What Is MES Software?
MES (Manufacturing Execution System) software is a computerized system that helps track the manufacturing process from raw materials to finished goods.
MES bridges different production parts, such as physical devices and food ERP software systems.
What Are the Benefits of Using the Manufacturing Execution System Software?
There are many MES benefits. For example:
- You will better comply with food safety regulations
- The software enables efficient data collection.
- Using MES software solutions improves food product quality.
- You will gain real-time production visibility and control.
- You will reduce waste and costs.
- MES helps reduce scrap. For more information, read our blog post about seven ways to reduce scrap with MES.
- You will introduce new products faster
- MES will help you respond to market demands quickly.
Overall, MES software will benefit those seeking to streamline manufacturing operations management by optimizing the workflow and bringing transparency to the process.
MES tools help reduce costs and minimize human errors. They also significantly boost the production workflow and enable better resource allocation for increased productivity.
What Are the Key Features of MES Software?
MES software functionality includes:
- Data collection and real-time monitoring,
- Quality management,
- Document management,
- Production scheduling,
- Product tracking,
- Labor management,
- Resource allocation,
- Inventory management,
- Performance analysis,
- Maintenance management, and more.
This comprehensive solution gathers all vital production procedures in one platform, providing real-time data and the best manufacturing solutions.
Read our blog about core MES features to learn more!
Top MES Software in 2025
In this MES software list, we’ve gathered the top MES software companies you will find a potentially good fit for your business.
We’ve based our selection on factors such as core MES functionality, industry relevance, and vendor reputation in the food and beverage sector.
An important note: while we’ve created this curated list to help you explore the options, you must decide on the software yourself by evaluating each MES solution and conducting your own research based on your business’s unique needs, compliance goals, and operational scale.
Read to discover the leading MES software providers for food and beverage businesses.
Best MES software for food businesses of all sizes
1. FoodReady AI
Pricing: Contact FoodReady for more information
Platforms supported: Web, iOS, and Android
Why use FoodReady AI?
FoodReady AI is an excellent fit for all business sizes, from small to large-scale manufacturing.
This MES software will show you that manufacturing operations management can be easier.
You will gain real-time data visibility for enhanced productivity and quality and be free from the burden of endless processes that are difficult to manage manually.
With FoodReady, you will centralize manufacturing operations such as monitoring and analytics, data management, document control, quality management, traceability and inventory, and more.
The software also has other MES features like labor management, compliance management, resource allocation, etc.
FoodReady integrates with QuickBooks and IoT devices and provides service beyond MES.
It’s an all-in-one solution you can use as an ERP, food inventory software, food traceability system, etc.
Over 1000 companies use FoodReady software with over $1M of ROI!
Its user-friendly interface is a great advantage, as it will shorten the training time, and the cloud-based platform will enable quicker access and better communication.
FoodReady AI Features:
- Industry-Specific MES – FoodReady MES is perfect for the food manufacturing industry, with tools designed for safety, compliance, and production efficiency.
- Automated Data Collection – Reduce manual data entry and automatically capture real-time data from production lines.
- Product Genealogy – Get a detailed product history, including raw materials, equipment, and operators involved in production.
- Manufacturing Orders – Schedule production runs based on sales orders and assign production to different lines.
- Batch Tracking – Track each batch from raw ingredients to finished product, ensuring traceability and simplified recall management.
- Product Documentation – Maintain centralized and accessible records, labels, logs, and reports.
- Bill of Materials Tracking – Track the bill of materials, raw materials, and inventory from receipt through finished product transformation.
- Recipe Management – Ensure consistent product quality and compliance by storing, managing, and controlling recipes and formulations.
- Inventory Management – Keep track of inventory levels to reduce waste and omit shortages.
- Real-time Data Management – Keep up with regular data updates during manufacturing.
- Monitoring and Analytics – Use dashboards to control and analyze essential data.
- Quality Management – Ensure proper quality control and assurance with FoodReady QMS integration.
- Compliance Management – Comprehensive features will let you guarantee enhanced food safety compliance.
- Maintenance Management – Schedule maintenance, control the equipment’s state, and receive instant alerts in case of a breakdown.
