Manufacturing execution systems (MES) systematically detect sources of error and help improve production efficiency. These systems also help the manufacturing and process industries reduce downtimes and avoid rejects. A study conducted by the Fraunhofer IPA and Trovarit AG in summer 2011 concluded that, although they are expensive and tricky to install, the benefits of MES systems certainly outweigh the costs. The study "MES: Vom Trend zur Notwendigkeit" (MES: From trend to necessity) established that the prognoses for the outlay involved in introducing such systems pose a particular challenge. Almost half of all companies said they had greatly underestimated the actual outlay for custom programming. Some 40 percent of those questioned were annoyed that the outlay for staff training far exceeded the planned amount. However, a good 70 percent were convinced that the benefits of introducing the system would ultimately outweigh the costs.

The MES conference held as part of HANNOVER MESSE 2011 demonstrated how important MES has become in integrating and optimizing manufacturing and process automation. As the conference was very successful in attracting over 200 participants, it will be returning to the Convention Center (CC) on 25 and 26 April 2012. This time round, the focus will be on topics including vertical and horizontal integration in real time, an issue that plays a key role for process industries and discrete manufacturing alike. Examples will be used to demonstrate how manufacturing execution systems can identify areas of weakness, particularly in the manufacturing, chemical and pharmaceutical industries.

The VDMA, NAMUR, VDI and ZVEI and trade journals IT&PRODUCTION and PROCESS all act as conference partners. The program on the first day is geared toward manufacturers and users from the production industry, while the second day turns the spotlight on procedures in the process industry.