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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Where did my machine data go?

Where Did My Machine Data Go?

Plex Team May 31, 2023

Labor and capital equipment are usually the two most expensive manufacturing operating costs. And in terms of expenditures, capital equipment can often run into the millions. Machinery is considered…

Bring in the Cat and Lock the Door: Securing Your Manufacturing Data

Bring in the Cat and Lock the Door: Securing Your Manufacturing Data

Plex Team July 18, 2023

On days when the temperature is just right, there's nothing like a screen door to let in the breeze and sunlight and keep out the bugs. While that image is idyllic for quiet afternoons at home, it's…

Make Compliance a Value-Added Feature of Your Operations

Make Compliance a Value-Added Feature of Your Operations

Plex Team June 6, 2023

An old saying says, “you can’t fight city hall.” And while this is a bit of a cynical take on working alongside government bodies and other regulatory authorities, it reflects the frustrations of…

Where Did My Forecast Accuracy Go?

Where Did My Forecast Accuracy Go?

Plex Team June 14, 2023

Many people use GPS to navigate to their destination. It is fast, accurate, and uses advanced satellite technology to deliver people to a precise location on a map. But imagine a world where GPS only…

Where did my plant performance go?

Where Did My Plant Performance Go?

Plex Team June 28, 2023

An ERP system must be fed with insights from several data sources or software systems, and that data must be accurate. Plant performance suffers if the data tracking and analysis are manual or the…

Think Strategically to Act Tactically

Think Strategically to Act Tactically

Plex Team June 20, 2023

Having a sound strategy can make all the difference in war, life, and business. With it, there are clear goals and directions on where you are going and how you will get there. Without it, you risk…

Gain a Competitive Edge in Quality with Better Data

Gain a Competitive Edge in Quality with Better Data

Gerry Abbey June 12, 2023

When you look at the future of your company, what do you hope to achieve?For 1,353 global manufacturers in the 2023 State of Smart Manufacturing Report, the answer is clear: growth. And to achieve…

Where Did My OEE Go?

Where Did My OEE Go?

Plex Team July 12, 2023

The manufacturing industry is driven by efficiency and productivity, and the search to fulfill these goals requires KPIs that light the way for improvement. One of the key metrics used to measure the…

Where did my scrap go?

Where Did My Scrap Go?

Plex Team July 26, 2023

Manufacturers can build a strong operational supply chain that transforms their company by building a robust digital foundation for manufacturing processes. It allows them to streamline production…

95% of Manufacturers Are Prioritizing Sustainability in 2023

95% of Manufacturers Are Prioritizing Sustainability in 2023

Gerry Abbey June 29, 2023

When it comes to sustainability in manufacturing, the future is now.According to the 2023 State of Smart Manufacturing Report, sustainability and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) have…

Where did my audit data go?

Where Did My Audit Data Go?

Plex Team August 9, 2023

Modern manufacturing is complex. It requires proven, repeatable processes to ensure that finished goods are produced efficiently and defect-free. Regular audits to monitor and assess production…

How Smarter Manufacturing Makes You the Envy of the Neighborhood

How Smarter Manufacturing Makes You the Envy of the Neighborhood

Plex Team July 6, 2023

It’s hard enough keeping up with new products or system upgrades offered by the OEMs that built the equipment for your manufacturing operation. Staying current on software updates, new and more…

Where did my supplier performance go?

Where Did My Supplier Performance Go?

Plex Team August 23, 2023

Supplier performance drives a significant portion of a manufacturing company’s success. As the starting point of a company’s raw materials and components, it’s crucial to the quality of the final…

Process Automation in the Automotive Industry: There's a Lot More to Do

Process Automation in the Automotive Industry: There's a Lot More to Do

Plex Team August 29, 2023

When thinking of automotive production, most people imagine fast and efficient production lines with clean floors, automated robotics, and a production process that produces new, shiny vehicles. With…

2023 Report Findings: Smart Manufacturing Provides Stability in Food & Beverage

2023 Report Findings: Smart Manufacturing Provides Stability in Food & Beverage

Plex Team September 12, 2023

Change is scary - something that’s true for individuals as well as manufacturers. In manufacturing, an industry's steady and predictable growth can allow for stable markets, plannable operational…

Best Maid – An Automation Fair Sneak Peek

Best Maid – An Automation Fair Sneak Peek

Plex Team September 7, 2023

Sometimes, opportunity awaits those who reach for it. Other times, it can be part of a dynamic shift to a new way of doing business and a new way of thinking. When Best Maid needed to refine and…

Why Technology Adoption in 2023 Means Adding Staff and Skills

Why Technology Adoption in 2023 Means Adding Staff and Skills

Gerry Abbey September 5, 2023

One of the biggest headlines from the 8th Annual State of Smart Manufacturing Report isn’t just about technology — it’s about technology and people. As manufacturers aim for profitable growth…

What Are We Looking At?

What Are We Looking At?

Plex Team September 26, 2023

Driving in conditions of low visibility is never a good idea. Like a blinding snowstorm in gusty winds, millions of flakes obscure your view until you can’t see what is in front of you. First, you…

Quality From Top to Bottom – Highlighting the New Plex “Quality Management for Dummies” eBook

Quality From Top to Bottom – Highlighting the New Plex “Quality Management for Dummies” eBook

Plex Team September 20, 2023

Traditional manufacturing required as much art as science. Settings were done with gear ratios, levers, and calipers. But modern companies can no longer run their production that way. Fortunately,…

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