Solutions

We have a solution for everything – and more importantly: they can all be connected through our unique Körber Ecosystem. In our current seven areas of expertise, we are at your disposal with our comprehensive know-how.

All Solutions

Software solutions

Software solutions

With our PAS-X MES - on premise or cloud-based - and our software solutions for analysis, track & trace, networked factories, and intelligent packaging, we are the world's leading supplier and partner to the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. With our holistic understanding and use of digitalization, you remain future-proof and combine digital innovation with sustainability.

Overview Software solutions

Handling systems

Handling systems

Looking for perfectly designed production lines that reduce operational complexity, can adapt quickly to changes in the pharmaceutical industry and work seamlessly with your software and machinery? We are specialists for complete handling systems for pharmaceutical and medical products. Our solutions are decisive in the field of contactless and safe transport of e.g. glass syringes.

Overview Handling systems

Inspection machines

Inspection

As the world's leading inspection expert, we develop solutions for the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. Our range of products extends from AI-supported, high-performance machines and semi-automatic machines to laboratory units and inspection applications for in-process control. As thought leaders in the field, we always make sure that machines and software speak the same language.

Overview Inspection

Machine finder

Packaging machines

Packaging machines

We are a leading supplier of packaging machines for liquid and solid pharmaceutical and medical products. With our blister, sachet and stick packaging machines we offer solutions for primary packaging. Our side and topload cartoners set standards worldwide for secondary packaging. Our ecosystem approach ensures that all machines, software, and other components operate harmoniously and perform at the highest level.

Overview Packaging machines

K.Pak Topload Case Packer

Introducing our latest solution from Körber; the K.Pak Topload Case Packer! Created specifically for the pharmaceutical industry, the K.Pak solution provides operator-friendly machines to complete any production line. Our solution focuses on innovative technology, high-quality design and expert handling and packaging of your product. It’s time to start connecting the dots with Körber!

Packaging solutions

Packaging solutions

As long-standing specialists, we develop packaging solutions for innovative and high-quality secondary pharmaceutical packaging made of cardboard. We offer you solutions for counterfeit protection, standard folding boxes and much more.

Overview Packaging solutions

Consulting

Consulting

Our experts will advise you during the analysis of your requirements, show you optimization potential and support you during the implementation of projects in all areas of the pharmaceutical, biotech and medical device industry. Our aim is to achieve holistic optimization for your factory of excellence.

Overview Consulting

Services

Services

You need help with a specific product or have questions about one of our areas of expertise? Körber is your forward-looking navigator to excellence. We provide data-led, proactive advice and services to improve what is needed to scale and evolve towards your factory of excellence.

All Services

Manufacturing Execution System (MES)

What is a pharmaceutical Manufacturing Execution System?

A manufacturing execution system (MES) is a digital solution that helps pharmaceutical manufacturers monitor, control, and optimize production processes in real time. It acts as a bridge between enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and shop floor operations, ensuring data integrity, regulatory compliance, and process efficiency in the pharma and biotech industries.

In pharmaceutical manufacturing, MES solutions replace paper-based processes with electronic batch records (EBR), reducing human errors and improving product quality. By integrating automation, data management, and process control, MES enables real-time visibility into production workflows, ensuring compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and regulatory standards.

What does MES stand for?

MES stands for manufacturing execution system, a software-driven approach that enables pharmaceutical manufacturers to track, document, and manage the entire manufacturing process in real time.

What is the role of a Manufacturing Execution System in pharma?

The primary role of a MES in the pharmaceutical industry is to ensure efficient, compliant, and data-driven production. It supports manufacturers by:

  • Automating data collection to enhance accuracy and reduce errors.
  • Managing electronic batch records (EBR) for traceability and compliance.
  • Optimizing workflows by coordinating materials, equipment, and personnel.
  • Enforcing regulatory compliance through audit trails and process validation.
  • Improving product quality with real-time monitoring and analytics.

