Flexibility and interoperability face Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)

Today's manufacturing plants are faced with continuous change and enhancements. Any change has to be considered and the equipment and the information technology have to be able to adapt quickly. Technology has to support this: Efficient modifications result in an increased demand on adaptability or flexibility. For an efficient and usable information exchange, all systems involved have to interact as seamlessly as possible in the heterogeneous environment. This is called interoperability which is based on the compliance with consistent standards. Therefore, it is not only important how to communicate, but also what to communicate. Data descriptions must be examined as well as suitable communication. MES have to form a part of the integrated industrial engineering chain from mechanical engineering to operations. This contribution deals with challenges and possibilities for the interoperability (IOP) of MES: · Vertical IOP · Horizontal IOP · Lifecycle IOP · IOP interface · IOP data representation The mentioned challenges are illustrated by project examples.