Smart Manufacturing Blog

Welcome to your source for all things smart manufacturing. Whether you’re looking for expert insights, hard data, or actionable tips for your plant floor, we’ve got you covered every week of the year.

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Plex Team

About the Author

Plex Systems, Inc., a Rockwell Automation company, is the leader in cloud-delivered smart manufacturing solutions, empowering the world’s manufacturers to make awesome products. Our platform gives manufacturers the ability to connect, automate, track and analyze every aspect of their business to drive transformation. The Plex Smart Manufacturing Platform includes solutions for manufacturing execution (MES), ERP, quality, supply chain planning and management, Industrial IoT and analytics to connect people, systems, machines, and supply chains, enabling them to lead with precision, efficiency and agility.

Business Transformation Leaders: Plex Partner Control+M Helps Manufacturers Face Disruption Head-On

Plex Team June 2, 2020

According to Patti Nowak of Plex partner Control+M Solutions, “If the Plex community is strong, we’ll be strong.” Nowak is the founder and owner of Control+M, which is dedicated to helping clients implement their Plex projects from the ground up, whether it is optimization, retraining employees, or assisting on continued module implementation....

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PowerPlex 2020: Learnings and Insights

Plex Team May 29, 2020

In these trying times, please know that we are…you know what? Is anyone else sick of hearing companies talk about “these trying times”? Every commercial and every social post, it seems, while meant to convey a sense of comfort, is constantly reminding you that we are battling an invisible enemy and is starting to do the opposite. Let’s stop that. We’re not here to talk down to you. In fact, let…

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Key Takeaways from PowerPlex: Day 3

Plex Team May 14, 2020

Once again, PowerPlex 2020 came to you live (virtually!). More than 2,000 attendees logged in from couches, garages, and bedrooms (and anywhere else they could find some peace and quiet) to learn about and stay up-to-speed on the manufacturing industry, the latest technology innovations, and Plex’s Smart Manufacturing Platform. Here are some of the standout messages and takeaways from today’s…

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Key Takeaways from PowerPlex: Day 2

Plex Team May 13, 2020

As PowerPlex 2020 continues today for more than 2,000 attendees, we proud to be hosting this year’s event virtually, but still with the same insight and knowledge you’ve come to expect from us every year. One of the greatest benefits of going virtual in 2020 is that we’re not only able to engage more attendees than ever before, but we also have a variety of ways to engage with our audiences…

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Medical Device Manufacturers Answer the COVID-19 Call

Plex Team April 23, 2020

Medical device manufacturers like Okay Industries are finding ways to support healthcare individuals and industries by becoming more creative and resourceful....

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Manufacturing Leaders Share COVID-19 Response

Plex Team April 17, 2020

In today’s volatile global environment, manufacturers around the world being tasked with adapting to fluctuating supply chain demands, meeting new regulatory requirements and addressing shifting customer needs – all while protecting the health and safety of their workers....

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Auto Companies Pivot Production to Make Much-Needed Healthcare Supplies

Plex Team April 14, 2020

Some of the most critical healthcare supplies needed to protect frontline workers and the machines needed to help those affected by coronavirus, such as access to N95 masks, face shields, gloves, and ventilators, are in short supply. This dire need is hitting as the U.S. prepares to experience peak cases of COVID-19 the weeks of April 6 and April 13. Some of the companies that have stepped up…

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Worker Health and Safety Becomes a Global Conversation

Plex Team April 13, 2020

Any plant manager will tell you that the health and safety of their workers has always been a top priority. But as the COVID-19 crisis wages on, manufacturers around the world are having to quickly adapt their already robust safety initiatives to include strict protocols to prevent the spread of the virus....

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Distillers Step Up Amid Global COVID-19 Crisis

Plex Team April 6, 2020

During times of fear and uncertainty, heroes can take many unexpected forms. While the global COVID-19 crisis wages on, manufacturers are rising to meet society’s critical needs in order to prevent the spread of disease and preserve the health and safety of those on the frontlines....

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The Path Manufacturers Should Take Toward Industry 4.0

Plex Team June 5, 2018

The benefits of Industry 4.0 are crystal-clear. So, why aren’t manufacturers making it their top priority to embrace everything this new approach entails? In other words, why has adoption been so slow? According to TechVentive, it’s because many companies still lack the basic technology infrastructure that must be in place before they can exploit Industry 4.0....

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