Directory: articles 191_Open_Source_MES.htm

Open Source MES Software

Open Source MES Software provides the benefit of allowing IT personnel to tailor the structure, interfaces and reports. Such systems offer a basic system structure with an open source (this means the the programming is available for internal modifications). The benefits include the following:

• Flexibility in the software’s functionality
• Process change-over reduction.
• Inexpensive – Open source system are rudimentary, but less expensive than the competition.
• Allows for continuous improvement – with a proactive IT team, one can manipulate the software until upgrades are needed

The main problem with open source software is that any modifications are deleted upon upgrading the system to the newest version. This means that all the tailored screens need to be rewritten to merge with the new technology. Fortunately, innovative software companies have developed higher quality open source MES software with the benefits of editable software without the negative consequences that often arise.

One company that offers an innovative solution is ShopFloorReporting (SFR) - www.ShopFloorReporting.com. SFR has developed a thin client system that runs through browsers and was designed to be configured by the SFR team or those trained to use the framework. SFR designed a proprietary model framework with model-driven architecture (MDA). MDA differentiates tailored interfaces and reports from the software's main files, so upgrades to the system do not override the modifications. The result is a agile system that allows progressive continuous improvement efforts to be enhanced by a company’s MES solution.