Mesplan

What is mesplan

Mesplan is a manufacturing execution system (MES) and advanced production planning tool focused on shop‑floor scheduling, capacity planning, and real‑time execution. The platform sits between an ERP and the production floor to convert orders into feasible production schedules, dispatch instructions, and performance measurement. Mesplan typically supports features such as finite capacity scheduling, material availability checks, work order management, and OEE tracking.

Mesplan is targeted at manufacturers running discrete, batch, or mixed‑mode production who need coordinated scheduling across machines, lines, and shifts. It is commonly used in small to mid‑sized plants that require tighter alignment between planning and execution without replacing the ERP. The solution is also applicable to multi‑site operations that want centralized schedule orchestration and local execution details.

From a technical perspective, Mesplan combines a scheduling engine, a data collection layer for shop‑floor devices, and a web/mobile user interface for planners and supervisors. The product is designed to integrate with common shop‑floor protocols and enterprise systems so that schedules are realistic (finite capacity) and execution events update planning data in near real time.

Mesplan features

What does mesplan do?

Mesplan converts sales orders and production forecasts into executable plans and shop‑floor work instructions. Key activities include creating finite production schedules that account for machine availability, tooling, changeover times, and material constraints. The system produces dispatch lists, operator instructions, and tracks event data (start, stop, rejects) so actual production states feed back into the planner view.

Mesplan provides visualization tools such as interactive Gantt boards and time‑phased load charts to help planners evaluate alternative schedules and perform drag‑and‑drop rescheduling. It also offers automatic sequencing rules, priority handling, and scenario simulation so planners can compare throughput, lead time, and resource utilization before committing schedules.

On the execution side, Mesplan supports barcode/RFID scanning, terminal‑based work order confirmations, and integration with PLCs or OPC UA for automatic event capture. This enables production tracking, quality checkpoints, and traceability from raw material to finished goods. The data captured supports KPIs like cycle time, yield, and OEE.

Mesplan also provides inventory visibility linked to planned orders, material reservations, and kanban replenishment triggers. Combined with BOM and routing data (synchronized from ERP), the platform ensures planners can identify material shortages and create exception workflows to resolve them.

Key built‑in features and capabilities:

• Finite scheduling engine: capacity‑aware sequencing and optimization with changeover management
• Interactive Gantt scheduling: drag‑and‑drop schedule adjustments and scenario comparison
• Shop‑floor data collection: barcode/RFID scanning, operator terminals, PLC/OPC UA connectivity
• Material and inventory synchronization: MRP/ERP integration for reservations and shortages
• Quality and traceability: batch genealogy, QC checkpoints, nonconformance tracking
• OEE and analytics dashboards: real‑time KPIs, downtime analysis, and shift performance reports
• Multi‑site and multi‑plant support: centralized scheduling with site‑level execution autonomy
• Role‑based web and mobile UI: planner, supervisor, operator access with configurable permissions
• APIs and integrations: REST APIs, webhooks, and connectors for ERP/SCADA/IoT systems

Mesplan pricing

Mesplan offers these pricing plans:

• Free Plan: $0/month for a limited evaluation tier (single user, basic scheduling, limited data retention)
• Starter: $99/month per site for small operations (core scheduling, basic data collection, up to 3 concurrent users)
• Professional: $399/month per site for growing plants (finite scheduling, multi‑user access, integrations, dashboards)
• Enterprise: Custom pricing for large or multi‑site deployments with advanced security, on‑premises options, and premium support

Annual billing discounts and multi‑site licensing are available; for current details and enterprise options, check Mesplan's current pricing for the latest rates and contract options.

Mesplan's pricing structure is typically based on a mix of site licenses, user tiers, and modules (for example, the execution module, analytics module, and integration add‑ons). The Starter and Professional plans are aimed at cloud‑hosted SaaS customers, while Enterprise licenses can be agreed as either hosted or on‑premises deployments with volume discounts and implementation services.

Implementation, training, and integration services are usually quoted separately and can represent a one‑time professional services fee. For organizations with extensive PLC/SCADA integration needs, expect higher professional services scope and a corresponding implementation estimate.

How much is mesplan per month

Mesplan starts at $99/month for the Starter plan billed monthly per site. That entry price provides basic scheduling and limited data collection capabilities useful for pilot sites or small plants. The Professional plan is $399/month per site and includes the finite scheduler, integration connectors, and added user seats for planners and supervisors.

