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).

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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).

Read now
Analyst Report

“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:

  • Embedding AI in a secure, governed foundation with flexible deployment options to meet data privacy and control requirements
  • Focusing AI on practical, production-ready use cases that deliver measurable value
  • 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.

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
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Disclaimer:
Gartner, Market Guide for Manufacturing Execution Systems, Jake Cunningham, Christian Hestermann, March 2026
GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner , Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and are used herein with permission. All rights reserved
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.
Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.
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