Integration and synchronization of all business processes with SIMATIC IT

In order to remain competitive, companies in the process industry are continuously required to optimize the supply chains and all operation sequences of their production sites, which may be distributed worldwide, to shorten the time-to-production and time-to-market, and also to increase the productivity and quality while keeping the costs low and with observation of the applicable directives.

These targets can be achieved extremely well by using Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) at the interface between production and management.

With SIMATIC IT, Siemens has one of the most powerful and flexible MES systems on the market. As a component of Totally Integrated Automation, SIMATIC IT is based on consistent standardization of interfaces and clear ISA 95-compatible structuring and works homogeneously with all commonly available ERP and process control systems. Modeling of the entire product manufacturing know-how, precise definition of the operating processes, and real-time data acquisition from the ERP and the production level enable SIMATIC IT to control operating processes more effectively, to minimize downtimes, production waste and follow-up work, and to optimize stockholding. At the same time, the company as a whole becomes much more flexible.

A model of the business and production processes created using SIMATIC IT is transparent, understandable, and independent of the automation level. Even complex business and production processes are easy to model. Subsequent modifications can be incorporated efficiently and without problems. Modeling allows complete documentation as well as effective protection of know-how.

Models can also be saved in libraries, and then used again in other projects. The best practices are then available at every company location for the standardization of sequences. This shortens the configuration time, prevents implementation errors, and reduces launching and maintenance costs.