Modernizing MES: A Pilot Study on e-Quality Integration for Enhanced Operational Performance

Manufacturing companies are under increasing pressure to modernize their digital infrastructure in response to the demands of Industry 4.0. Manufacturing Execution Systems play a central role in this transformation by bridging enterprise-level planning and shop floor execution. However, legacy MES implementations often lack the adaptability and integration required to support advanced quality management and data-driven decision-making. This paper examines the pilot implementation of an e-Quality module at an Italian manufacturing facility. Employing an action-based research approach, the study demonstrates that e-Quality significantly enhances traceability, quality control, and productivity by embedding real-time validation, interlocking mechanisms, and structured digital workflows directly into the production process. The module also fosters continuous improvement by generating high-resolution data that supports KPI monitoring, root cause analysis, and operator development. The paper offers both theoretical insights into MES modernization and practical guidance for industrial practitioners navigating digital transformation in manufacturing.