- Production Planning and Scheduling – Enhance productivity by effectively scheduling orders, allocating resources, and balancing workloads to optimize production workflows and meet forecasted demand.
- Resource Allocation – Automate resource allocation depending on your priorities.
- Traceability and Recall – Build a food traceability system to track products and minimize the impact of costly recalls.
- Labor Management – Streamline communication, automate scheduling, provide better training, and track the working process.
- Performance Analysis – Track KPIs, find pitfalls, and improve performance.
- Process Management – Structure your work and control WIP tasks, new orders, and finished products.
- CAPA Management – When a nonconformance occurs, quickly identify, track, and resolve it with corrective and preventive actions.
- Quickbooks Integration – FoodReady integrates with Quickbooks for better financial management.
How Can Our MES Software Help Your Food and Beverage Business?
FoodReady has comprehensive MES features that will revolutionize your food and beverage business.
You will digitize your compliance with FSMA 204, GFSI, and other food safety standards, enhance product quality, and boost efficiency.
You’ll oversee each step with real-time monitoring and control, from raw materials to finished goods.
Implementing FoodReady MES will also reduce downtime and optimize resource allocation.
Other significant benefits include quick traceability, streamlined quality management, and elevated inventory management.
FoodReady MES is a scalable solution that will adjust as your business grows and production volumes increase.
MES software can help decision-makers develop any idea and solution thanks to its real-time data and analysis.
The software will integrate with other solutions, including enterprise resource planning (ERP) or customer relationship management systems.
Most importantly, we always put our customers first:
My number one reason for choosing Food Ready is the customer service. The speed of resolution and response to how-to questions is unmatched. FoodReady does a wonderful job of making me feel like a priority rather than another number.
(Amanda Turner, the QA Manager of True Essence Foods)
Achieve consistent quality with FoodReady MES, ensuring long-lasting success in the competitive food and beverage industry.
2. SAP
Pricing: Contact SAP for more information
Platforms supported: Web, iOS, and Android
Why use SAP?
SAP Manufacturing Execution is an enterprise-grade MES solution that brings visibility, control, and optimization to complex manufacturing operations.
It’s an excellent fit for large and enterprise-level manufacturers in highly regulated industries such as food and beverage.
SAP MES is part of SAP’s broader digital supply chain portfolio.
It integrates seamlessly with SAP ERP and SAP S/4HANA, allowing manufacturers to bridge the gap between business planning and shop floor execution.
SAP will help you centralize, digitize, control, and monitor manufacturing processes.
This MES solution will improve traceability and give you more detailed production visibility.
SAP Features:
- Real-time Production Execution and Monitoring
- Integration with SAP ERP and S/4HANA for unified workflows
- Cloud-based Deployment
- ERP Integration
- Traceability
- Automated Data Collection
3. LYNQ
Pricing: Contact LYNQ for more information
Platforms supported: Web
Why use LYNQ?
LYNQ is built for food and beverage businesses wanting to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and minimize loss.
The solution can help you produce high-quality food, ultimately helping you comply with industry standards and maintain consumer trust.
LYNQ has comprehensive features to improve efficiency and traceability, enhance operational control, reduce costs, and more.
The platform also integrates with popular ERP systems, such as Microsoft Dynamics and SAP Business One, connecting the workflow from planning to production.
With real-time data capture and advanced scheduling capabilities, Lynq MES enables better decision-making, reduces production downtime, and supports compliance with food safety and quality regulations.
LYNQ Features:
- Planning and Scheduling
- Data Collection
- Data Analysis
- Inventory
- Quality Control
- Production Automation
- Manufacturing Optimization
4. Aptean
Pricing: Contact Aptean for more information
Platforms supported: Web
Why use Aptean?
This MES solution is built for food and beverage manufacturers to boost productivity and provide real-time, reliable shop-floor data.
Aptean’s solution supports recipe management, allergen control, batch tracking, and quality assurance.
Moreover, it helps businesses maintain food safety standards like FDA, FSMA, and GFSI.
With Aptean’s MES SI Edition, you can get a comprehensive overview from intake to dispatch.
