditions or data inputs. For example, if specifications are not met, the product can automatically be routed to a Hold flow for inspection.
In addition to controlling workflow, the operation generates valuable data, data that can be stored, analyzed, and used to support decision-making and continuous improvement.
Diagram

The Operation

Diagram
Each operation represents a step in your manufacturing process. By defining all aspects of an operation, you gain complete control over the entire workflow. EZ-MES helps track every required input and records all data generated during execution.
The output from a previous operation enters this operation from the left. Once completed, the product moves on to the next operation on the right.

To successfully execute an operation, you may need inputs such as:

  • Work instructions
  • Product specifications
  • A location where the operation is performed
  • Materials (consumables, BOM parts, etc.)
  • Tools and equipment
  • Personnel required to perform the work
During an operation, you may also want to automate actions based on conditions or data inputs. For example, if specifications are not met, the product can automatically be routed to a Hold flow for inspection.
In addition to controlling workflow, the operation generates valuable data, data that can be stored, analyzed, and used to support decision-making and continuous improvement.

Executing an Operation

Once operations are configured in EZ-MES, you can begin tracking them in real time. This describes the manual representation of an operation. Of course, this entire sequence can be automated. Products can be selected automatically, and equipment can perform the Track In and Sign Off steps without operator intervention.
The basic flow is shown in the figures below and follows a straightforward sequence:
Queued → Track In → Sign Off

Queued
(Waiting for processing)

Queued
The process begins with products waiting to be worked on. These items can be identified with barcode labels or accompanied by travelers, also known as Device History Records (DHRs).
At this stage, they sit in the queue until an operator is ready to begin.

Track In
(Start processing)

Track In
When the operator is ready to begin work, they “track in” the part(s) by scanning the barcode and selecting Start in the EZ-MES interface.
Once tracked in, the job enters the In Process state, and EZ-MES records all activity and data generated during the operation.

Sign off
(Processing is completed)

Sign off
After the operator finishes the required work, they press Sign Off in EZ-MES.
The product is then moved to the queue for the next operation in the sequence, and all associated data is securely recorded for traceability and analysis.

Automation Note

This above process describes the manual representation of an operation. Of course, this entire sequence can be automated. Products can be selected automatically, and equipment can perform the Track In and Sign Off steps without operator intervention.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes EZ-MES different from other MES solutions?

EZ-MES offers the same capabilities as large enterprise MES platforms but with lower cost, faster deployment, and unlimited user licensing. It’s fully browser-based and highly configurable to your workflow.

Can EZ-MES be deployed on-premises?

Yes. You can choose between cloud hosting or on-premises installation, depending on your IT and compliance requirements.

How fast can it be implemented?

Many customers go live in less than a week, with full configuration completed in as little as 24 hours for  basic setups.

How does EZ-MES handle quality control?

The system tracks inspection results, production data, and nonconformities, linking them directly to materials, batches, or equipment for complete traceability.