Top Free & Open-Source MES Software for 2025

Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) matter because they bridge digital systems and the shop‑floor, enabling real‑time tracking, production control, traceability, and performance analysis. For production managers, engineers, and plant executives, free or open‑source MES options reduce entry costs while offering customization and transparency. Recent trends favor modular, community‑driven platforms built on open standards, integrating with legacy CNCs, ERP modules, IIoT stacks, and dashboards. 

Selection Criteria

• Stand‑alone MES functionality (scheduling, tracking, data collection)
• Standards & protocols support (OPC‑UA, REST, SQL, IIoT stacks)
• Scalability & modular architecture
• Community activity or maintenance within past 12 months
• License clarity & no hidden cost
• Ease of deployment / documentation level

Available Options

IMES – by open-source community

Best for: Job-shop manufacturers needing a lightweight MES base
Key features:

• Designed specifically for small‑to‑mid‑size job‑shops
• Apache‑2.0 license, GitHub availability
• Basic job routing, order tracking, production data capture

​Limitations:

• Minimal documented features or industrial integrations
• Community size and support likely small

​Availability: Fully open-source under Apache-2.0

qcadoo MES – by Qcadoo Ltd.

Best for: SMEs seeking browser-based MES with full open-source edition
Key features:

• Community Edition under AGPL, downloadable via GitHub
• Web UI for production management
• Supports production scheduling, work‑order tracking, inventory states

​Limitations:

• Limited reference info on protocol support or integration stack
• Commercial SaaS also offered—community edition may lag in updates or support

​Availability: Free Community Edition (AGPL)

Libre – by Spruik (GitHub project)

Best for: Performance-monitoring MES built on IIoT and visualization foundations
Key features:

• Backs shop‑floor data capture and performance analysis via Grafana, InfluxDB, PostgreSQL 
• Defines enterprise model, downtime reasons, product steps
• Open‑source, technology‑stack friendly

​Limitations:

• Focused on monitoring/performance; may lack full MES (scheduling or quality management)
• Requires integration with data infrastructure (Grafana, InfluxDB, Postgres)

​Availability: Fully open-source on GitHub

Apache OFBiz – by Apache Software Foundation

Best for: Organizations needing MES as part of broader ERP/MOM framework
Key features:

• MES/MOM module within a full ERP suite 
• Includes asset maintenance, work‑effort tracking, facility and warehouse management, production execution
• Java‑based, Apache‑2.0 license

​Limitations:

• Heavyweight, requires deep technical setup and customization
• Not MES‑only—ERP framework may be overbearing for MES‑only use cases

​Availability: Free under Apache-2.0

Odoo (Community Edition) – by Odoo SA & community

Best for: Modular use — add manufacturing app into broader ERP ecosystem
Key features:

• Community edition under LGPLv3, includes manufacturing and inventory modules 
• Large app ecosystem, active community, long‑term support process
• Scales from single‑app free usage to full ERP if needed

Limitations:

• MES features are extensions within ERP; core MES not as rich as dedicated systems
• Enterprise version proprietary—advanced features cost money

​Availability: Community edition free; Enterprise paid

frePPLe (planning-oriented open tool)

Best for: Demand planning and production scheduling in open-source stack
Key features:

• Open‑source supply‑chain planning, demand forecasting, production scheduling
• Scales with operations; algorithm‑driven planning

Limitations:

• Not a full MES—does not handle execution, quality, or shop‑floor data capture
• Requires combining with other tools for complete MES stack

​Availability: Open-source on GitHub

Comparison Table

Use Cases & Industry Examples

• Job‑shop machining: IMES can provide core work‑order tracking without ERP overhead.
• SMEs transitioning to digital: qcadoo MES delivers a lightweight web interface for production visibility.
• Smart IIoT deployments: Libre works well when combined with IIoT stacks for machine monitoring and visualization.
• Large factories seeking ERP‑MES integration: Apache OFBiz or Odoo CE provide extensible frameworks; Odoo’s modularity suits phased adoption.
• Complex production planning: frePPLe integrates for optimal scheduling and planning—but must pair with execution tools like Libre or qcadoo.

Expert Tips

1. Avoid one-size-fits-all assumptions. Open‑source MES isn’t turnkey—expect to invest in process integration, scripting, and customization.
2. Modular layering works best. Use planning tools (frePPLe), execution tools (qcadoo or IMES), monitoring (Libre), and integrate through dashboards.
3. Ensure protocol alignment. If you're using OPC‑UA or IIoT metrics, choose platforms that support your industrial stack. Libre plays well with Grafana/InfluxDB.
4. Design for future growth. Start small with OE systems but ensure community active maintenance and upgrade path; Odoo and Apache OFBiz offer long‑term support.
5. Document everything. Open‑source projects may lack formal support—maintain your own deployment and customization records.

Conclusion

Real‑world MES needs vary: there’s no free full‑featured plug‑and‑play MES in 2025.

qcadoo MES, IMES, and Libre are smallest‑footprint options; Apache OFBiz and Odoo CE bring rich integration potential. Combine tools for complete workflow: planning (frePPLe), execution (qcadoo/IMES), monitoring (Libre).

For deeper guidance on integration and benchmarking, see related MDCplus articles on IIoT architecture and modular MES stacks.

About MDCplus

Our key features are real-time machine monitoring for swift issue resolution, power consumption tracking to promote sustainability, computerized maintenance management to reduce downtime, and vibration diagnostics for predictive maintenance. MDCplus's solutions are tailored for diverse industries, including aerospace, automotive, precision machining, and heavy industry. By delivering actionable insights and fostering seamless integration, we empower manufacturers to boost Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), reduce operational costs, and achieve sustainable growth along with future planning.