It’s beneficial if you want to cut waste, boost the process, and enhance decision-making.
The software enables transparency and easy KPI setting.
Aptean Features:
- Shop Floor Data Capture
- Raw Material Intake Management
- Picking and Despatch Management
- Production Management
- Stock Control
- Production Planning
- Work Order Processing
- Recipe Management
- MES Dashboards
5. TrakSYS by Parsec
Pricing: Contact Parsec for more information
Platforms supported: Web
Why use TrakSYS?
TrakSYS offers to manage your everyday manufacturing operations based on real-time data.
The solution increases end-to-end visibility so that manufacturers can quickly catch issues.
It also streamlines efficiency so that you can reduce delays and any inconvenience.
Critical for the food and beverage industry: the software supports compliance and traceability.
Additionally, you will improve food quality and prevent unplanned downtime by using MES like TrakSys.
Their MES also integrates with ERP, PLCs, and SCADA for more synchronized operations.
Moreover, it’s easy to adjust to your needs.
TrakSYS Features:
- Reporting and Analytics
- Monitoring
- Inventory Management
- Production Planning
- Quality Management
- Predictive Maintenance
- Production Scheduling and Optimization
- Real-time Data Collection
- Work Order Management
6. Tulip
Pricing: Contact Tulip for more information
Platforms supported: Web, iOS, Android
Why use Tulip?
Tulip offers a composable MES solution you can tailor to meet your specific needs and is easy to use.
The software enables manufacturers to build and customize their MES applications without writing code.
Its open API structure and app builder benefit teams that want more control over their operations without relying heavily on IT.
Moreover, you can integrate Tulip with existing systems, equipment, sensors, or ERPs. This creates a connected ecosystem that captures critical shop floor data in real time.
It has a human-centered interface, and you can implement it in 3 months on average.
The system will help you manage and visualize production for better efficiency and product quality, maximize efficiency, and ensure compliance.
Tulip Features:
- Compliance
- Traceability
- Electronic Batch Records
- Built-in Analytics
- Inventory Management
- Quality
- Production Management
- Intuitive Data Model
7. Proficy Smart Factory
Pricing: Contact Proficy Smart Factory for more information
Platforms supported: Web
Why use Proficy Smart Factory?
The MES software combines cloud-based, on-premise, and hybrid solutions for data-driven manufacturing management.
Proficy delivers value in process, discrete, diverse/mixed manufacturing, and it will help you stay agile, reduce costs, and enhance product quality.
This MES solution can become your key to cost reduction, quality improvement, and faster production.
It helps food and beverage manufacturers address challenges related to regulatory compliance, product traceability, quality management, and batch consistency.
You can gain end-to-end operational visibility, which helps reduce waste, improve yields, and maintain audit readiness.
Proficy Smart Factory Features:
- Quality Control
- Real-Time Monitoring
- Real-Time Visibility
- Batch Analysis
- Data Management
- Scheduling
8. Sepasoft
Pricing: Contact Sepasoft for more information
Platforms supported: Web
Why use Sepasoft?
The software enables real-time control and monitoring of manufacturing processes, from raw materials to finished goods.
Sepasoft offers money and time-saving tools that increase flexibility and visibility.
The solution is highly customizable, making the plant floor operations easier than you imagined.
Built on top of the Ignition SCADA platform, it connects directly with machines and equipment to collect real-time data from your production lines.
The platform’s modular design allows you to start with the necessary tools, like tracking downtime, monitoring quality, or tracing ingredients.
Then, when your business grows, you can expand the system.
Sepasoft Features:
- Traceability and Geneology
- Resource Scheduling and Statuses
- WIP Details
- Real-Time Inventory
- Real-Time Data Acquisition
- Dispatching Production Tasks
- Track and Trace
- Batch Procedure
9. Infor
Pricing: Contact Infor for more information
Platforms supported: Web
Why use Infor?
Infor is a smart manufacturing execution system delivering real-time insights to boost productivity and enhance food quality.
You will improve operational performance and digitize your manufacturing processes with this MES tool.
Infor MES integrates smoothly with Infor ERP systems and other business tools. It facilitates the connection of planning, production, and delivery in one unified platform.
