Express deployment Toolset for Manufacturing Systems Enablement

Production facilities deliver value as subsets of larger corporate entities with a key enabler been systems, inclusive of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and supplementary systems. Data from the operational level require onsite systems communications together with Enterprise Resource Planning (head office) as an essential link for reporting, business decision, logistics and optimization. The efficiency of "top floor to shop floor" communication and vice versa, is highly dependent upon the maturity of the middle layer or Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES). This research focuses on the development of an evaluation toolset for Manufacturing Execution Systems maturity, specifically determining a 'Business Units' maturity relative to a fully automotive corporate process enablement. The methodology includes hierarchical segregation of the business together with focused, internationally referenced, questions. The Likert association methodology facilitates data gathering. This research delivers an, internationally benchmarked, express evaluation toolset, with capacity to conduct a Business Unit (BU) evaluation in just one hour. Key value adds of the toolset includes system prioritization on a business benefit and cost basis. A theoretical case is presented. The results serve as a navigation tool specific to business focus areas so as to optimize communications between shop floor and top floor.