Still Trying to Keep Score in Excel?
Formulas. Rules. Data manipulation. Conditional formatting. Yes, Microsoft Excel can do some amazing things, but should it really be running your shop floor?
Operations teams still crunching production numbers, variances and cycle times via Excel spreadsheets could quite possibly be missing valuable real-time analytics that manufacturing execution systems (MES) can easily provide.
Collecting information automatically from machines and equipment rather than human resources lets you realize numerous benefits.
Seven ways MES beats Excel hands down:
- Smarter manufacturing with real-time data
- More accurate data input with less risk of human error
- Data that is easily integrated into other systems
- Maximized shop floor assets and resources
- Scalable and customized manufacturing solutions
- Empowered management teams making impactful decisions
- Improved regulatory compliance and quality management
Excel may be the most widely used MES in the world, but that doesn’t mean it’s always the best solution for every business. Most manufacturing companies are flooded with data. Yet when teams need information, it is often hard to find. It’s distributed across multiple databases, spreadsheets, accounting and finance systems, MRP and ERP systems — the list goes on.
MES is a more robust solution over excel to bring valuable real-time business intelligence into the equation. However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all proposition, and organizations have much to consider when evaluating if it’s the right time to boot their legacy system.
Whether you need to make a small change or overhaul your entire system, Flexware Innovation, Inc., can help you identify and objectively select the right technologies for your specific business needs and goals.
Explore 5 Risks of Sticking with a Legacy MES and let’s chat.

VP of Strategic Initiatives
Husband, father to four crazy boys, and a new grandpa. Music and baseball junkie. During the weekends, you’ll find me building and fixing things. I love the country.