5 Steps to a Successful Multisite MES Implementation

5 Steps to a Successful Multisite MES Implementation

As manufacturers race to modernize operations and gain competitive advantage through digital transformation, many are realizing that local, plant-by-plant MES deployments no longer scale. A multisite MES strategy is becoming essential—not just for IT standardization, but for enabling agility, compliance, and visibility across global operations.

In Part 2 of Critical Manufacturing’s Multisite MES white paper series, manufacturers gain practical, field-tested insights on how to execute a successful MES rollout across multiple facilities. This follow-up to Part 1 moves from the “why” to the “how”—outlining five key steps that leading manufacturers are taking to maximize MES value across the enterprise.

What you’ll learn:

• Why a Center of Excellence (CoE) is critical for long-term governance and success. The CoE defines the roadmap, manages configurations, and ensures standardization while adapting to site-specific needs. As one leader put it, “You need a strong CoE that can drive change at the plant.”
• How an MES template dramatically reduces deployment time and cost per site. With a validated template, companies can reduce rollout hours by 70% or more—from 1,000 hours on the first site to 300 on subsequent ones.
• What level of flexibility to allow in-site implementations—and how to govern it? Learn the five levels of MES standardization and how to find the right balance between harmonization and customization.
• How modern MES architecture, including containerization, DevOps, and modular design, simplifies deployment, increases reusability, and supports global scaling.
• The role of service partners—not just for deployment, but for change management and continuity. Manufacturers succeeding at scale often work with two dedicated partners: one for template evolution and the other for site-level implementation.

Whether you’re at the beginning of your journey or scaling to dozens of sites, this white paper offers the strategies and insights you need to lead a successful MES transformation.

Download the full white paper and learn from the real-world experience of global manufacturers building future-ready MES programs.

Sponsored by Critical Manufacturing