How to Compare the Cost of an Additive MES
There’s no single standard price for an additive MES. The total depends on the supplier’s pricing model, the rollout scope and what’s included. To compare quotes, add the subscription to setup and any separately charged integration, training or support, then compare the same scope over the same period.
The useful question is: what will this system cost to put into use, and what will it cost to keep using as production changes?
Start with what the quote is priced against
Ask each supplier to explain the basis of their price. Is it linked to transaction volume, connected machines, users, sites, or another measure? Ask what happens if that measure changes as your operation grows.
Then check that you are comparing the same scope. A quote for one production site and a limited rollout is not directly comparable with one covering several sites or a wider set of workflows.
Separate the subscription from the rollout
List the charges separately so you can see what is included and what is one-off:
Software licence or subscription
Setup and configuration
Integrations with existing systems
Data migration, if required
Training and deployment support
Ongoing support and maintenance
These are questions to ask, not charges that every supplier will apply. Some may be included in the subscription or setup; others may depend on the work involved. Ask for the assumptions behind each line.
Check what “integration” and “support” mean
If the system needs to connect with existing business or production systems, ask which connections are included in the proposal and what work is expected from your team. Clarify who is responsible for testing the connection and resolving issues after deployment.
Do the same for support. Confirm what is covered, how your team requests help, and whether the quoted support applies during rollout as well as after go-live.
Compare the same time period
Put the costs side by side over the same period - such as the first year and the following renewal period. Include any setup charges, recurring fees and stated assumptions about usage or scope.
Ask | Record |
What is the price based on? | The measure, tier or scope |
What is included in setup? | Configuration, integrations and migration |
What support is included? | Rollout and ongoing support |
What could change the price? | Growth, additional sites or changed scope |
What happens at renewal? | Renewal terms and any stated assumptions |
If an answer is missing, mark it as unknown rather than treating it as included. That makes the gaps visible before you make a decision.
Ask for a quote you can evaluate
Before comparing proposals, ask each supplier to provide:
The pricing basis and scope covered.
One-off and recurring charges shown separately.
Any assumptions about integrations, training and support.
What could change the price as your operation grows.
The renewal terms and the period covered by the quote.
This gives your team a clearer basis for comparing options. It also helps you spot whether two suppliers are quoting for different implementations.
Where Authentise pricing fits
For additive teams, FlowsAM manages work from RFQ through production, quality, traceability, scheduling and delivery, connecting with machines and operators. Authentise’s pricing page explains the current pricing basis and setup fee. Check it for the latest details, then use the questions above to assess how the proposed scope fits your operation.
Review FlowsAM pricing or request a discussion about your requirements.
