Process maturity model for MES in the steel industry

Abstract

One of the greatest challenges facing companies today is to achieve a differential advantage over their competition. The benefits achieved through the implementation and extension of manufacturing execution systems (MESs) holds great promise for meeting this challenge. Failure to recognise the significant internal dependencies of the most value-adding functions on the capability of underlying functions can result in a dysfunctional MES implementation. The dilemma faced by management is frequently not whether to invest in an MES but rather where to invest. This decision becomes increasingly complex when dealing with a multi-site enterprise such as is the case in the steel industry. This study defined a process-maturity model for MES implementation and used case study data from a steel enterprise to evaluate it. The model was shown to be valid and can be applied in the identification and prioritisation for MES developments within the steel industry.