Integration Architecture
- Using Middleware and integration platforms creates a more scalable and maintainable architecture rather than a point-to-point integration
- Leveraging APIs and Event driven architecture for real-time data flow between systems.
B2MML standards
- Providing a common language for manufacturing operations management by using B2MML standard when developing APIs and Events.
Data Synchronization Strategy
- Defining clear data ownership - ERP owns master data (products, BOMs, scheduling and planning, customers, suppliers) while MES owns execution data (work-in-progress, inventory movements and usage, quality results, equipment status).
- Logging and tracing data flow between systems and having key users trained in error management.
Data Mapping and Transformation
- Create a canonical data model - serves as an intermediate format between ERP and MES.
- Important considerations: Inventory management, UoM Alignment, Location Alignment, Template alignment to Master Recipe (BoMs/Operations).
Process Alignment
- Map business processes end-to-end before technical integration. (consider exceptions outside normal process flows).