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Plex Online provides an extremely strong Shop Floor Control System (also known as Manufacturing Execution System (MES)). Many ERP software companies claim to support manufacturing companies, but they do little more than accounting, order entry, and other office tasks. They are not suitable for use on the shop floor and they provide little value to the manufacturing department. Many manufacturers indicate that traditional ERP software actually hinders manufacturing, rather than helps it.
Plex grew up in the manufacturing industry and has always been, first and foremost, a manufacturing execution system. This is one of our primary focus areas and often noted as a major differentiator between us and our competitors.
Our full MES solution includes job/production management, process instructions, production scheduling, ultra-detailed real-time inventory control, tool tracking, production tracking, traceability and part genealogy, labor tracking, PLC machine integration, and much more.
Plex Online includes the following base requirements for an Manufacturing Execution System:
- Simple, easy-to-use design for use by shop floor personnel
- Real Time
- Online
- Built-in Bar Code Labeling
- Built-in support for mobile/wireless handheld units
- Built-in integration with machine PLCs
- Built-in integration with weigh scales, packaging machines, and other equipment
Features (Click [+] or [-] to expand/collapse a feature.)
Expand All - Collapse All
Engineering:
Bill of Materials 
This module defines the components that make up a part. Plex Online supports infinite levels of BOM. It provides indented BOM, exploded BOM,
drilldown BOM, and a variety of other methods for visualizing and editing BOMs. Plex Online handles BOMs with just a few components, or many
thousands.
CAD Integration
Plex provides a special feature within your CAD system to number and name each Dimension on the Part Drawing. Then, whenever the drawing
is saved, it synchronizes the dimensions and their tolerances to the Part Specification List in Plex Online, which in turn drives the Control
Plan, Checksheet, and data collection systems. The CAD Integration subsystem saves you from having to type dimensional data into Plex and adds
a high-degree of advanced integration between Engineering, Quality and Manufacturing.
Currently in use with AutoCAD 2004. Will also work with other CAD systems such as SolidWorks, CATIA, Unigraphics, Pro/Engineering, and so on.
Customer Part Numbers
This module provides the ability to store and manage one or more Customer Part Numbers for each internal Part. Includes Revision Level,
Revision Date, Customer Program, Estimated Annual Volume, and other pertinent data about each Customer Part No.
Heat Treat Parameters
This module provides a formal structure for storing Heat Treat parameters and settings for each Part.
Manufacturing Masters
This module is used to tie together and manage a long manufacturing process that involves a complex interconnection of parts, routings,
BOM and Multi-outs. For example, this will schedule the component parts of an assembly.
Multi-Out Production
Identifies and controls manufacturing processes where multiple different Parts are produced from a single Operation. This is a critical
capability for stampers, multi-part die forgers, injection molders, and other manufacturing processes. Plex Online also supports a die cavity
status which allows machines to run some of the cavities, but not all the cavities.
Part List
This module provides a master list of Parts, including all associated part data, such as Part Description, Part Type, and Revision. This
modules also provides an easy-to-use mechanism to upload small digital photos of each part. The Part List also provides links to many other
areas of the system, where applicable, such as Key Part Dates, Customer Part Numbers, APQP Checklist, Inventory, Shipment History, Problem
History and so on.
Process Routings
A process routing is the series of steps required to manufacture or process a given part. This module defines those steps. Includes
the Operation Number, Operation Name, Approved Workcenters and Suppliers, Crew Size, Weight, Container Type, and other key routing data.
Materials:
Heat Traceability
Building on the inventory tracking system, Heat Traceability provides the ability to track, identify and instantly trace the Heat No of all
inventory.
Heats & Chemistries
This module is an advanced version of the standard receiving system. It is designed to receive raw material that has been defined with the
Material Specification system. It validates the chemistry and physical characteristics of incoming materials against engineering specifications.
It also creates inventory records and bar coded labels for each bundle, coil or container being received.
Part-Materials (BOM)
This module provides a mechanism for specifying a list of Raw Materials that can be used to make a Part. Similar to a typical Bill of
Materials, but it's geared specifically toward Raw Materials, so it also includes Gross Weight, Multiples, Cut/Piece Length, Primary/Optional,
and other features.
