VDI 5600 – Smart Factory Glossary

VDI 5600 is a guideline by VDI e. V. (Association of German Engineers) dealing with production planning and control in industrial environments. The guideline describes the specific features of Manufacturing Execution Systems and provides companies with a structured approach for optimizing production processes. VDI 5600 also specifies the new requirements for Manufacturing Execution Systems resulting from constantly changing framework conditions. The VDI guideline is regarded as the standard for Manufacturing Execution Systems. The guideline was developed on the initiative of MPDV's experts who also made significant contributions throughout the entire development process.

Development of VDI 5600

VDI 5600 was first published in 2008 in order to meet the industry's growing demand for efficient production processes. In the following years, the guideline was updated and amended to take account of new technological developments and methods. The guideline results from the VDI's constant efforts to set industry standards and to enhance the competitiveness of German companies.

Functions of Manufacturing Execution Software

VDI 5600 lists the typical functions of manufacturing IT. This includes the following MES features:

• Order management
• Detailed scheduling and control
• Resource management
• Material management
• HR management
• Data collection
• Performance analysis
• Information management
• Energy management

According to the VDI guideline 5600, sheet 7, an important trend can be identified that requires future MES to provide functions to integrate various providers or platforms allowing them to interoperate with each other. Thanks to sophisticated information and communication technology, networking of machines improves constantly and processes are deeply interwoven. As a result, new requirements are being placed on the flexibility of manufacturing execution systems, which is outlined on sheet 7 of the VDI Guideline with case studies from the working environment.

MPDV software complies with VDI 5600

MPDV's software solutions cover the entire range of manufacturing IT. Applications such as the Manufacturing Execution System HYDRA X and the Advanced Planning and Scheduling System FEDRA are platform-based, can be used on a modular basis, and integrate all requirements of modern factories. All MPDV applications, also referred to as mApps, are assigned to specific categories reflecting the MES tasks as specified by the VDI. All in all, MPDV's manufacturing IT with its manifold features even meets the latest requirements of the VDI guideline.

• VDI Guideline 5600: 2016-10 sheet 1, p. 8.
• VDI Guideline 5600: 2021-04 sheet 7, p. 12.