MES/MOM systems for Manufacturing Networks: An exploratory study from operations in India

The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of information systems (in smart factories) to support the coordination practices in the international manufacturing networks (IMN). The paper attempts to study the usefulness of manufacturing IT tools to enable IMN coordination for optimization of physical distribution. Theoretical propositions made on manufacturing operations management (MOM) systems for IMN coordination (based on the literature study) were empirically examined using two case studies of companies with international manufacturing networks. Based on the qualitative analysis of propositions and empirical findings, the paper identified manufacturing execution systems (MES) to have the potential for achieving IMN coordination goals. As a result, the priorities for developing research agenda in this area to design factories of the future and to achieve Industry 4.0 vision were established. It is the first attempt to analyse the concepts of MES/MOM systems to empirically investigate their application in IMN coordination.