You’ll also like their no-code/low-code and customizable system.
Additionally, with Infor, your workers will have the information they need, improve quality, maintain compliance, enhance performance, and go paperless.
Infor Features:
- Inventory Management
- Pre-Configured Dashboards
- Reporting and Analytics
- Real-time Integration and Automation
- Maintenance
- Quality
- Enterprise Master Data Management
- Configurability
10. Plex
Pricing: Contact Plex for more information
Platforms supported: Web
Why use Plex?
This manufacturing execution system platform provides complete visibility of the production lifecycle and enables comprehensive shop floor control.
The platform provides reliable data that will help you make more informed decisions.
Moreover, centralized data will allow the whole company to work with the latest data without delays or miscommunication.
The system integrates with ERP for more consistent production.
Plex is purpose-built for food and beverage manufacturers. It supports batch and recipe management, full traceability, allergen control, and food safety regulations like FSMA, GFSI, and HACCP compliance.
Plex Features:
- Database-Driven Traceability
- Quality Management
- Production Finite Scheduling
- Inventory Management
- Production Management
11. ParityFactory
Pricing: Contact ParityFactory for more information
Platforms supported: Web
Why use ParityFactory?
ParityFactory MES, part of the Advantive brand family, is an MES solution designed specifically for the food and beverage industry.
It helps ensure real-time production tracking and enforce quality control throughout manufacturing.
ParityFactory’s traceability ensures you can instantly trace ingredients and products across lots, batches, and production runs.
As a result, you will pass food safety audits faster and more efficiently.
Moreover, this tool will help you reduce waste, boost productivity, and minimize recall risks, which is critical for food and beverage businesses.
ParityFactory Features:
- Quality Control
- Lot Traceability
- Real-Time Reporting
- Production Management
- Warehouse and Inventory Management
12. Deacom MES
Pricing: Contact Deacom MES for more information
Platforms supported: Web
Why use Deacom MES?
The platform is designed for process manufacturers to provide even more control and centralization of food manufacturing and business operations.
It’s a single platform where MES, ERP, inventory, quality, and compliance tools work together without integration hassles.
It will help you reduce operational complexity and give your teams the control and insights they need to optimize performance and comply with regulatory standards.
The benefits of using Deacom are improved quality and compliance, profit growth, and better inventory control. You will also find it easier to make data-driven decisions.
Deacom MES Features:
- Real-time Monitoring and Tracking
- Automated Testing and Inspection
- Recordkeeping
- Vendor Collaboration
- Supply Chain Visibility
- Vendor Collaboration
13. FactoryTalk CPGSuite
Pricing: Contact FactoryTalk CPGSuite for more information
Platforms supported: Web
Why use FactoryTalk CPGSuite?
FactoryTalk CPGSuite MES, developed by Rockwell Automation, is a purpose-built MES for consumer packaged goods industries, including food and beverage manufacturing.
It’s an excellent choice for a high-performance, plant-wide system that delivers real-time operational control and strategic insights.
The company knows how important quality is for food businesses, so it helps you ensure full traceability and food quality even if you’re a large-scale manufacturer.
If you want to adapt to market changes quickly, improve product quality, reduce waste, and meet evolving compliance demands, CPGSuite offers a proven, industry-focused solution.
FactoryTalk CPGSuiteFeatures:
- Raw Material Tracking
- Improved Scheduling
- Real-time Information
- Automated Data Collection, Reporting, and Analysis
- Recipe Templates
- Automated System Integration
How Do I Choose the Best MES Software?
Searching for the best MES solution is a challenge.
It’s a considerable investment, and food manufacturers want to find the best option to meet their expectations.
To find the best MES platform, you should follow some steps and consider the essential aspects:
Conduct Needs Analysis
You must have final requirements and needs.
Consider your pain points, areas for improvement, specific features, and the allocated budget.
Conduct thorough research with the stakeholders to develop a comprehensive set of requirements.
Compile a List of MES Software Providers
Devote time for research and find the MES software vendors you consider a good option.
Look for those who match your needs, have reviews, a good reputation, successful case studies, etc.
