The verdict in three sentences
An MES (Manufacturing Execution System) connects the shop floor to your information system: it collects machine data, tracks every work order and computes OEE in real time. In 2026, a custom project integrated with your ERP costs between 60,000 and 160,000 EUR over a 6-to-10-month timeline. The real lever isn't the price but the OEE gain of 5 to 12 points, which pays back the project in under 18 months on most lines.
MES SaaS or custom: what you actually buy
An off-the-shelf MES (SaaS or vendor license) deploys fast but imposes its processes; a custom MES fits your real shop-floor flows and business rules. The choice depends on the number of lines, routing complexity and the level of ERP integration you need.
| Criterion | Vendor MES SaaS | Custom MES |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | 25,000 - 70,000 EUR | 60,000 - 160,000 EUR |
| Annual subscription | 12,000 - 40,000 EUR | Hosting 3,000 - 9,000 EUR |
| Time to production | 3 - 6 months | 6 - 10 months |
| Fit to real routings | Medium | Total |
| ERP/GPAO integration | Limited connectors | Custom (API, EDI) |
| Long-term evolution | Vendor roadmap | Your roadmap |
What the budget really funds
A custom MES budget splits across machine data collection (sensors, PLCs, OPC-UA feeds), the application (work-order tracking, scheduling, OEE) and integration with the existing ERP. The most underestimated line item is connecting legacy equipment.
| Item | Share of budget | 2026 range |
|---|---|---|
| Machine / IoT collection | 20 - 30 % | 15,000 - 45,000 EUR |
| Work-order tracking & scheduling | 25 - 35 % | 18,000 - 55,000 EUR |
| OEE computation & dashboards | 15 - 20 % | 10,000 - 30,000 EUR |
| ERP / GPAO integration | 15 - 25 % | 12,000 - 40,000 EUR |
| Training & change management | 8 - 12 % | 6,000 - 18,000 EUR |
Mini case study
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Marc, plant manager of a precision-machining SME in Cluses (Haute-Savoie), runs 4 lines with an average OEE of 62 %. He invests 95,000 EUR in a custom MES integrated with his ERP. After 8 months, OEE rises to 71 %, a +9-point gain. On a shop revenue of 4.2M EUR, that gain represents roughly 380,000 EUR of extra capacity valued per year. The project pays back in under 5 months of recovered capacity, before counting scrap reduction and manual-entry hours saved (2026 order-of-magnitude estimate).
FAQ
Does an MES replace my ERP? No. The ERP handles sales, purchasing and accounting; the MES drives shop-floor execution. The two complement each other through a two-way integration that syncs orders and consumption.
How long before I see an OEE gain? The first points appear from month 3 after go-live, once stoppages are finally tracked. The full 5-to-12-point gain typically stabilizes over 9 to 12 months.
Can I connect legacy machines without a modern PLC? Yes, via counting boxes, add-on sensors or operator tablet entry. Budget 800 to 2,500 EUR per station depending on the solution.
SaaS or custom for a first initiative? With fewer than 3 lines and standard routings, a SaaS at 25,000 - 70,000 EUR is often enough. Beyond that, custom avoids costly workarounds.
Is an MES eligible for grants? Depending on regional and Industry-of-the-Future 2026 schemes, part of the investment may be subsidized or covered by a tax credit. Verify case by case with your advisor.
Let's scope your project. Tell us about your lines, current ERP and target OEE: we'll price a SaaS or custom MES tailored to your shop floor, between 60,000 and 160,000 EUR. 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.
