MESS: Extending an Industrial Production System
Level of Education of Students Involved
Undergraduate
Faculty Sponsor
Nick Rosasco
College
College of Arts & Sciences (CAS)
Discipline(s)
Computer Science
ORCID Identifier(s)
Chris Huseman - 0009-0000-3964-7248; Isaiah Chairez - 0009-0003-5384-4258; Zach Faga - 0009-0000-9202-6248
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Symposium Date
Spring 4-30-2026
Abstract
This group was tasked with extending and enhancing the existing Manufacturing Execution Software System (MESS) for a regional industrial concern, SENSIT Technologies, with a focus on the areas of operator efficiency, security, and usability. To achieve these goals, automatic test fixtures, user authentication, and user workflow were priorities. MESS is a free and open source manufacturing tool which allows for production progress and quality data to be recorded and exported using tools such as ERP and PowerBI, as well as supporting manufacturing staff with build instructions and test functionality. The software is written in C# and utilizes .NET, Microsoft SQL Server, Blazor, and MQTT. The MQTT technologies have created particular complexities, as they were not intended to integrate with the owner components. The group was also tasked with connecting a multicolored label printer to the pre-existing framework to make formatted printable labels and QR codes. The project encountered some additional challenges as the extensions had to work with a long-term preexisting application, which limited the options for certain technological and implementation-based decisions.
Recommended Citation
Chairez, Isaiah V.; Faga, Zach J.; and Huseman, Christopher R., "MESS: Extending an Industrial Production System" (2026). Symposium on Research and Creative Expression (SORCE). 1583.
https://scholar.valpo.edu/cus/1583

Biographical Information about Author(s)
Chris Huseman is a senior at Valparaiso University, majoring in Computer Science. Isaiah Chairez is a junior at Valparaiso University, majoring in Computer Science. Zach Faga is a sophomore at Valparaiso University, majoring in Computer Science.