MES Application

MES (Manufacturing Execution System) is a software solution that provides the key elements to obtain competitive advantages in manufacturing operations management. It enables higher plant efficiency and productivity as well as greater flexibility throughout the production processes. MES provides the seamless orchestration and synchronization of all the entities involved in the manufacturing process, enabling the industrial workforce to quickly learn new skills and apply them.

MES is a critical stepping stone for digital transformation. It connects to the paper machine’s automation, quality control and web inspection systems to provide online moisture, grammage and caliper profiles in the form of color maps.

MES is a part of Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM) software suite, which also includes Material Management software for tracking and tracing individual parts, lots, batches, assemblies, and more.

MES is a foundational component of its Smart Manufacturing Operations Management suite. MES, along with Production Intelligence (PI) solutions, plays a crucial role in facilitating operational collaboration, dynamic adaptation to market demands, and preparation for Industry 4.0.

MES contains several modules, these modules are components of the MES and are designed to handle different aspects of the production execution process. Here is list of modules:

1. Production Order Management: Involves managing and coordinating production orders, ensuring that they are executed efficiently and in accordance with the plan.
2. Quality Management: Encompasses tools and processes to manage and control the quality of the production process and the resulting products.
3. Downtime Management: Focuses on monitoring and managing downtime events in the production process to minimize disruptions and optimize overall equipment efficiency.
4. Electronic Work Instructions: Provides digital instructions to guide operators through the steps of the manufacturing process, aiming to enhance accuracy and consistency.
5. Material Management: Involves the effective management of materials throughout the production process, ensuring the right materials are available at the right time.
6. Warehouse Management: Deals with the organization and optimization of materials and products within the warehouse, ensuring efficient storage and retrieval.
7. Labor Management: Involves the optimization of labor resources, including tracking and managing workforce activities to enhance overall efficiency.
8. Equipment Maintenance Management: Focuses on the maintenance of production equipment to ensure optimal performance and reduce the risk of unplanned downtime.
9. Planning/Scheduling: Encompasses the planning and scheduling of production activities to optimize resource utilization and meet production targets.

These modules collectively address various aspects of the production process, from planning and order management to quality control, equipment maintenance, and workforce optimization. The integration of these modules within the MES framework aims to streamline and enhance overall manufacturing operations.

My Role

On my journey as a UX Designer at ABB, I found myself in the exciting world of an ongoing Manufacturing Execution System (MES) project. It was a collaborative effort, with a team of talented UX Designers collectively shaping the user experience within MES.

On the client side, I took on the challenge of refining and enriching specific modules, putting my focus on Labor Management and Non-Conformance Report (NCR). I also worked on the additional features for other modules such as Photo Capturing and Document Viewer.

On the production management side, I worked on designing essential components, including the creation of a user-friendly Gantt Order View, a comprehensive Manager Overview, and an improved NCR Overview. Each element was crafted with the end user in mind, aiming to simplify their workflows and provide clear insights into their production tasks.

In the realm of configuration, I dove into the complicated world of MES Data Provider configuration, ensuring that the setup process was not just smooth but also a breeze for users. It demanded attention to detail and a keen understanding of the configuration intricacies crucial to the MES ecosystem.

Throughout this journey, my passion for delivering an outstanding user experience shone through in the thoughtful design of interfaces and features. It was more than just a project; it was about making a meaningful impact, ensuring that users not only navigated the system but felt empowered and engaged every step of the way.

Design System Update

After the release of a new design system at ABB, I meticulously updated the client side with a fresh layout and new components, ensuring the MES continued to evolve with cutting-edge design principles.