MES AI vs qcadoo MES

MES AI is an open-source Manufacturing Execution System framework for teams adapting production workflows, integrations, and user experiences to their operations. Its design-time client configures products, routes, dispositions, equipment, plugins, and master data; its runtime handles work in process and shop-floor execution. The browser-based applications also include ERP and equipment simulators and a WIP client. Runtime functions cover dispatching, inventory activity, and hold or disposition handling. Built-in and custom plugins can extend the system with REST endpoints, event handlers, equipment behavior, dispatch strategies, and integration logic. A versioned REST API and WebSocket event stream provide near-real-time updates. PostgreSQL is the default database, with SQL Server and Oracle also supported. Optional integration work covers OPC UA, MQTT, SAP, SQL Server, Oracle, Modbus, Redis, STOMP, and AVEVA historian. The server uses authentication and role-based access control. MES AI runs on Linux, macOS, or Windows, with a FastAPI server and separate Vite clients. It is free and open source; test drives are available without authentication.

qcadoo MES manages production for small and medium-sized manufacturers, from order planning and raw-material checks to shop-floor tracking and production cost accounting. The product family includes MES for execution, APS for planning and scheduling, and WMS for warehouse management; modules may be introduced together or separately. MES supports production orders, dashboards, work cards, and guides, while materials functions cover stock checks, supplier requests and orders, delivery tracking, and subcontractors. It can register and reserve material and product batches, track product batches, and show production genealogy. Shop-floor reports can capture progress through terminals, barcodes, work cards, and warehouse documents. The cloud service is accessed through a browser and internet connection; the maker also offers an AGPL-licensed Community Edition for customer-server deployment. A free 30-day demo is available after contacting the company or submitting its form. Paid plans include BASIC for 5 licenses at €220 a month, billed monthly, or €195 a year, billed annually; OPTIMAL for 5 licenses is €270 a month or €245 a year, respectively.