A proof of concept is a limited, structured test used to determine whether an idea, technology, workflow, or system integration is technically feasible under defined conditions. In manufacturing and industrial systems, it commonly refers to an early evaluation before committing to a broader implementation.
A proof of concept may be used to test whether an MES can exchange data with an ERP, whether shop-floor data can be captured from equipment, or whether a digital workflow can represent a specific production process. It is usually narrow in scope and should have clear assumptions, test boundaries, sample data, and success criteria.
A proof of concept does not by itself mean that a system is production-ready, validated, certified, or fully accepted by operations or quality teams. It should not be confused with a pilot, which is typically closer to real operational use, or with a prototype, which is a working model of a product or interface. A proof of concept mainly answers whether the proposed approach can work.