Integration of MES and ERP in supply chains: effect assessment in the case of the automotive industry

Abstract

This study assesses the effects of manufacturing execution systems (MES) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems integration in the case of a medium-sized enterprise in the automotive supply chain. An embedded interface was developed to provide bidirectional exchange of messages between the two corresponding databases. Data exchange between the two separate systems is facilitated by an intermediate document (IDoc) message. The effects of MES–ERP integration were assessed based on the value reference model (VRM), which ensures measurable indicators in multiple dimensions. Velocity, costs and assets for two processes were evaluated before and after integration. Positive changes in the selected key performance indicators were measured and confirmed. MES–ERP integration ensures controlled change management in the supply chain (SC) and enables decision-making to be carried out in real time. Based on the findings of the presented scenario, one can reasonably assume that MES–ERP integration positively affects the selected key performance indicators of a SC.

Keywords

• enterprise resource planning
• integration
• manufacturing execution system
• supply chain management
• value reference model