Solumina MES
By iBase-t
Typical Implementation Process for Solumina MES Software:
Document existing processes for accurate system configuration.
Assign project responsibilities and set clear milestones.
Migrate essential data and validate process alignment.
Manage change and encourage user adoption through communication and support resources.
Address user feedback and correct identified issues before go-live.
Monitor real-time operations, provide live support, and resolve initial issues rapidly.
Solumina MES Customization Capabilities
Solumina MES is designed with strong flexibility to meet specific business needs across complex manufacturing environments. Here are the key data points showcasing its customization and configurability:
The platform allows users to configure production, quality, audit, and maintenance workflows to mirror business processes, including digital work instructions and process routing.
Solumina MES provides customizable, user-friendly dashboards and analytics; organizations can tailor KPIs, reports, and visualizations to focus on their unique operational priorities.
Companies can enable or disable functional modules (e.g., shop floor execution, intelligence/analytics, planning) based on their operational requirements, supporting phased or industry-specific deployments.
Custom fields, data collection templates, and forms can be created for capturing production, inspection, and compliance data relevant to any unique product or regulatory challenge.
Solumina MES includes ready-made and open APIs for integrating with major ERP, PLM, LTA, and quality management systems (SAP, Oracle, Siemens Teamcenter, PTC Windchill, etc.). Custom connectors and API extensions are available for legacy or proprietary systems, supporting enterprise-wide digital threads.
Engineering and process changes can be implemented in real-time, with configurable rules and approval workflows ensuring rapid yet controlled adaptation to changing business needs.
Administrators can customize access, permissions, and views for different user roles (operators, engineers, quality, and supervisors), supporting segregation of duties and tailored experiences.
Automated alerts and business rules can be set to trigger notifications or actions at workflow milestones or exceptions, enabling proactive management and response to process deviations.
Advanced features like the MBE Pro module allow organizations to embed 3D product manufacturing information within work instructions, further tailoring the MES experience to engineering and compliance requirements.
The underlying microservices architecture supports extensibility, using a built-in Developer Kit (SDK) for custom APIs and extensions that do not compromise core upgradeability.
Solumina can be implemented in phases, allowing custom rollout of master data, audits, supplier quality, maintenance, and advanced analytics based on evolving needs and maturity.
Training and Support Offered by Solumina MES
Solumina MES provides a range of training options tailored to different user groups, including beginners and advanced users. New users can access courses focused on key concepts, process configuration, and integration to enable effective system adoption.
Training formats include:
On-demand (self-paced): Secure online access to course materials allows users to learn at their own convenience.
Virtual (live online): Interactive sessions with instructors for personalized guidance.
In-person (classroom): Group training for teams, enhancing collaborative learning and implementation.
Training can be customized for administrators, managers, engineers, and shop floor operators, ensuring relevant knowledge for each role.
Courses cover both basic navigation and advanced configuration, project-specific needs, and industry regulations (such as aerospace or defense requirements).
Many training programs include hands-on exercises and use real-world case studies to build user proficiency and confidence in the MES system.
Some partners and third-party trainers offer mock projects, scenario-based learning, and support with resume building for those seeking additional experience.
Ongoing User Support
iBase-t (the maker of Solumina MES) offers comprehensive support options:
24/7 live support: Available via phone, online helpdesk, and email for technical or operational issues.
Knowledge base and documentation: Extensive resources such as user manuals, FAQs, video tutorials, and webinars provide self-service assistance for troubleshooting and learning at any stage.
Professional services: Custom support, consulting, and advanced user or admin training (e.g., system upgrades, integrations, or process improvements) are also available for clients needing deeper engagement.
Solumina now includes an AI-powered “Digital SME” (Subject Matter Expert) assistant that provides real-time, on-the-job guidance. This feature delivers contextual tips, step-by-step help, and instant access to documented knowledge, reducing onboarding times and supporting continuous learning for new and existing users.
Change management resources and communication guidelines support user adoption throughout the implementation process.
Solumina MES: Security Measures to Protect Data
Solumina MES implements a set of data protection and cybersecurity measures, aligning with the needs of highly regulated and complex industries such as aerospace and defense. Here are the primary security features and protocols:
Built on a cloud-native, microservices-based platform that emphasizes robust cybersecurity, easy upgradeability, and scalability. This design helps isolate, contain, and monitor services, reducing attack surfaces and improving resilience.
Protects data both at rest and in transit using strong encryption standards. Hosting on platforms like AWS Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) ensures all resources are isolated and data is transferred securely within private networks.
Enforces granular access management using roles and privileges assigned based on user functions. This ensures only authorized personnel can access sensitive applications and data.
Supports SSO integration with existing enterprise identity management systems (like Active Directory), strengthening user authentication and simplifying user management.
Designed to comply with leading industry standards such as ISO 27001, SOC 2 Type 2, AS9100, ISO 9001, and FDA 21 CFR Part 11. Includes electronic signatures, traceability, and robust audit logs to maintain accountability and support regulatory audits.
Utilizes secure network protocols and dedicated infrastructure (such as AWS VPC), enabling customers to maintain high control over their networked environments and minimizing exposure to external threats.
Built-in quality processes, compliance checks, automated alerts, and notifications ensure immediate detection of discrepancies or unauthorized activities. This enables rapid response to security incidents or data integrity concerns.
Implements ongoing threat detection and monitoring, with alerts for suspicious activities, and integrates with event management tools for proactive issue resolution.
Regular updates and patching facilitate prompt remediation of vulnerabilities, supporting continuous improvement of security posture and compliance.
