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.

General Data Protection Regulation and Plex Customers

Plex Team May 9, 2018

The European Union’s (EU) General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is set to take effect May 25, 2018. Now is a good time to discuss the capabilities Plex offers to help customers meet their GDPR obligations. What is GDPR?...

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Digital Transformation in the Manufacturing Industry: Why Should You Care?

Plex Team August 8, 2017

The complexity and pace of customer demands have changed, which means you’ve likely had to evaluate if your manufacturing operations are keeping pace. Relying on manual processes and paper-based information is no longer sustainable if you want to compete. There are more and more companies willing to step in and take your market share....

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Food and Beverage Manufacturers: Are Your Business Processes and Tools Eating Up Your Revenue?

Plex Team July 11, 2017

Do you struggle to gather documentation when you need to show compliance to customer or industry reporting requirements? If so, you’re like many companies still using manual or paper-based quality processes during production....

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3 Manufacturers Who Fell in Love with Plex—and Why You May Be Next

Plex Team February 13, 2017

When manufacturers begin their search for the perfect match, what do they really look for in a cloud ERP system? If you’re like most of your peers, you want an ERP system that’s:...

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Wearables on the Shop Floor: CES 2017

Plex Team January 31, 2017

Wearables and augmented reality aren’t so futuristic anymore because more manufacturers are seeing the opportunity to use these technologies to impact shop floor productivity, product quality, and top-line growth. That’s why Barrie Vince, Plex software architect and one of the original developers of the Plex Manufacturing Cloud, visited the Consumer Electronics Show (CES)....

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Proof Positive: Modern Manufacturing Strategies Should Include Cloud ERP

Plex Team January 17, 2017

Modern manufacturing is too complex for manual processes, and relying on disparate systems to run your business drains precious time. In fact, thirty-eight percent of manufacturers say they face serious delays in decision making because of lack of timely information.1...

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Data Silos: Why They’re Bad for Your Manufacturing Business

Plex Team January 9, 2017

If you have a hard time getting accurate information about how your business is operating and performing, you’re not alone. Most manufacturers we talk to who are running legacy ERP systems say that the inability to share or access data prevents them from gaining the visibility and control they need....

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Top New Year’s Resolution for Manufacturers in 2017

Plex Team January 4, 2017

No doubt you’ve got a list of goals and objectives for your manufacturing business this year. What’s on your list? Delivering on time every time, moving the needle on lean initiatives, or maybe improving data accuracy? One thing is for sure: 2017 is the year to swap your legacy ERP system for native cloud ERP....

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HK Metalcraft’s Advanced Manufacturing Technology Approach: A Family Legacy

Plex Team January 3, 2017

Joshua Hopp is the fourth-generation owner of a manufacturing business that specializes in precision metal stampings. His father, Raymond, installed a company-wide ERP system back in the 80s when no one else in the industry even considered it. Nearly three decades later and that once cutting-edge ERP now required customization after customization to keep pace with customer demands. ...

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How to Solve the Manufacturing Talent Gap: Unlock People Potential with Cloud ERP

Plex Team December 19, 2016

As a manufacturer, you face some tough hiring challenges. A 2016 report from IDG states that nearly one-third of those surveyed list the lack of skilled workers as a major obstacle to growth, one which must be addressed to grow effectively....

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