A Representative Vendor in the 2026 Gartner® Market Guide for MES

Critical Manufacturing is once again recognized as a Representative Vendor in the 2026 Gartner® Market Guide for Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES).

“Gartner predicts over 50% of GenAI models used by enterprises will be industry or function specific by 2027. Larger MES vendors will distinguish themselves in the AI race by offering better insights with their own manufacturing-specific models.“

Critical Manufacturing is progressively and quickly embedding advanced AI capabilities directly into its MES and Data Platform:

1) Embedding AI in a secure, governed foundation with flexible deployment options to meet data privacy and control requirements

2) Focusing AI on practical, production-ready use cases that deliver measurable value

3) Advancing a composable, interoperable platform with a shared data model and MCP-aligned architecture to support long-term AI innovation

In the report, Gartner® provides a comprehensive view of the MES landscape, helping manufacturers understand how the market is evolving, how vendors are positioned, and what capabilities are becoming critical for success.

As MES solutions continue to differentiate based on industry focus and manufacturing complexity, this Market Guide offers a clear framework to evaluate vendors and align technology decisions with business needs.

Why this report matters:

  • Get an independent, expert view of the MES landscape
  • Understand how to benchmark vendors and solutions
  • Identify the capabilities that matter most today and, in the future, focusing in AI
  • Support more informed, future-proof technology decisions

Read the report to find more about:

How the MES market is defined and evolving in the AI era
Which capabilities are considered must-have, standard, and optional
Key market trends shaping the future of manufacturing
How vendors are positioned and evaluated
Strategic recommendations for MES selection and adoption

Download the report

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Disclaimer:
Gartner, Market Guide for Manufacturing Execution Systems, Jake Cunningham, Christian Hestermann, March 2026
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This graphic was published by Gartner, Inc. as part of a larger research document and should be evaluated in the context of the entire document. The Gartner document is available upon request from Critical Manufacturing.
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