Larger manufacturing customers typically choose the Enterprise plan which is priced on request and reflects the number of sites, integration complexity, and required service levels. Enterprise contracts often include dedicated onboarding, SLA guarantees, and advanced security configurations.

Monthly pricing can vary based on optional modules (e.g., quality, advanced analytics), number of connected devices, and level of support, so planners should treat the published monthly numbers as baseline indications and ask Mesplan for a tailored quote.

How much is mesplan per year

Mesplan costs approximately $1,188/year for the Starter plan when billed annually at the published monthly equivalent ($99/month × 12). The Professional plan is roughly $4,788/year when billed annually at $399/month. Enterprise yearly pricing is negotiated and often offered with multi‑year discounts for larger rollouts.

Annual licensing frequently lowers the effective monthly price and may include a set number of professional services hours for initial configuration. For precise annual terms and available discounts, consult Mesplan’s licensing representatives via their pricing and licensing page.

How much is mesplan in general

Mesplan pricing ranges from $0 (trial) to $1,000+/month per site depending on plan, number of users, modules, and deployment model. Small pilot installations can run under $100/month with cloud hosting and minimal integration, while fully integrated multi‑site Enterprise deployments typically exceed $1,000/month per site once services and on‑premises requirements are included.

Total cost of ownership for MES implementations should account for professional services, hardware (terminals, scanners, PLC gateways), network improvements, and staff training. Budget planning for a typical plant rollout often includes: Implementation costs: system configuration and ERP integration, Hardware costs: barcode/RFID readers and operator terminals, Training costs: planner/operator instruction, and Support costs: annual maintenance or subscription fees.

For up‑to‑date, contract‑level pricing and discounts, consult Mesplan directly on their official pricing portal.

What is mesplan used for

Mesplan is used to plan, schedule, and execute manufacturing orders with finite capacity awareness. Production planners use it to generate feasible schedules, manage priorities, and reduce lead times by optimizing machine utilization and minimizing changeovers. Supervisors and operators use Mesplan to receive clear work instructions, confirm operations via terminals or scanning devices, and record exceptions in real time.

The tool is valuable for managing shop‑floor complexity where multiple product variants, frequent changeovers, and constrained capacities make manual scheduling unreliable. Mesplan's scenario simulation capabilities let planners model the impact of overtime, machine breakdowns, or rush orders and choose the option that best meets delivery targets.

Beyond scheduling, Mesplan is used for traceability and quality control: capturing batch genealogy, QC checkpoints, and nonconformance records that help with compliance and root‑cause analysis. It also provides operational metrics (OEE, throughput, scrap) to drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Typical roles that use Mesplan:

• Production planners: create and adjust schedules, manage bottlenecks
• Operations managers: monitor KPIs and coordinate corrective actions
• Shop‑floor supervisors: dispatch work and handle exceptions
• Quality engineers: manage inspections and traceability records
• IT/Integration teams: connect Mesplan to ERP, PLCs, and reporting systems

Pros and cons of mesplan

Pros:

• Mesplan provides a finite scheduling engine that produces realistic, capacity‑aware schedules and reduces late deliveries caused by optimistic infinite capacity planning. The visual Gantt interface makes it straightforward for planners to see conflicts and test alternate sequences.
• Real‑time shop‑floor capture and integration with PLCs or barcode systems ensure execution status updates the schedule fast, reducing planning‑to‑execution gaps and enabling faster response to disruptions.
• The system supports multi‑site deployments with centralized orchestration, which is useful for organizations that want a single planning model across plants while retaining local execution control.

Cons:

• MES deployments require integration and process mapping work; Mesplan implementations can involve non‑trivial professional services for ERP synchronization, PLC connectivity, and data model alignment. This increases initial project cost and timeline compared to SaaS point solutions.
• Smaller manufacturers with very simple workflows may find the full finite‑capacity capabilities more complex than necessary and may prefer lighter scheduling tools or spreadsheets for cost reasons.
• On‑premises options or heavy PLC/SCADA integrations can require additional IT infrastructure and maintenance capacity compared with a pure cloud solution.

Overall, Mesplan is best suited for manufacturers that need precision scheduling and closed‑loop execution rather than organizations seeking simple task lists or CRM‑style workflows.