By implementing MES, pharmaceutical manufacturers can shorten lead times, improve yield, and ensure regulatory compliance while enhancing overall operational efficiency.

How does a MES work in pharmaceutical manufacturing?

MES solutions function by collecting, analyzing, and processing data from various manufacturing systems. The workflow typically includes:

Order Execution & Scheduling: MES helps schedule production orders based on material availability, equipment status, and workforce allocation.

Real-Time Data Collection & Process Control: The system gathers real-time shop floor data, tracking raw material usage, machine performance, and environmental conditions.

Electronic Batch Record (EBR) Management: Instead of paper-based batch documentation, MES ensures automated recording of production data to improve traceability and compliance.

Quality Management & Compliance: MES integrates with quality control (QC) systems to identify deviations, enforce corrective actions, and ensure regulatory adherence.

Integration with Other Systems: MES connects with enterprise resource planning (ERP) and laboratory information management systems (LIMS) to enable seamless data flow across the organization.

Are MES and ERP the same?

No, MES and ERP are not the same, but they complement each other in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning): Manages business-level functions such as finance, procurement, and supply chain.

MES (Manufacturing Execution System): Focuses on real-time production processes, ensuring efficient execution of manufacturing tasks.

An ERP system plans and organizes manufacturing resources, while a MES executes and controls shop floor activities. Both systems work together to ensure end-to-end operational efficiency.

Benefits of a Manufacturing Execution System in pharmaceutical manufacturing

  1. Improved data integrity and compliance: MES ensures electronic documentation of manufacturing processes, reducing risks associated with manual record-keeping and ensuring compliance with FDA, EMA, and WHO regulations.

  2. Increased efficiency and reduced lead time: By automating batch record management and process tracking, MES minimizes production delays and optimizes resource allocation.

  3. Enhanced product quality and consistency: Real-time monitoring and automated alerts help manufacturers detect deviations, errors, or quality defects before they impact final products.

  4. Reduced operational costs: By streamlining workflows and minimizing material waste, MES contributes to cost savings and improved resource utilization.

  5. Better visibility and decision-making: MES provides real-time insights into manufacturing processes, allowing data-driven decision-making to improve yield, efficiency, and compliance

Challenges in MES implementation

High initial investment: MES solutions require significant financial investment in software, hardware, and training.

Integration with legacy systems: Many manufacturers still rely on older production systems, requiring complex integration efforts.

Customization needs: Different pharmaceutical processes may require tailored MES configurations to meet unique production requirements.

To overcome these challenges, cloud-based MES solutions and modular MES implementations are gaining traction, enabling more scalable and cost-effective adoption.

Future trends in MES for pharma

The evolution of MES technology is transforming pharmaceutical manufacturing through innovations such as:

  1. Cloud-based MES platforms: More companies are adopting cloud-driven MES solutions for scalability, flexibility, and cost savings.
  2. AI and machine learning integration: MES systems are leveraging AI-powered analytics to enhance predictive maintenance, process optimization, and anomaly detection.
  3. IoT-enabled smart manufacturing: Internet of Things (IoT) sensors provide real-time machine performance data, improving equipment utilization and process automation.
  4. Digital twin technology: MES systems are incorporating digital twins to create virtual models of production processes, enabling real-time simulation and optimization.

These advancements are driving the next generation of MES, helping pharmaceutical manufacturers achieve higher efficiency, compliance, and product quality.

Key takeaways

  • MES in pharmaceuticals enhances production efficiency, compliance, and product quality.
  • It replaces paper-based processes with electronic batch records (EBR) and real-time data monitoring.
  • MES integrates with ERP, LIMS, and shop floor automation systems for a fully connected manufacturing environment.
  • The future of MES includes AI-driven analytics, cloud-based solutions, and IoT-enabled smart factories.

Related terms

Electronic batch record (EBR)
Good manufacturing practices (GMP)
Track & Trace

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