The verdict in three sentences
For a precision machining shop with 55 employees in Manchester working for aerospace, custom production and quality tracking software costs EUR 45,000 to 85,000 excluding VAT in 2026 (roughly GBP 38,000 to 73,000), first-year maintenance included. An off-the-shelf MES runs from EUR 30,000 to 120,000 over 3 years depending on stations and modules, often with a quality layer that fits part-by-part AS9100 traceability less well. Custom wins when the existing ERP stays in place and the shop wants a simple tablet tool focused on work orders and non-conformances.
Why traceability becomes the number one issue
For every part, an aerospace customer asks for: material and its certificate, machine, CNC program, operator, inspected dimensions and any concessions. On paper, finding this file takes 30 minutes to 2 hours. During an AS9100 audit or a customer complaint, that delay directly affects the supplier rating.
| AS9100 or customer requirement | Paper and spreadsheet | With tracking software |
|---|---|---|
| Material traceability (3.1 certificate) | Binder per batch | Certificate linked to the work order, QR scan |
| Inspection records | Handwritten route cards | Tablet entry, out-of-tolerance values block the step |
| Non-conformance management | Paper form, email follow-up | Workflow: detection, analysis, decision, corrective action |
| FAI (first article) | Word file | Pre-filled AS9102 template |
| Retrieving a part file | 30 min to 2 h | Under 1 min |
| Overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) | Estimated | Measured per machine, per shift |
Off-the-shelf MES or custom: 2026 comparison
| Criterion | Off-the-shelf MES | Custom software |
|---|---|---|
| 3-year budget excl. VAT | EUR 30,000 to 120,000 | EUR 45,000 to 85,000 + EUR 8,000 to 12,000 a year |
| Go-live | 3 to 6 months | 4 to 6 months |
| Shop-floor interface | Rich but dense | Screens designed for your operators, 3 to 5 actions per station |
| AS9100 quality module | Variable, often optional | Built around your procedures |
| ERP connection | Standard connectors | API on your existing ERP |
| Machine time capture | Proprietary boxes | Open protocols (OPC UA, MTConnect) or manual entry |
| Changes | Vendor roadmap | On demand |
An off-the-shelf MES remains relevant for a shop starting from scratch and willing to adapt to the software. Custom fits better when the ERP already handles quotes, purchasing and invoicing, and the gap lies only between the routing and the delivered part.
Scope and budget per module
| Module | Content | Budget excl. VAT |
|---|---|---|
| Tablet work orders | Import from ERP, routings, documents, real-time status | EUR 10,000 to 18,000 |
| Machine and operator time | Start and stop logging, coded stoppages, OPC UA link on 12 to 20 machines | EUR 9,000 to 20,000 |
| Quality inspections | Inspection plans, tolerances, measurements entered or imported from the CMM | EUR 8,000 to 15,000 |
| Non-conformances and actions | 8D workflow, concessions, tracking board | EUR 8,000 to 14,000 |
| Part traceability file | PDF generation, archiving for at least 10 years | EUR 5,000 to 9,000 |
| Dashboards | OEE, scrap, lead times | EUR 5,000 to 9,000 |
Mini case study
Julien, operations director of a 55-employee subcontractor in Trafford Park, produces 38,000 parts a year on 16 machining centres. His scrap rate is 3.2% for an average part value of EUR 140, or EUR 170,000 a year. With blocking tablet inspections and non-conformance tracking, he targets 2.2% scrap: EUR 53,000 saved. Quality technicians save 9 hours a week on building part files, about EUR 18,000 a year. For a EUR 68,000 project, payback comes in 12 to 16 months, before counting OEE gains.
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FAQ
Is the software enough to achieve AS9100 certification?
No, certification covers your management system. The software makes evidence easy: traceability, records and corrective actions retrievable in under a minute during the audit.
Can older machines be connected?
Yes. Recent controls speak OPC UA or MTConnect; for machines older than 15 years, an acquisition box costs EUR 400 to 900 per machine, or operators keep entering data manually.
Do we need to change ERP?
No. The software pulls work orders and sends back actual times and quantities via API or scheduled import, which costs EUR 4,000 to 8,000 depending on the ERP.
Where is the data hosted?
In the UK or the European Union, or on a server in the plant if your defence customers require it. Cloud hosting costs EUR 150 to 400 a month.
How many tablets should we plan for?
Usually one industrial tablet for every 2 machines, so 8 to 10 devices at EUR 600 to 1,200 each.
Let's scope your project. Describe your machine fleet, ERP and customer requirements: we will price production and quality tracking software between EUR 45,000 and 85,000, delivered in 4 to 6 months. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