Mesplan free trial

Mesplan typically offers a Free Plan or time‑limited trial for evaluation purposes that allows planners to test core scheduling features and basic shop‑floor data capture. The free evaluation is intended to validate fit before committing to paid licensing and to allow planners to run pilot schedules against a subset of real orders and resources.

During a trial, key limitations commonly include reduced number of users, shorter data retention windows, and limited integration connectors. The trial is useful to confirm the scheduling engine behavior, evaluate the Gantt interface, and test basic barcode scanning flows.

To start a trial or request a demo, companies should contact Mesplan sales or request access via the Mesplan request demo and trial page. Trials are often accompanied by short onboarding sessions so the supplier can configure a representative model of the shop floor.

Is mesplan free

Yes, Mesplan offers a free evaluation tier that allows limited use of the scheduling and execution features for pilots or product evaluation. The free tier is not intended for full production use; it’s designed to let teams validate core capabilities before upgrading to a paid plan.

Mesplan API

Mesplan exposes RESTful APIs and webhooks that enable integration with ERP systems, PLM, SCADA, and custom analytics platforms. The API surface typically includes endpoints for creating and updating work orders, querying resource availability, submitting execution events (start/complete/reject), and retrieving KPI and production history data.

Common API capabilities:

• Work order CRUD and status updates
• Resource and shift availability queries
• Material reservation and inventory lookup
• Execution event ingestion (operator confirmations, scrap, downtime)
• Reporting endpoints for OEE, throughput, and traceability data

In addition to REST APIs, Mesplan supports message‑based integrations using webhooks or MQTT for event streaming to cloud analytics and can be configured to accept OPC UA or Modbus feeds via an on‑premises connector for PLC data. Authentication is handled through API keys or token‑based OAuth flows for SaaS deployments, while on‑premises installations can use corporate identity providers and SSO.

Developers typically use the API to automate order injection from ERP, synchronize BOM/routing changes, and export production events for BI tools. For detailed API documentation and endpoint definitions, consult Mesplan's developer documentation and integration guides available from the Mesplan integrations portal at Mesplan integration documentation or contact their technical team for access to a sandbox environment.

10 Mesplan alternatives

• SAP ME — Full enterprise MES tightly integrated with the SAP ERP family; strong for large manufacturers with complex, regulated processes.
• Siemens Opcenter — Comprehensive manufacturing operations platform with advanced scheduling, quality, and manufacturing intelligence.
• Rockwell FactoryTalk — Strong shop‑floor integration and real‑time control, frequently used in discrete manufacturing with Rockwell PLCs.
• Plex — Cloud native MES and ERP combined, focused on discrete manufacturers and focused on traceability and real‑time dashboards.
• Poka — Operator‑focused digital work instructions and knowledge sharing for the shop floor; complements MES systems for frontline enablement.
• Epicor MES — Integrated MES for mid‑market manufacturers, often bundled with Epicor ERP for deeper transaction synchronization.
• Fishbowl — Inventory and manufacturing solution for small manufacturers that need basic shop‑floor features without full MES complexity.
• Oracle Manufacturing Cloud — Part of Oracle Cloud SCM with manufacturing execution and operations planning capabilities for enterprise users.
• IFS Manufacturing — ERP and MES capabilities oriented to complex asset‑intensive industries and multi‑site coordination.
• JobBOSS — Shop‑floor and job‑shop focused production management for smaller discrete manufacturers.

Paid alternatives to Mesplan

• SAP ME: Enterprise MES with deep SAP ERP integration and extensive regulatory features, suitable for large global manufacturers.
• Siemens Opcenter: Strong in advanced planning, quality and digital twin integration; often selected for high‑complexity production environments.
• Rockwell FactoryTalk: Best when control systems are primarily Rockwell hardware and close PLC coupling is required.
• Plex: Cloud MES integrated with ERP features targeted at mid‑market discrete manufacturers wanting SaaS deployment.
• Epicor MES: Integrated suite for mid‑market manufacturers seeking combined ERP+MES functionality.

Open source alternatives to Mesplan

• ERPNext: Open source ERP with manufacturing and production modules; includes basic scheduling, BOM, and shop‑floor data capture capabilities for teams that can extend it.
• inoERP: Open source ERP that includes manufacturing features and can be extended for shop‑floor integration in small to mid‑sized operations.
• Openbravo (Community integrations): While not a native MES, Openbravo's modular architecture supports manufacturing workflows via community modules and custom integrations.

