While a manufacturing execution system (MES) is often viewed as “just” a tool for helping the “shop people” go about their day-to-day tasks, the fact is that such a system also has more than ample potential to help transform the shop floor into a business center of excellence, and propel the company forward as it targets market leadership. Performance efficiencies gained with MES can open up the possibility of increasing output and profitability, all with existing production assets. MES can offer a quick, hassle-free way to turn shop floor operations into a corporate center of excellence.