Measuring Digital Maturity: From Isolated MES to an Integrated MOM Ecosystem
In the age of Industry 4.0, the manufacturing sector stands at a crossroads. The question is no longer whether to digitalize, but how to do so in a way that delivers sustainable business value. As organizations navigate this journey, one truth becomes clear: moving from isolated Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) to a fully integrated Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM) ecosystem is not just an IT upgrade-it is a strategic imperative for future competitiveness.
Rethinking Digital Maturity
Digital maturity in manufacturing is not merely about adopting the latest technologies. True maturity is measured by an organizationʼs ability to orchestrate people, processes, and technology to achieve agility, resilience, and innovation. According to Deloitteʼs 2023 Global Manufacturing Outlook, companies with high digital maturity are twice as likely to report increased market share and 1.6 times more likely to achieve higher customer satisfaction than their less mature peers.
The Four Stages of MOM Evolution
1. Isolated Systems: The Starting Point
Many manufacturers still operate with siloed systems-ERP, quality management, maintenance, and shop floor controls that rarely communicate. This fragmentation leads to delayed decisions, inconsistent data, and a reliance on manual processes. Gartner reports that up to 70% of manufacturers cite data silos as a major barrier to digital transformation
2. Integrated Islands: The First Steps
Some organizations attempt to bridge gaps with point-to-point integrations. While this can yield incremental improvements, it often results in a patchwork of connections that are costly to maintain and difficult to scale. Capgeminiʼs Smart Factories Report found that only 14% of manufacturers have achieved significant integration across their production systems .
3. Harmonized Processes: Building the Foundation
The real breakthrough occurs when manufacturers implement a unified MOM platform. This harmonization enables seamless data flow, real-time visibility, and standardized processes across the enterprise. According to McKinsey, companies that achieve this level of integration can increase overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) by 15-20% and reduce quality-related costs by up to 35%.
4. Orchestrated MOM Ecosystem: The Digital Pinnacle
At the highest level of digital maturity, manufacturers leverage advanced technologies such as digital twins, AI, and machine learning to create a self-optimizing ecosystem. Digital twins, for example, allow organizations to simulate and optimize production processes virtually, reducing commissioning times and enabling predictive maintenance. Research by Deloitte shows that digital twin adoption can lead to a 30% reduction in unplanned downtime and a 10-15% improvement in asset utilization .
The Strategic Value of Integration
Why does this evolution matter? Because integrated MOM ecosystems are the foundation for agility and innovation. They enable:
- Faster time-to-market: Real-time data and virtual modeling accelerate product introductions.
- Enhanced traceability: End-to-end visibility supports compliance and quality assurance.
- Operational resilience: Predictive analytics and AI-driven insights help anticipate disruptions and optimize resources.
A recent survey by PwC found that digitally mature manufacturers are 2.5 times more likely to achieve above-average revenue growth and three times more likely to report improved supply chain resilience
Measuring Progress: Beyond Technology
Measuring digital maturity requires looking beyond technology deployment. It involves assessing cultural readiness, process standardization, and the ability to turn data into actionable insights. The World Economic Forumʼs Digital Maturity Index emphasizes the importance of leadership commitment, workforce skills, and cross-functional collaboration as key enablers of successful transformation.
Leading by Example
While technology providers such as Siemens and others offer robust platforms, the real differentiator is how organizations approach change. Modular, value-driven implementation strategies-supported by strong leadership and a culture of continuous improvement-are consistently linked to successful outcomes.
Conclusion: The Journey Ahead
The shift from isolated MES to an integrated MOM ecosystem is not a one-time project, but a continuous journey. As market demands evolve and new technologies emerge, manufacturers must remain agile, data-driven, and committed to ongoing learning. Those who embrace this journey will be best positioned to lead in the next era of manufacturing excellence.
👉 Interested in learning more? At znt-Richter, we bring decades of experience in implementing innovative manufacturing solutions for high-tech industries. Let’s discuss how to strategically climb the 4 stages of MOM Evolution with a hybrid MOM approach tailored to your unique needs. Contact our team today to start the conversation.
References
- (2023) 2023 Global Manufacturing Outlook: Digital Transformation and Industry 4.0
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https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/us/Documents/energy-resources/us-2023-outlook-manufacturing.pdf - (2024) Gartner Top 10 Strategic Technology Trends for 2024
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https://www.gartner.com/en/articles/gartner-top-10-strategic-technology-trends-for-2024 - (2021) Smart factories @ scale
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https://www.capgemini.com/at-de/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2021/09/Studie_Smart-Factories-at-Scale.pdf - McKinsey & Company (2023) Digital manufacturing: The revolution will be virtualized
Retrieved from
https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/operations/our-insights/digital-manufacturing-the-revolution-will-be-virtualized - (2020) Digital twins: Bridging the physical and digital
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https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/focus/tech-trends/2020/digital-twin-applications-bridging-the-physical-and-digital.html - LNS Research (n.d.) Best Practices for Manufacturing Operations Management
Retrieved from
https://blog.lnsresearch.com/topic/manufacturing-operations-management
(Note: LNS reports are typically available to registered users only. This link leads to an overview of related blog posts and publications.)
Authorʼs Note:
This article is intended as a thought leadership piece. All data is sourced from reputable industry studies and reports as referenced above. For organizations seeking to move beyond isolated systems, the path to digital maturity is clear: invest in integration, foster a culture of innovation, and measure progress not just by technology, but by business outcomes.
About Jochen Stephan | Chief Sales Officer, znt-Richter Group:
Dynamic sales leader with over 25 years of B2B and B2P expertise in Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM), Corporate Performance Management and Financial Planning. Proven track record in driving revenue growth, building high-performing teams and fostering strategic partnerships. Seasoned lecturer at the Hochschule der Wirtschaft für Management (HDWM), delivering complex financial and performance-management topics to future business leaders.