Additive MES Explained: How Smart Software Powers Scalable 3D Printing Operations
- Authentise Team
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Additive MES Explained: How Smart Software Powers Scalable 3D Printing Operations
Additive manufacturing has matured from a rapid prototyping tool into a critical production technology. But as companies scale up their 3D printing operations, many find themselves struggling with fragmented data, manual scheduling, and disconnected workflows.
That’s where Additive MES - or Manufacturing Execution System for Additive Manufacturing - comes in.
What Is an Additive MES?
An Additive MES is software that manages every step of the additive manufacturing workflow, from digital design through post-processing and delivery. It bridges the gap between your design tools (CAD/PLM), your production equipment (printers, furnaces, CNC), and your business systems (ERP, quoting, QA).
In short, it’s the nervous system of additive manufacturing - ensuring data, materials, and people stay connected throughout production.
Why Traditional MES Tools Don’t Work for Additive Manufacturing
Conventional MES software was built for repetitive, subtractive manufacturing - where every part follows the same path. Additive manufacturing is different:
Every print job can vary in geometry, material, and build parameters.
Machine utilisation changes daily.
Post-processing steps are often unique.
Additive MES software like Authentise Flows is designed for this flexibility - capturing real-time data from AM machines, adapting dynamically to job changes, and ensuring full traceability for every build.
Core Functions of an Additive MES
A robust Additive MES manages and automates:
Job scheduling and prioritisation: automatically assigns printers and batches.
Machine connectivity: collects live data from 3D printers and post-processing systems.
Material management: tracks powders, batches, and reuse ratios.
Workflow documentation: generates digital build reports and compliance records.
Data integration: connects seamlessly to ERP, PLM, and QA systems for a full digital thread.
With Authentise Flows, all this happens in one platform - reducing manual data entry and creating a single, reliable source of truth.
The Measurable Impact of Additive MES
Independent studies confirm the operational value of MES solutions in advanced manufacturing:
LNS Research reports 20–30% improvements in production efficiency among companies implementing MES solutions.
IDC found that integrating analytics and real-time monitoring leads to 10–15% better operational performance.
ASTM International emphasises traceability and data capture as key enablers for additive manufacturing certification and repeatability.
These improvements translate directly into faster production cycles, fewer errors, and better utilisation of expensive AM equipment.
Why You Need It
If you’re scaling additive manufacturing, spreadsheets and manual coordination can’t keep up. An Additive MES allows you to:
Automate repetitive data tasks.
Maintain full part genealogy for compliance.
Reduce operator workload and reporting time.
Improve traceability and yield rates.
Integrate seamlessly with existing systems.
Ultimately, it provides control, consistency, and confidence - helping you turn additive manufacturing from a lab process into a scalable production capability.
The Authentise Difference
Authentise Flows is the industry-leading Additive MES used by Fortune 500 manufacturers, service bureaus, and OEMs. It’s trusted to manage complex additive workflows, automate data capture, and provide live visibility into every job and material.
Because every workflow is unique, Flows adapts to your process - not the other way around. That’s what we mean by “Your Workflow, Your Control.”
👉 Experience the power of Authentise Flows - the backbone of efficient, scalable additive manufacturing.
read next:
