Wertschöpfungspotenziale und Herausforderungen durch den Einsatz von Manufacturing Execution System (MES) in einer digitalisierten Fertigung der zerspanenden Industrie

Abstract

In this master’s thesis, the value-creation potentials arising from the use of a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) in machining production are examined. On the basis of developments in Industry 4.0 and the associated digitalization in manufacturing, various perspectives on MES and value creation in machining are illuminated. MES forms the operative link between the production level and corporate management. Within the scope of this thesis, in addition to explaining value creation in machining and its capture and measurability in general, the different functional areas of MES are also outlined. Examples here include production data and machine data acquisition, traceability in quality management, or tool management (administration and organization of machining tools). Moreover, the various aspects of Industry 4.0 - such as vertical and horizontal integration - are explained, which are regarded as prerequisites for the successful implementation of MES. From a methodological perspective, this thesis combines a literature review with qualitative, guideline-based expert interviews. The aim is to analyze the various contents in the literature together with insights and experiences from practice. To this end, on the one hand, the different potentials for increasing value creation with the help of MES are discussed. On the other hand, the essential challenges for companies in the use of MES in their manufacturing environment are identified. The empirical evaluation shows that MES unfold their greatest benefit through transparency and real-time capability. By means of closed-loop control at the shop floor level, in which important data are captured, evaluated, and—on this basis—responded to in real time, significant improvements can be achieved in responsiveness to machine downtimes, planning reliability for the resources employed, and process stability. Through the automated determination and evaluation of key figures such as OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness), combined with ongoing process monitoring, further improvements in process and product quality can be achieved. In order to actually realize these potentials, MES must be successfully implemented and used. Overcoming data silos and establishing suitable interfaces are examples at the technical level. Far more decisive, however, are human aspects, because the introduction of a new system in manufacturing can lead to uncertainty and resistance among personnel. Proper communication as well as change management are therefore of great importance for the successful use of MES in the machining industry. In doing so, this thesis highlights the importance of MES for maintaining the competitiveness of manufacturing companie

Date of Award	2025
Original language	German (Austria)
Supervisor	Josef Wolfartsberger (Supervisor)