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34 SMT007 MAGAZINE I OCTOBER 2025 lytics. Cultural resistance and entrenched habits grow stronger, complicating retraining when new systems are finally deployed. At the same time, integration costs rise as legacy machines, propri- etary software, and siloed databases accumulate, each introducing new compatibil- ity and connectivity issues. Postponing digitaliza- tion does not simply defer benefits; it wid- ens the performance gap and makes catching up increas- ingly difficult. What critical pre- requisites must be in place before a suc- cessful customer imple- mentation can begin? A successful MES implementa- tion requires alignment of business objectives, pro- cesses, people, and infrastructure. Establish a clear purpose, measurable objectives, and define targets that integrate operational goals. This positions the MES as a strategic enabler that drives efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction. The next critical prerequisite is detailed process mapping. Capturing current workflows, identifying bottlenecks, and highlighting areas of risk or waste ensures that the MES supports optimization rather than merely replicating existing inefficiencies. Gaps in material traceability, machine connectivity, or qual- ity control often emerge, so address these gaps early. An MES depends on reliable and connected data from across the line. Machines must communicate consistently, whether through native interfaces or standard protocols, and the organization must clearly understand which data sources are trustwor- thy and relevant. Establishing a plan for data cap- ture, integration, validation, and contextualization ensures that the MES can deliver real-time insights and support predictive and prescriptive analytics. A reliable infrastructure is also essential. Without consistent and reliable data flow, the system cannot achieve its full potential. Hugo Leite