Inside a Food & Beverage MES Project: A Consultant’s Take on Driving Success and Building Ownership

What does a successful Manufacturing Execution System (MES) project look like at InSource? Our Solutions Architect team says it’s more than just implementing new tools—building ownership and creating sustainable change. In this latest blog, we dive into a recent MES project at a major food and beverage plant in Goodyear, Arizona. This project underscores that success in MES isn’t just about software; it’s about leadership, active involvement, and a commitment to improve at every level—from the plant manager to the operators on the floor.

Our latest Food and Beverage Manufacturing Execution System (MES) project is a tech, teamwork, and transformation story. As consultants, we’re all about helping companies reduce costs and boost profits. For one of the largest processed food manufacturing companies, that means introducing powerful tools like Lean Management, Manufacturing Execution System, and streamlined processes to bring real change to the production floor. My role in this project is more than technical oversight—it’s about sharing decades of food industry know-how and showing the team how to use these tools. To get real results, the plant team has to take the reins and use these insights to create sustainable, floor-level impact. To make it stick, we’re rolling out simplified training tools for the operators because the real magic happens when every team member knows the value of MES and feels empowered to use it daily.

From a consulting perspective, this MES project has been a success. As consultants, we aim to help companies increase profitability and reduce costs. That’s why we use tools like Lean Management, MES, and other systems to introduce plants to the benefits of new technology and add value to their operations.

So, how do we bring value to the companies we consult with? We leverage our technical expertise and industry knowledge to guide them through each phase. The leadership team is actively involved in this project, which has been a major factor in its success. My role has included monitoring daily and shift meetings, implementing the MES system with supervisors, coordinators, and the production team, and sharing my food industry experience—particularly in the bakery business.

As I continue to train employees and management on the production floor, I hear feedback that they value the tool and want to make a difference. However, they’re not yet using it to drive consistent improvements. It’s challenging for teams to achieve lasting impact without setting expectations from the start and reinforcing them often. For success, I believe the plant’s leadership team needs to drive this project actively.

From our perspective, we can guide the project, train their personnel to use the tool effectively, and explain why it matters. But ultimately, success hinges on leadership’s commitment to demonstrating its value. The plant needs to assign a dedicated leader to monitor the system, track what’s working and what isn’t, and correct issues until the system becomes embedded into everyday operations—especially at the production floor level. The leadership team must be visible on the floor, monitoring and actively using data to drive process improvements.

While this project is in progress, I have also identified additional opportunities to enhance the value of this plant. One essential improvement is the development of more straightforward training materials for operators. Their training resources are currently tailored to managers and supervisors, but operators require a more concise guide to use the tools effectively. Our Training department at InSource has designed a new training deck for operators to help them engage with the program daily. However, it is crucial to remember that ownership at the plant level is essential—without it, even the best tools may fail to deliver results.

At InSource Solutions, we’re committed to more than simply implementing systems—we’re dedicated to empowering our clients to achieve lasting, meaningful change. With decades of industry expertise and a hands-on, people-centered approach, our team partners closely with clients to unlock the full potential of their operations, turning technology into a powerful catalyst for growth. From MES integration and Lean practices to customized training, InSource supports each step of the journey, ensuring that improvements take root and drive enduring results.

If you’re ready to drive sustainable change, boost efficiency, and build a data-driven culture in your organization, InSource is here to help. Contact us today to learn how we can work together to unlock the full potential of your manufacturing operations.

Building Sustainable Change with a Manufacturing Execution System at InSource

Learn how InSource can help drive sustainable change in your organization with MES solutions tailored to your needs.

Contact Us