A method to align a manufacturing execution system with Lean objectives

The application of information technology and Lean principles have long been seen as mutually exclusive, but both approaches are more and more claimed to be interdependent and complementary. Real-time production information is crucial to make important business decisions. A manufacturing execution system (MES) can provide the necessary support during the Lean journey. MES can trigger, feed or validate the Lean decision-making process by providing useful information. In addition, MES can maintain the process improvements by enforcing the standardised way of working. However, this is only possible when MES is aligned and is kept aligned to the Lean objectives. The MES processes must be included in the continuous improvement cycle to prevent them from becoming obsolete. In this work, a method is proposed to analyse this alignment between Lean and MES. The manufacturing operations management framework provided by ISA 95 is believed to deliver the necessary components to identify and structure this alignment. Mapping MES and Lean activities onto the same framework brings valuable insights about their dependency. The analysis is explored through a case example. Preventing the system from becoming obsolete, by proposing standard model changes, is an important direction for further research.