Now you have what to choose from.
Consider Ease of Use
Consider the software’s user-friendliness. Opt for a solution your employees will quickly learn to use.
It will help ensure a smooth transition to a new system, minimize resistance to change, and maintain productivity.
Consider the Costs
Count how much MES software will cost you.
The price will include the total cost of ownership (TCO), training, licensing, implementation, maintenance, etc.
This will help you decide what software offerings meet your budget.
Check Integration Capabilities
Food manufacturing is a network of different systems.
Ensure MES seamlessly connects with your existing ERP, QMS, inventory tools, and production equipment for data flow.
Check Compliance and Security
Compliance is a must in the highly regulated food industry.
Confirm that the manufacturing execution system you consider works according to food safety standards.
Also, check if MES is secure enough to protect sensitive data.
Scalability and Customization
Check if the solution is scalable enough to grow with your business. This will help you avoid disruptions.
Moreover, the solution has to be customizable enough to cover your food business’s specific needs and peculiarities.
Look for Accessibility
Search for accessible software, better with a mobile app, to be more flexible and adaptive in the dynamic industry.
There are many cloud-based scalable systems for food manufacturers.
Check Customer Support and Training
You will need professional support to transition to a new system smoothly.
Consider MES software companies that offer comprehensive support and training options so you don’t feel left alone and get everything done correctly,
Request a Demo From MES Software Vendors
Book a demo with the MES software companies you consider.
They will demonstrate their software in more detail, and you’ll see how it works in reality.
That’s an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in the software environment and decide if that’s what you want.
Book a demo with FoodReady now and see how our MES software can help you!
Key Takeaways
Leading MES Software Providers:
- FoodReady AI – Best all-in-one MES for food manufacturers of all sizes.
- SAP – Best for global enterprises.
- LYNQ – Ideal for small to mid-sized manufacturers.
- Aptean – Best for small-to-large food enterprises.
- TrakSYS – Great for flexible, real-time operations for businesses of all sizes.
- Tulip – Best no-code MES platform.
- Proficy Smart Factory – Best for process, discrete, and mixed manufacturers of various sizes.
- Sepasoft – Flexible MES software for all company sizes.
- Infor – Best for mid to large-sized food producers.
- Plex – Best MES solution for mid-sized to large food companies.
- ParityFactory – Best MES for food and beverage processors.
- Deacom MES – Best for food processors of different sizes.
- FactoryTalk CPGSuite – Best for high-volume, multi-site food and CPG manufacturers with automated, complex operations.
MES (Manufacturing Execution System) software is a helpful tool for managing and monitoring food manufacturing, from raw materials to finished products.
MES connects ERP systems, machinery, and shop floor operations, ensuring efficient data flow and transparency.
What are the advantages? Better regulatory compliance, production efficiency, real-time visibility, reduced waste, improved food safety and quality, and more.
MES functionality is versatile: it usually includes quality management, production scheduling, traceability, inventory control, maintenance, and analytics.
Feeling perplexed about how to choose the best MES software?
When choosing the solution, consider your business needs and the complexity of processes.
Don’t ignore integration capabilities with existing tools and regulatory demands.
Search for an easy-to-use, scalable solution with comprehensive vendor support.
Frequently Asked Questions:
MES (manufacturing execution system) helps streamline the very execution stage, while PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) helps control pre-execution, execution, and post-execution stages.
Meanwhile, the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system helps control other business aspects, such as sales, HR, finance, etc. See all the differences between MES and ERP.
Yes, MES software is a cloud-based solution. However, there are also on-premise and hybrid MES platforms.
Food manufacturers can encounter challenges, including high implementation and maintenance costs or complex integration.
However, benefits such as streamlined production, better resource allocation, cost optimization, and more can easily outweigh the drawbacks.
To find the best solution, consider your request, needs, current financial capabilities, business peculiarities, etc.
They are entirely different. MES software is a platform that uses IoT devices like sensors to streamline manufacturing.
No. SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) is not a part of the manufacturing execution system.
The prices range from a few thousand for a small food business to over a million dollars for large-scale enterprises.