Raw Material Receiving
Provides the ability to receive and tag incoming raw material. Also includes Receiving Inspection Checksheets, Heat Chemistry Actuals, and
Evaluated Receipts (automatic creation of AP records).
Raw Material Specification
This module is used to define detailed chemical and physical specifications for materials, such as steel, aluminum and other metals. Includes
user-definable specification templates. Provides capability to link multiple materials to a part, and multiple parts to a material.
Inventory:
Advanced Parts Traceability & Product Genealogy
The normal inventory system provides a high level of container level detail, information and change history. However, where full process
traceability is critical, we recommend the Advanced Inventory Traceability Module. This module automatically tracks the complete genealogy of
all inventory containers, providing both an upstream and downstream trace, even in complex assembly and manufacturing environments. This is
ideal for tracking down and isolating all parts created from a defective lot OR tracking down exactly who/what/when/where a defective part was
produced. This module is used extensively in the Automotive and Aerospace industries where traceability is critical.
Container Types
This module provides a master list of inventory container types, including Container Type Code, Customer, Customer Part No, Tare Weight,
Cost, Customer Owned, and EDI codes.
Customer/Consignment Inventory
This module gives you a powerful and flexible system for setting up Consignment Inventory and Automatic Replenishment. Its use can be extended
online to your customer, and/or it can be used internally.
Each Part/Ship_To combination can be user-configured with various settings to achieve the desired behavior. The invoicing, inventory retirement,
and replenishment (auto-creation of new releases) can be setup to automatically occur at time of shipment, customer usage, or never. The
Replenishment Method can be set to "Straight Replenishment" OR "Min Level Replenishment".
Inventory Location List
This module provides a mechanism for establishing a master list of all physical locations on the shop floor, such as machines, specific
storage locations, shelves, quality hold areas, and so on. The Location List also includes external locations where inventory may be stored,
such has Subcontract Suppliers and Warehouses. The Inventory Location List is critical to the Inventory Tracking Module and the Cycle/Physical
Inventory System.
Inventory Tracking
This Inventory module provides the ability to track individual containers or individual parts on the shop floor. It is designed for
manufacturing facilities, especially part manufacturers, tool shops and other situations where detailed, real-time tracking is required.
Each container or part is bar coded with a unique serial number used for tracking and traceability. Each inventory record includes Serial
No, Part Number, Location, Status and other pertinent data. Inventory records can be seached and summarized for as required to provide
real-time inventory reports. The inventory module is the foundation for many other modules, including Production Tracking, Heat/Lot Traceability,
Tool Life Tracking, and Scheduling.
Lot Tracking
Building on the Inventory Tracking System, the Lot Tracking module provides the ability to identify and track an internal production Lot No
for all inventory. See also Heat Traceability system.
Physical / Cycle Inventory
The Physical Inventory System is used to manage and conduct on-going, location-based cycle inventories using RF handheld terminals to
scan bar coded inventory tags. Cycle Inventory Management is a well-known and accurate method for maintaining accurate inventory counts over
time. This module is also used to conduct plant-wide physical inventories.
Rejection Tracking
The Rejection Tracking module provides a sophisticated and full-feature system for tracking and analyzing rejections, sorts, reworks, scrap,
and all the complexities associated with these on the shop floor.
Returnable Container Tracking
This module is used to track returnable and other types of containers and packaging. This module will automatically maintain a running
count of containers (by type) and send email at a designated Minimum point to warn you that you're running low. This module can also be
configured to record all transactions (ins/outs) for a specific Container Type, which is ideal for tracking the receipt and shipment of
Returnable Containers, containers that are purchased from or charged to the customer, and other types of containers and packaging.
Scrap Tracking
A comprehensive system for tracking and analyzing scrap within the company.
Serialized Individuals Inventory
This module tracks individual serialized items, rather than containers. Especially powerful when a high degree of quality, inventory, and
cost tracking is required on individual items.
Subcontract Shipping/Receiving
This module is used to ship inventory out to processors, track its processing, then receive it back in to the building. Highly integrated
with Inventory and Supplier Modules.
