Wipro m-eXecute
Wipro m-eXecute is a mobile-based application developed by Wipro Limited to enhance operational efficiency in the manufacturing sector by extending the functionalities of Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) to mobile devices. Launched in 2012, it was designed to enable shop-floor personnel, supervisors, and managers to monitor, control, and execute manufacturing operations in real time, directly from smartphones or tablets.
Background and Development
In an era where industries were transitioning towards mobility-driven digital transformation, Wipro identified the need for mobile accessibility within manufacturing operations. Traditional MES platforms required operators to remain stationed at work terminals, which often slowed down decision-making and responsiveness.
To address this limitation, Wipro introduced m-eXecute, integrating mobility with MES capabilities to provide users with access to production data, performance metrics, and workflow approvals while on the move. The solution was developed in collaboration with SAP Manufacturing Execution 6.0, ensuring seamless integration with existing enterprise systems.
The first release was built on the Sybase Unwired Platform (SUP), which acted as the middleware enabling secure communication between mobile devices and enterprise systems. The initial version was available on Apple iOS devices (iPhone and iPad), with future expansions planned for other operating systems.
Core Features
Wipro m-eXecute focuses on real-time connectivity, operational visibility, and decision enablement across the manufacturing value chain.
Key features include:
- Mobile MES Access: Allows plant operators and supervisors to perform MES transactions remotely, such as reporting production status, monitoring process parameters, and managing workflow tasks.
- Real-Time Visibility: Provides dashboards and alerts that enable quick tracking of production performance, equipment status, and quality metrics.
- Event Notifications: Sends instant alerts to users about process deviations, machine breakdowns, or quality issues, allowing immediate corrective action.
- Workflow Approvals: Empowers managers to approve or reject production changes, maintenance requests, or process adjustments directly from mobile devices.
- Data Synchronisation: Ensures that information entered via mobile devices updates enterprise databases in real time, maintaining accuracy across systems.
- User-Friendly Interface: Designed for intuitive navigation, enabling both shop-floor workers and managers to access key operational insights without technical complexity.
Objectives
The main objectives of Wipro m-eXecute are to:
- Accelerate decision-making by providing real-time access to operational data.
- Enhance productivity through mobile execution and quick response to shop-floor issues.
- Support lean manufacturing by minimising downtime and improving workflow efficiency.
- Integrate mobile technology within the enterprise manufacturing ecosystem.
- Enable digital manufacturing transformation aligned with Industry 4.0 principles.
Industry Applications
The solution is particularly valuable for discrete manufacturing sectors such as:
- Automotive
- Aerospace
- Electronics and semiconductors
- High-technology equipment manufacturing
In these industries, where speed, precision, and real-time information are critical, Wipro m-eXecute helps operational teams remain connected to the MES system even when away from their workstations.
Typical use cases include:
- Monitoring production progress remotely.
- Receiving alerts on quality or equipment failures.
- Conducting maintenance and inspection reporting from the shop floor.
- Accessing digital work instructions and performance dashboards on the go.
Benefits
Wipro m-eXecute provides significant benefits to manufacturers seeking to modernise operations through mobility and digital integration:
- Operational Agility: Empowers faster responses to production challenges by delivering data directly to users’ mobile devices.
- Increased Efficiency: Reduces time lost in communication and paperwork by enabling direct, on-site transaction entry.
- Collaboration Enhancement: Improves coordination among production, maintenance, and quality teams through mobile connectivity.
- Informed Decision-Making: Real-time data access supports quick and accurate decisions, minimising production delays.
- Cost Optimisation: Streamlines operations and reduces downtime, improving overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
- Scalability: Designed to integrate with enterprise platforms like SAP, allowing easy expansion across plants and regions.
Implementation and Integration
The deployment of Wipro m-eXecute involves integration with existing SAP Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) environments. Using the Sybase Unwired Platform, it connects mobile devices securely with backend databases.
Successful implementation requires:
- Network and device readiness within manufacturing plants.
- User training for shop-floor operators and supervisors.
- Strong data governance to ensure secure, consistent information exchange.
Wipro provides support through its manufacturing IT consulting services, helping clients adapt the app to their specific production workflows and compliance requirements.
Significance in the Context of Industry 4.0
The introduction of Wipro m-eXecute marked a significant step towards Industry 4.0 transformation, where connectivity, real-time analytics, and automation form the foundation of smart manufacturing.
By bridging MES and mobile technologies, the solution:
- Extends the digital enterprise to the shop floor.
- Enables mobility-driven visibility and control in production environments.
- Prepares manufacturers for integration with emerging technologies like IoT, AI-driven analytics, and digital twins.
Thus, Wipro m-eXecute not only modernises operational execution but also acts as an enabler for future-ready smart factories.
Challenges and Considerations
While the solution offers substantial advantages, certain challenges need to be managed for effective implementation:
- Device Compatibility: The early versions were restricted to iOS devices, requiring expansion for Android and other platforms.
- Connectivity Limitations: Manufacturing environments may face network instability, affecting data synchronisation.
- Change Management: Adoption requires training and process adjustments for employees used to traditional systems.
- Security Requirements: Ensuring data privacy and device-level protection is critical in mobile manufacturing ecosystems.
