Global Manufacturing IT Association and Research Firm Tech-Clarity Focus on How Manufacturers Gain Value from MES in the Age of AI
Phoenix, AZ, and Media, PA, USA, February 27, 2026 – The Manufacturing Enterprise Solutions Association International (MESA) is working with Tech-Clarity, Inc. on a research program, The Business Value and Evolution of Manufacturing Operations Software. This research will review manufacturers’ success in using manufacturing operations software, including the impact of MES/MOM, scheduling, material logistics, EHS, maintenance, connected worker, and AI.
MESA and Tech-Clarity will conduct a survey to understand the benefits companies can expect from their manufacturing operations software implementations. Other topics will include what’s driving investments, how long it takes to implement, how solutions are evolving and supporting each other, and what supports success. They will share the findings in a research report, infographic, and webinar during the second half of 2026.
The survey will be open for manufacturers’ responses in the spring of 2026. To date, the program has three sponsors: ISE, Parsec Automation LLC, and SAS. The program is capped at six sponsors, so only a few additional sponsors can join.
For sponsorship information, please contact Julie Fraser at Tech-Clarity, Julie.fraser@tech-clarity.com.
This MESA initiative will uncover the business value of manufacturing operations software through an online survey of manufacturers and producers worldwide across process, batch, and discrete industries. Tech-Clarity, MESA, and the sponsors will collaborate to develop the survey. The 2026 study extends beyond manufacturing execution systems (MES) to reflect the changing solution landscape, including AI in manufacturers’ business success. Tech-Clarity’s Julie Fraser and Rick Franzosa will lead the research program, supported by MESA’s Knowledge Committee and the sponsors.
MESA’s International Knowledge Committee Chair Chris Monchinski of InflexionPoint says, “We have seen the value of original research over the years. This study will expand our current understanding not only of MES/MOM, but of all software at level three of the Purdue model, and the value it delivers.”
“Manufacturers need to be sure they understand their current options, and how to get business benefits from them. MESA Members and study sponsors will get invaluable learning from sharing experiences,” Tech-Clarity’s Vice President of Research for Manufacturing, Rick Franzosa, remarked. “We are grateful for the sponsors who have already stepped up to ensure this wide-reaching research can occur. In this time of rapid evolution in manufacturing software and AI, we believe this will be a vital snapshot of our industry. We look forward to welcoming a few more sponsors to the team,” said Julie Fraser, MESA’s leader of the Smart Manufacturing Community and Tech-Clarity’s VP of Research for Operations.
In April 2026, look for a press release inviting manufacturers and producers to take the survey. Then, in September, we will announce the release of the findings report, followed by the infographic and webinar. MESA members and sponsors will have special access and rights to these survey deliverables.
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About Tech-Clarity, Inc.: Tech-Clarity is an independent research firm dedicated to making the business value of technology clear. We analyze how companies improve innovation, product development, design, engineering, manufacturing, and service performance through digital transformation, best practices, software technology, industrial automation, and IT services.
Our mission is to help manufacturers learn how to improve business results through the use of PLM, portfolio management, CAD, simulation, MES / MOM, IoT, quality, service, supply chain, AI, analytics, and other solutions.
About MESA International: Manufacturing Enterprise Solutions Association (MESA) International has been helping the global manufacturing community use information technology to achieve business results through premier educational and research programs, best practice sharing, and networking since 1992. MESA is a 501(c)6 not-for-profit trade association. The Manufacturing Enterprise Solutions Association (MESA International™) is a global community of industry thought leaders actively driving business improvement through the effective application of technology and best practices.
We are a 30+ year-old nonprofit organization focused on Smart Manufacturing and the business value of converging Information Technology, Operations Technology, and emerging technology to improve industrial operations.
We accomplish this through:
- Facilitating collaboration and innovation through global communities who effectively use the MESA Smart Manufacturing Model.
- Generating best-practice guidance which drives greater productivity and profitability in industrial enterprises.
- Educating on these topics through the MESA Global Education Program.
Tech-Clarity Contact: Julie Fraser, +1 508-737-2128 Julie.fraser@tech-clarity.com
MESA Contact: Brandy Richardson +1 480-937-1832 brandy@mesa.org