Production Tracking:
Control Panel
A simple-to-use, yet powerful user interface for shop floor personnel to track and control machine status, labor hours, production,
inventory, tooling, and much more.
Heat Treat Manager
This module provides a record for planning and recording Furnace Loads in a Heat Treater. Helps the user select inventory to be placed in
the furnace (based on similar heat treat parameters), and also maintains a history of all heat treat data, such as Temperature, Time, Quench,
etc.
Job Sets
This module is used to track a collection of related jobs. Often times there are many component parts, each of which has a routing, and
is made up of other component parts, and so on. This provides a mechanism for bringing all these smaller jobs together.
Job Clock
This module provides an easy-to-use screen for collecting labor cost against jobs, providing online shop floor job instructions, and handling
the installation of components into jobs. Designed as a touch screen application for shop floor use.
Job Templates
Certain Jobs are marked as a Templates.
There is a "Add Job from Template" capability, which gives a list of templates to select from. The system then creates a new job by copying
the template job, including the Job record, Job BOM, Job Routing, Job Material, etc.
Job Tracking System
This module is used to track Jobs and Work Orders within the manufacturing facility. It depends on the situation, but usually a Job
represents an instruction to the shop floor to produce a certain Quantity of a certain Part Number by a certain Due Date. The Job Tracking
system is the foundation for production scheduling, and can be used for simple scheduling on its own. Highly integrated with Inventory,
Customer Orders, and several other modules. Nomenclature and specific requirements vary across facilities, and can be fully accommodated:
Jobs, Work Orders, Shop Orders, Shop Travelers, Releases, etc.
Job Tracker
A simple-to-use, yet powerful screen for shop floor personnel to retrieve instructions, track activities, and record production against jobs
as they are processed.
Material Control Manager
This is a specialized, and highly-sophisticated module for managing a department of machines that process ingots or bars into smaller pieces
(cut, saw, sheer, etc). It looks at required Jobs that need to be fulfilled, available material stock, material position in the yard, and many
other requirements in order to optimize and then execute the most efficient schedule.
OEE Reporting
This subsystem provides automatic, real-time reporting on OEE, which stands for Overall Equipment Effectiveness. The OEE is a
combined indicator of Quality, Performance and Availability of production workcenters and is used throughout the manufacturing
industry as a standard gage of effeciency.
PLC/Machine Integration, Settings/Recipes (SCADA)
The Machine Settings module is used when production machines are electronically connected to Plex through the machine PLC. This module stores,
organizes and controls all the settings that are downloaded to the machine at setup time.
Production Tracking
The Production Tracking modules provides tracking of machine production, including detailed and summarized reports. Highly integrated
with Inventory, Tool Tracking, and Scheduling.
Setup Tracking (SMED)
The Setup Tracking module provides a place to record Workcenter setup times and issues, including detailed data on reasons for setup delay. This module
is used as a tool to help shorten setup times and improve setup consistency. It is often used in association with a Single Minute Exchange of Die
programs(SMED). This module is usually used in a stand-alone mode. The other, more preferred, option for setup tracking is to use the Control Panel
and the Workcenter Log.
Shift Setup
A base module necessary for setting up workcenter or labor shifts, including Shift Name, Time, Lunch, Breaks, and other
details.
Shop Assignment Screen
The Shop Assignment Screen provides an "airport" style information screen that displays each employee's assignment for the day.
Shop Screen
A Shop Screen is a map of the shop floor that visually depicts work centers and storage locations. Work Center status is indicated by its color: green
for production, red for maintenance, etc. Clicking on the Work Center pops up details regarding its current status. Shop Screens are used by production
personnel, the maintenance department, tool setters, and executive management to gain an overview of what is happening on the shop floor. The Shop Screen
is also used to change the status of the Work Center (which automatically creates a record in the Workcenter Log), track labor hours and move inventory.
