Manufacturing execution software products are diverse. Some applications deliver operating instructions to guide plant managers and production personnel through the every stage of production while others include workflow management, resource planning, finite scheduling and quality analysis. For this reason, it's important to make a detailed analysis of manufacturing execution software capabilities and features before making an investment.

Regardless of the specific application you choose, you can expect manufacturing execution software to improve productivity as it monitors and helps manage work processes. To find a product that's right for your business, consider taking the following steps:

1. Compile a manufacturing execution software list to weigh your options and determine which solution meets your business requirements.

2. Match the capabilities and features of manufacturing execution software with your business requirements.

3. Inquire about web-based manufacturing execution software for your company.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Gather manufacturing execution software information from software vendors

Consult with a manufacturing execution software provider to determine how the capabilities and features of a particular product can meet your business needs. Submit your business software requirements to vendors to find manufacturing execution software.

I recommend: The Software Network can match your business software requirements with qualified vendors in the company's database when you submit a free Request for Information (RFI). Capterra connects you to manufacturing execution software vendors that can meet your business requirements.

Select manufacturing execution software with features that comply with your business strategies

Manufacturing execution software is designed to meet the specific needs of manufacturers with products that include: an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system that is designed to collaborate manufacturing strategies; quality analysis (QA); shop floor data collection (SFDC); supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA); programmable logic controllers (PLC); advanced production scheduling (APS); production requirements planning (PRP) and material requirement planning (MRP).

I recommend: Customize the Eyelit Manufacturing solution by Eyelit to meet your business requirements with modules that include asset management, factory connect, costing, subscription messaging and a developer's toolkit. ShopVue, by Casco Development, is a shop floor data collection (SFDC) tool with additional features to utilize labor and machinery more efficiently. This solution includes paperless dispatch as well as machine tracking and attendance modules.

Determine if your business can benefit from web-based manufacturing execution software

Consider using web-based manufacturing execution software as it's typically easier to use and available at an affordable price.

I recommend: Santa Barbara Analysis' Wiptrac is manufacturing execution software with web-based work in process (WIP) and shop floor control that can drastically improve the functionality of your business system. Designed for high-tech manufacturing companies, this solution is easy to configure and maintain. Sign up for an online demo. Bowen & Groves offers M1 to medium custom and mixed mode manufacturing, as well as jobbing shops and make to order manufacturers. Custom build this Windows-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) software to integrate and automate strategies at your company. Review an online demonstration.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Take advantage of free trial offers to ensure manufacturing execution software is a good fit for your business resources.