Previously in our Beyond ERP series, we saw how an MES complements an ERP by managing plant-floor operations in detail. But what does this mean for your bottom line and overall performance? In this final part of our series, we focus on the business benefits of combining ERP with a Manufacturing Execution System – specifically, how this “execution layer” drives end-to-end traceability, enables ongoing continuous improvement, and ultimately delivers a compelling Return on Investment (ROI). We’ll also share real-world examples demonstrating the value of MES software for food manufacturing.

In Part 1 of our Beyond ERP series, we explored why traditional ERP platforms struggle with the realities of food manufacturing. Now, let’s focus on the solution: a Manufacturing Execution System (MES).

A food-industry MES is purpose-built to manage and record what happens on the factory floor in real time. It doesn’t replace your ERP — it enhances it. With an MES, meat and poultry processors gain control over disassembly, yield tracking, traceability, and execution.

Food manufacturers today face constant pressure to do more with less—improve yield, reduce waste, ensure traceability, and scale across multiple facilities. But without the right digital infrastructure in place, these goals are difficult to achieve. That’s where MES and MOM come into play.

In this post, we’ll explain the difference between Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM)—and why this distinction matters for companies looking to modernize.

We’ll also introduce a free white paper that outlines a proven methodology for implementing MES in food production and showcases real-world results from Cargill and Gedik Piliç.