FAQ
Curious how SparkMES by Flexware works or if it’s the right fit for your manufacturing? Explore our most frequently asked questions below.
General questions:
SparkMES® is a modular, customizable Manufacturing Execution System (MES) built on Inductive Automation’s Ignition platform. It gives manufacturers essential MES functionality like OEE, Traceability, Inventory Management, and more—without the complexity or cost of traditional MES systems.
SparkMES is ideal for manufacturers using Ignition who want to gain MES capabilities without building from scratch or investing in overly complex solutions.
SparkMES is a framework built on proven Ignition architecture that comes with pre-built, production-ready MES modules. It’s a solid foundation with the flexibility to scale and customize as needed.
Traditional MES systems can be rigid, overbuilt, and expensive. SparkMES is modular, so you only implement what you need. It is built for your process, easy to modify, and puts configuration in your hands.
The packages include:
- OEE
- Track & Trace
- Inventory Management
- Scheduling
- Quality
- ERP Integration
- Kitting
- Shipping
- Help Desk
- Configuration
Technical & Configuration
SparkMES runs entirely on Inductive Automation’s Ignition platform, using native objects, Perspective views, and role-based security.
Yes. SparkMES is built to be internally configurable. You can modify screens, dashboards, logic, and workflows using built-in Ignition configuration session.
No. SparkMES is modular. Only pick the packages you need.
Yes. Each package includes default dashboards, but you can customize or build your own using Ignition’s Perspective tools.
Yes. The built-in Configuration module allows you to manage products, BOMs, parts, routes, user roles, and facility layouts through a user-friendly UI—no code needed.
You own your SparkMES implementation. That means you or your internal team can make changes using the Ignition platform, with or without Flexware's help.
Yes. SparkMES includes a built-in namespace model to represent your site-area-line structure, enabling standardized plant data organization.
User Roles & Security
SparkMES uses Ignition’s role-based security model to control access to views, actions, and data across different user types.
Yes. Admins can configure and manage users, roles, and permissions directly in the application.
Dashboards & Reporting
Yes. Each module includes default dashboards, but they can be modified or extended using Ignition’s Perspective module.
SparkMES includes real-time and historical reports such as:
- OEE performance
- Downtime Pareto
- Genealogy tracking
- Material flow history
- Production order status
Deployment & Ownership
Request a demo. We’ll walk through your needs, align on goals, and build out a roadmap to implement your MES.
Flexware Innovation retains ownership of the SparkMES base code, but you own the right to manage, configure, and expand your implementation. SparkMES is a one-time purchase (not user-licensed), giving your team freedom to add lines, equipment, and business-specific configurations without ongoing fees or vendor lock-in.
A SparkMES license agreement confers no rights to market, license, or sell any version of SparkMES to any third party.
SparkMES is designed for rapid deployment, with pilots often kicking off in weeks. Full rollouts depend on your scope and complexity.
Absolutely. SparkMES is built for flexibility and can scale across multiple facilities as your needs grow. Additional sites or gateways may require the purchase of additional SparkMES licenses to better support your business needs.
Yes. You’ll have access to documentation, training resources, and the built-in Help Desk module. Ongoing support from Flexware is also available.
Still Have Questions?
We’re happy to help. Contact us to get your questions answered or to schedule a personalized SparkMES demo.