Why MES Is the Backbone of Digital Transformation in Manufacturing

AI may dominate the headlines, but manufacturers are quietly shifting their investments back to the systems that drive business results. In our latest Podcast, we explore why Manufacturing Execution System (MES) is taking center stage and what most organizations overlook when trying to make it work.

In the latest episode of the InSource Podcast, Jeff Miller speaks with Scott Miller about the recent changes in manufacturing and their impact on facilities looking to enhance their digital transformation efforts. Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) are receiving increased attention and a long-overdue recognition.

In recent years, the industry has prompted manufacturers to invest substantial time, attention, and budgets into these technologies, such as AI. However, according to Deloitte’s 2025 Smart Manufacturing Survey, there is now a renewed focus on the systems that form the operational core of manufacturing.

According to Deloitte, here’s where U.S. manufacturers plan to invest over the next two years:

• 41% are allocating budget to factory automation hardware
• 40% are focusing on data analytics
• 35% are backing advanced production scheduling
• 33% are investing in execution systems (MES)
• 28% are prioritizing quality management systems

The industry aims to strengthen its factory foundation, capture accurate data, and develop systems that make this data usable throughout the organization.

Why MES and Why Now?

Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) are currently at the forefront of many smart manufacturing conversations. As the demand for real-time data and faster decision-making increases, many companies are realizing that they need a solid MES foundation before adding more tools.

Once the foundation is established, tools like Braincube can improve the process by helping teams transform their MES data into more informed and efficient decisions. However, without the MES handling the initial data processing, it can be challenging to derive value from any data-focused solution.

Therefore, it’s not about pursuing the latest tools; facilities need to ensure their foundation is solid first, and then build upon it with the right partners and technology.

MES isn’t just a tech project. It’s a people project.

One of the key takeaways from Jeff and Scott’s conversation is that success with MES relies more on the people using the software than on the software itself.

You can have the best tools, the cleanest data, and the most advanced systems, but if your team isn’t aligned, trained, supported, and prepared to work differently, the initiative won’t succeed.

Transformation occurs when people grasp not only how things are changing, but also why those changes are necessary. Effective leadership is crucial and not just during the kickoff, but throughout the rollout, addressing resistance, and making refinements. This understanding is what makes MES effective, and it highlights why this episode’s conversation is essential.

Listen to the latest episode to learn:

• Why “training” isn’t the same as change management
• What makes MES implementation succeed or stall
• How manufacturers can shift from software installs to actual transformation
• The fundamental role of leadership in making change stick

If you’re considering a Manufacturing Execution System or looking to enhance your current system, this episode is a great starting point. If you’re ready to discuss how MES could be tailored to our specific environment, we’re here to help. Feel free to reach out to our team; we would love to start the conversation.

Listen To The Full Podcast

Whether you’re planning your first MES project or trying to make an existing one stick, this episode will help.

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