Computer systems have become an integral part of most companies. The newest of these is Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), a technology that provides on-line application software that companies rely on to manage their manufacturing processes. Applying Manufacturing Execution Systems is the book for everyone who has the responsibility of improving their company's manufacturing results. It shows how the current conditions on the plant floor can be optimized to improve production output using an integrated MES. Applying Manufacturing Execution Systems shows how MES benefits all types of manufacturing from discrete item production to process flow production. The concepts discussed are applicable in all production facilities where a number of variables, whether simple or complex, need to be considered in order to optimize production by effectively using the available resources of people, inventory, and equipment. The book emphasizes the application of MES in the real world of manufacturing that includes: