1. A system, comprising: one or more memories that store executable components; and one or more processors, operatively coupled to the one or more memories, that execute the executable components, the executable components comprising one or more manufacturing and execution system (MES) applications; and a gateway component configured to receive, from a remote device connected to a plant network, a message specifying a business objective, and to route the message to an MES application selected from the one or more MES applications, wherein the gateway component is configured to select the MES application based on the business objective and at least one constraint on performance of the business objective defined by the message, wherein the MES application is configured to match the business objective to an activity set that defines a workflow for one or more control-level devices or business-level device and execute the workflow.