Leverages the physical security controls and compliance regimes of top-tier cloud providers, exceeding typical manufacturing security standards.
Solumina MES: Update Release Frequency & Management
Update Release Frequency
Solumina MES follows a practice of releasing scheduled major and minor updates. Major updates (e.g., i100, i110, i120) are typically announced annually, commonly debuted at user conferences or through official channels, and represent significant new features or capabilities.
Minor updates and maintenance releases (including security patches and minor enhancements) occur more frequently—usually every few months—to address emerging needs, bug fixes, and incremental improvements.
The platform supports a defined version lifecycle, including “Mainstream Support” (active updates, feature changes, and fixes) for current versions, followed by “Extended Support” (focused on select fixes and
compliance) until official end-of-life.
Update Management Process
Solumina MES leverages its cloud-native, microservices architecture to facilitate seamless, low-disruption updates for users, especially on cloud deployments.
Updates are announced in advance via release notes and official communications, with key enhancements highlighted for customer planning.
For cloud customers, updates are typically managed and deployed directly by iBase-t, requiring minimal customer intervention and occurring during scheduled maintenance windows to minimize operational impact.
On-premises deployments may require customer IT involvement for upgrade planning and execution, with iBase-t providing guidance and support.
Solumina MES Policy on Data Ownership and Portability
Data Ownership
Solumina MES is designed for highly regulated industries where data integrity and control are critical. The platform enables organizations to maintain ownership and sovereignty over their operational and production data. Customer data remains under the control of the client organization, not the vendor.
For cloud deployments, the platform supports strict data sovereignty policies—especially important for sectors like aerospace and defense—allowing you to retain ownership and restrict data access only to authorized users, with end-to-end encryption and access controls to ensure compliance with regulations like ITAR, ISO 27001, and SOC 2 Type 2.
Portability
Solumina MES supports data portability by providing features for importing and exporting process plans, records, and documentation, including in its recent releases (for example, local import/export of process plans with security privileges and passcodes for file access).
The system is built to facilitate integrations and bidirectional data exchange with leading ERP and PLM solutions and supports standard and custom APIs. This allows clients to extract, migrate, or synchronize their data with external systems whenever business needs demand it, supporting digital thread continuity and future migration or decommissioning scenarios.
During implementation or upon request (such as contract termination or migration), customers are able to export their manufacturing, quality, and compliance data in formats suitable for transfer to other platforms or archiving, provided they follow necessary access protocols.
Customer Control
All access, export, and sharing operations within Solumina MES can be restricted based on assigned roles and privileges, guaranteeing that only designated staff (such as administrators or data owners) can perform critical data portability actions.
Solumina MES: Contract Renewal & Cancellation Terms
Here are the most relevant data points for Solumina MES contract renewal and cancellation, based on vendor terms, cloud marketplace listings, and standard industry practices:
Term and Renewal Structure
Solumina MES contracts are usually available for fixed terms (typically 12, 24, or 36 months) with renewal options specified in the contract or order form.
Contracts can be set to auto-renew for additional periods unless either party provides advance written notice of non-renewal (often required 30 days before contract end, but always confirm your specific contract).
Support Renewal
For perpetual license customers, annual support renews automatically unless terminated by either party at least 30 days before the support period ends. If support lapsed but you wish to reinstate it, you must pay back-fees for the lapsed period plus current fees.
Notice periods for renewal or cancellation are specified in your agreement. A typical minimum is 30 days' notice before the contract or support term expiration.
If you do not renew or replace your contract before it ends, your right to use Solumina MES and any related services will expire, and platform access will be revoked.
Contracts can generally be terminated by the customer by providing notice, subject to the agreed terms. Some contracts allow cancellation at any time; others require you to wait until the end of the current term. Details are specified in your service agreement.
Refunds are typically not available for unused contract periods or early cancellations. Fees paid in advance for long-term contracts are usually considered non-refundable.
Upon cancellation or termination, all access to the Solumina MES platform and services ceases.
Customers remain responsible for backing up, exporting, and removing their data before contract end, as access to the system will be withdrawn at contract expiration.
Solumina MES Compliance Standards
Solumina MES is purpose-built for highly regulated industries and is designed to support strict compliance requirements across global and sector-specific standards. The platform offers robust technical, procedural, and audit controls that enable manufacturers to meet or exceed key regulations and certifications. Here are the primary compliance standards Solumina MES helps organizations achieve:
Solumina MES is structured to support ISO 9001 and AS9100 quality management standards, which are essential for general manufacturing and aerospace, respectively. It includes built-in quality process controls and documented, auditable workflows.
For medical device manufacturing, Solumina MES supports ISO 13485 compliance with traceability, process documentation, and quality control features specifically designed for regulated healthcare environments.
The system is equipped with electronic signature capabilities and secure audit trails to help customers comply with FDA 21 CFR Part 11, a requirement for electronic records in the life sciences and medical device industries.
Cloud deployments of Solumina MES operate within environments compliant with SOC 2 Type 2 and ISO 27001, ensuring best practices in data security, privacy, and management.
Solumina can be deployed in secure, sovereign environments to meet ITAR and other government contracting requirements, ensuring data remains within authorized jurisdictions and is only accessible by credentialed personnel.
For maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operations in aerospace, Solumina MES aligns with standards such as FAA Part 145 and EASA regulations, supporting end-to-end compliance and documentation.
The platform delivers granular traceability, end-to-end electronic records, and a full audit trail for every part, process, and record, foundational for passing customer, regulator, or third-party audits.
