Product Overview of Plex Systems
Plex Systems, now a part of Rockwell Automation, offers the Plex Manufacturing Cloud, a comprehensive Software as a Service (SaaS) or cloud-based Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution specifically designed for manufacturing industries. Here’s a detailed look at what the product does and its key features:
What Plex Systems Does
The Plex Manufacturing Cloud is engineered to manage and integrate all aspects of the manufacturing process. It supports a wide range of functions including production, inventory, shipping, supply-chain management, quality control, accounting, sales, and human resource management. This integrated platform is tailored for industries with stringent traceability, quality, and safety requirements, such as automotive, aerospace, food & beverage, and life sciences or medical manufacturing.
Key Features and Functionality
Integrated Manufacturing Execution System (MES)
Plex MES provides real-time, paperless production management, enabling control over the entire production lifecycle. It automates tasks, prevents errors, and ensures in-line quality, synchronizing the plant floor with the top floor.
Production Planning and Scheduling
The system includes capabilities for production planning and scheduling, manufacturing execution, and real-time visibility into shop floor operations. This allows for efficient choreographing of production processes and reduction in cycle times.
Financial Management
Plex offers robust financial management features, including accounting for accounts receivable, accounts payable, general ledger, reporting, consolidation, and cash flow management. It also includes tools for budgeting, expense tracking, and financial statements.
Quality Management
The platform includes built-in quality control features such as checksheets, lot traceability, and compliance management. This ensures that manufacturers can maintain high standards of quality and regulatory compliance.
Human Capital Management
Plex provides tools for tracking employee expenses, time and attendance, labor, and skills and training. This helps in managing the workforce efficiently and ensuring that all human resource needs are met within the same platform.
Inventory Management
The system offers advanced inventory management, including lot, scrap, and rejection tracking, as well as parts traceability and customer inventory management. It integrates technologies like ASRS, bar coding, RFID, and address validation to streamline inventory processes.
Machine Integration and Industrial IoT (IIoT)
Plex connects to plant floor PLCs and other wireless automation devices, enabling real-time data capture and monitoring. This integration allows for asset performance management, predictive maintenance, and enhanced operational insights.
Supply Chain Management (SCM)
The platform integrates SCM functions, including supplier quality and traceability. This ensures seamless coordination across the supply chain, improving efficiency and reducing costs.
Analytics and Reporting
Plex provides enhanced analytics and reporting capabilities, allowing manufacturers to analyze trends, compare operational data against KPIs, and make informed decisions. The platform supports rapid application development and agile methodologies, ensuring users always have access to the most current version without the hassle of upgrades.
Security and Scalability
The Plex Manufacturing Cloud is built on a multi-tenant architecture, ensuring high security, availability, and scalability. It is delivered as a subscription-based service, shifting the software cost from a capital expense to an operating expense, and includes base support as part of the subscription.
In summary, the Plex Manufacturing Cloud by Plex Systems is a holistic ERP solution that integrates various critical functions of manufacturing, providing real-time visibility, automation, and analytics to drive operational efficiency, quality, and compliance.