At Hannover Messe 2026, Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) were highlighted as the data backbone facilitating AI-driven convergence between operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) in industrial settings. Exhibitors demonstrated how advanced MES platforms unify OT and IT data to enable real-time decision-making, predictive maintenance, and resilient production.
The event, held from April 20 to 24, featured Industrie Informatik's cronetwork MES, which integrates machine, sensor, and operational data into a single view. This supports both enterprise resource planning (ERP) and shop-floor transparency while enabling predictive analytics through the Optimizer AI module for planning and downtime forecasting cronetwork MES integrates production and ERP data into an operating view and predictive analytics via its Optimizer AI module, according to Industrie Informatik1Hannover Messe 2026: Industrie Informatik demonstrates how digital production becomes a reality with MES and AI. Fraunhofer CCIT presented the modular ECC4P architecture-Edge-Cloud-Continuum for Production-which combines Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), edge computing, cloud infrastructures, analytics, and AI to retrofit legacy equipment and integrate data into ecosystems such as Catena-X and Factory-X ECC4P combines IIoT, edge computing, cloud analytics and secure data space integration for retrofitting existing equipment, according to Fraunhofer CCIT2Fraunhofer CCIT at Hannover Messe 2026.
Background
Manufacturing Execution Systems have evolved from basic production control tools to strategic enablers of digital transformation. MES now address the industry's need to dismantle data silos, ensuring interoperability, transparency, and agility in smart factory operations. Hannover Messe 2026 emphasized Physical AI-AI systems embedded in machinery, robotics, and plant operations-highlighting the requirement for unified, real-time data layers to enable intelligent automation3HANNOVER MESSE News: AI at HANNOVER MESSE: Out of theory. Into application..
Details
Industrie Informatik's cronetwork MES provides operators with real-time visibility into machine status, order progress, and work-in-process metrics by acting as a central data hub between manufacturing and ERP systems cronetwork MES functions as a central hub for shop-floor and ERP integration with real-time visibility1Hannover Messe 2026: Industrie Informatik demonstrates how digital production becomes a reality with MES and AI. The Optimizer AI module applies reinforcement learning to generate and evaluate planning scenarios, optimizing production parameters and forecasting potential disruptions The Optimizer AI uses reinforcement learning to generate and evaluate planning scenarios and forecast disruptions1Hannover Messe 2026: Industrie Informatik demonstrates how digital production becomes a reality with MES and AI.
Fraunhofer CCIT's ECC4P system focused on cost-effective deployment and digital retrofitting. ECC4P enables secure, sovereign data handling from sensors through edge to cloud, with interoperability aligned to Catena-X and Factory-X data ecosystems ECC4P enables secure retrofitting and integration into Catena-X and Factory-X data ecosystems2Fraunhofer CCIT at Hannover Messe 2026.
The AI Experience Pavilion provided a central showcase for industrial AI solutions, demonstrating how MES and data platforms support practical AI deployment on the shop floor through real-world applications and use cases4SONDERPRÄSENTATION.
Outlook
Manufacturers are expected to focus on MES platforms with embedded AI and interoperability as AI-driven operations become standard. The integration of OT and IT data via MES will support the expansion of predictive maintenance, agentic AI, and autonomous systems across industrial sectors. As the shift from pilots to full-scale production accelerates, strategic MES investments will shape competitive agility in smart factory operations.