Frequently asked questions about Mesplan

What is Mesplan used for?

Mesplan is used for production planning, finite scheduling, and shop‑floor execution. Planners use it to create realistic schedules that account for capacity and material constraints, while supervisors and operators use it to receive work instructions and report production events. The result is better alignment between planned and actual production and improved on‑time delivery performance.

Does Mesplan integrate with ERP systems?

Yes, Mesplan integrates with common ERP systems. Typical integrations include order import, BOM/routing synchronization, material reservation, and production confirmation export back to the ERP. Mesplan commonly provides connectors or APIs for systems such as SAP, Oracle, and mid‑market ERPs.

How much does Mesplan cost per user?

Mesplan starts at $99/month for the Starter plan measured per site rather than strictly per user; add‑on user seats and modules can affect the final per‑user effective cost. Enterprise licensing is quoted based on sites, modules, and services required.

Is there a free version of Mesplan?

Yes, Mesplan offers a free evaluation tier for pilots and initial testing that includes limited scheduling and basic execution features. The free tier is intended for evaluation and small pilots rather than long‑term production use.

Can Mesplan handle multi‑site scheduling?

Yes, Mesplan supports multi‑site and multi‑plant orchestration. It lets organizations centrally plan across sites while enabling local execution and resource autonomy, including rolling up KPIs and production status to a central dashboard.

Does Mesplan support barcode and RFID scanning?

Yes, Mesplan supports barcode and RFID data capture. The platform uses scanning for work order confirmations, material issuance, and lot/batch identification to ensure traceability and reduce manual entry errors on the shop floor.

Is Mesplan suitable for small manufacturers?

Yes, Mesplan can suit small manufacturers, but feature fit varies. Small shops can use the Starter plan or cloud trials to gain scheduling benefits, though very simple operations may prefer lighter tools if finite scheduling and integration complexity aren’t required.

How secure is Mesplan for manufacturing data?

Mesplan offers enterprise‑grade security features including role‑based access controls, TLS encryption in transit, and options for on‑premises deployment for customers with strict network isolation requirements. Enterprise customers can request enhanced security controls and compliance documentation.

Can Mesplan operate offline on the shop floor?

Mesplan supports limited offline workflows through local terminals. Worker terminals and mobile apps can cache recently loaded work instructions and submit events when connectivity is restored; full real‑time functionality requires network connectivity.

What training resources does Mesplan provide?

Mesplan provides product training and onboarding services. Typical offerings include online documentation, role‑based training sessions, and professional services for configuration and go‑live support. Enterprise customers often receive additional dedicated support and training packages tailored to their processes.

Mesplan careers

Mesplan hires professionals across product development, implementation services, sales, and customer success with expertise in manufacturing systems and industrial automation. Roles commonly include solution consultants who map plant processes to Mesplan capabilities, software engineers who build connectors and UI features, and support engineers who manage integrations with PLCs and ERP systems.

Career growth at Mesplan typically emphasizes cross‑disciplinary skills: technical understanding of PLC/OPC standards, familiarity with manufacturing terminology (BOMs, routings, MRP), and experience with cloud or on‑premises deployment models. Implementation roles often require travel to customer plants for commissioning and training, while product and engineering roles focus on continuous feature development and API capabilities.

For current openings and recruitment practices, Mesplan posts opportunities on their corporate site and professional networks; prospective applicants should highlight hands‑on manufacturing systems experience and domain knowledge in MES or ERP integrations.

Mesplan affiliate

Mesplan operates partner and reseller programs that include certified implementation partners, system integrators, and technology alliances with hardware vendors (barcode/RFID, PLC gateways). Affiliate and partner relationships help deliver end‑to‑end solutions including site assessment, hardware procurement, and training.

Partners typically receive access to partner portals, technical training, and co‑marketing resources to accelerate deployments. For businesses interested in partnership opportunities, Mesplan provides partner registration and program details via their partner program page.

Where to find Mesplan reviews

Independent reviews and customer case studies for Mesplan are available on industry review sites, manufacturing technology forums, and through Mesplan’s published case studies. Look for user feedback that highlights scheduling accuracy improvements, implementation timelines, and ROI examples such as reduced lead times or improved OEE.

For authoritative customer references and success stories, consult Mesplan’s published customer case studies and technical whitepapers on the Mesplan website, or request references directly from Mesplan sales for peer conversations and site visits.