Representative End User Clients
Representative Automation Clients
Representative Software Clients
ARC is seeing many new architectures today that may or may not mention Manufacturing Execution Systems or MES directly. Some architectures mention ISA level 3 (L3), but do not give details on the MES system or functionality. Yet, owner-operators still depend upon MES technology to optimize upstream and midstream operations. Many operating companies believe that MES technology will be a key part of the IT/OT convergence in the future, including integrating the data. This may encompass separate but interoperable plug-in applications for functions like scheduling and planning or workflow execution. The technology may no longer be called “MES” but the functionality will still be part of the operations technologies suite.
Open MES and Open Process Automation Forum
At the recent ARC Industry Forum in Orlando, we learned more about the Open Process Automation Forum inititiave which is focused on developing standards-based, open, secure interoperable process control architecture (www.opengroup.org/open-process-automation). Representatives showed a reference architecture that combines L1 through L3 functionality. However, we didn’t hear any specific details about MES-related functionalities.
The Open Group is developing a new open automation system based on the FACE standard (Future Airborne Capability Environment). FACE, developed for the aeronautics market (previously characterized by proprietary and highly customized solutions), “ensures interoperability and reuse of military avionics software across a common development platform.” The Open Group initiative was started by ExxonMobil (working with Lockheed Martin) to create a modular and open automation system, using FACE as the model for their new open system. The Open Group, which is managing the new standard vision for open process automation systems, is on a path to have automation system products in place based on the new standard available by 2020.
Source: ExxonMobil
Other interesting developments in the MES space include new features like holograms to show workflows, MES “in the cloud,” and new MES services. We would like to better understand what end users are implementing today and their plans for the future around the cloud and IoT (if any). To this end, ARC Advisory Group and Automation World are conducting a brief survey to identify current best practices, key benefits, and other issues related to Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES). While the survey takers and companies will remain confidential, survey participants will receive a summary of the results. ARC wants to better understand current implementations, directions and future strategies. Please take the survey if you are end user with working MES knowledge. We’re particularly interested in hearing from owner-operators in the oil & gas industry.
The survey can be taken here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MES_BP