(Plex has Patented the Shop Screen concept)
Workcenter Tracking
The Workcenter Log provides a detailed history of all events that occur at a machine, including all production, maintenance and
downtime. This module provides reports on uptime, availability, OEE, and machine efficiency. This module draws upon several other key
modules in order to provide an overall view of the work center, including Production Tracking, Inventory, Labor Tracking, Tool Life
Tracking and Control Plans (Inspection Instructions).
Weigh Scale - Integration
Many companies use weigh scales to measure the quantity of parts in each container. This Plex Online module retrieves electronic data from the scale
in order to eliminate the need for data entry.
Workcenter List
This module is used to establish a master list of Workcenters or Machines within the company. Provides the foundation for
Production Tracking, Scheduling and other modules.
Quality:
Checksheets & Process Instructions
Powerful subsystem for authoring process instructions and checksheets. Fully integrated with and driven from the Control Plan system.
Control Plans
The Control Plan module provides the ability to create, edit and view Control Plans and detailed Inspection Instructions on screen. Some companies
create one or more "Common Control Plans" to cover a whole range of processes in a generic fashion. Other companies establish a detailed Control Plan,
breaking down each dimensional Specification at each operation. Control Plans include the Sample Frequency, Gage, type of Control chart, and other
quality-oriented data. Control Plans are a requirement of QS/ISO-9000. The Control Plan is highly integrated with the Part Specification system.
Defect Log
Tracking of Production Defects Related to Serial No
Deviation Tracking
A module for tracking approved deviations from engineering dimensions/specifications during the manufacturing process.
Dynamic Control Plans
The Dynamic Control Plan module combines the benefits of specification-level Control Plans with the Process FMEA methodology, Gage R&R, and Cp/Cpk.
DCP's are a requirement of AIAG/Ford.
Electronic Gage Integration
Extension of the Checksheet and Gage modules that allow users to connect electronic gages to Plex Online in order to eliminate manual data
entry.
FMEA
The Failure Mode & Effects Analysis module provides the ability to create, edit and view QS-9000-compliant FMEA's on screen, including Design and
Process FMEA's. FMEA's are developed at the beginning of the project to address the following questions: 'What can go wrong? What will happen if it
does? What controls do we have in place to detect it if it does? How should we improve the part or process?' Some companies use 'Common FMEAs' that
cover a whole range of processes in a generic fashion. Other companies establish one or more FMEA's for each part. FMEA's are a requirement of QS-9000.
Inspection Data Collection
An extension of the Checksheet system that allows the user to enter inspection data directly into the onscreen Checksheet, validate it against
the spec limits, and store that data in the Plex Online database.
Part Specifications
This module is used to establish and maintain a detailed list of dimensions and characteristics on specific parts, including Dimension Name, Target
Value and Tolerance.
Problem Control
Also known as Problem Reporting and Resolution (PR/R), Corrective Action, Customer Concern Log, and a variety of other names. This module
is used to record, track, follow-up on, resolve and report upon problems and concerns within the company. It includes forms for the 8-Disciplines
of Problem Solving, Corrective Action, Supplier PR/R, Customer Concern, and more. This module provides the ability to assign one or more actions
for Containment, Correction, and Prevention of problems. Problem Control is a requirement of ISO/QS-9000. This system is often used in E-Communication,
to assign problems to suppliers, who then use the system online to respond to those problems.
SPC
This module provides the ability to collect in-process inspection data and to conduct Statistical Process Control. It also handles Capability
Studies, Dock Audits, Part Layouts, Final Inspection Sheets, PPAP Inspections, and Special user-defined checks. It performs all statistical
calculations such as standard deviation and Cpk and it prints a variety of charts, such as Histogram, Average and Range, Run Chart, Individuals
Chart and more. This system is highly integrated with the Part Specification, Control Plan, and Gage Control Modules. SPC is generally a
requirement of ISO/QS-9000.
As an alternative to traditional software, there are an increasing number of SPC systems available through the Internet. They range from simple
Control Charting utilities to comprehensive quality solutions. The Plex Online system integrates all aspects of managing quality, including full
continuity between the Part Characteristics, FMEA, Control Plan, Process Instructions, Inspection Checksheets, and SPC Control Charting. Once the
user sets up the Control Plan, the system uses that data to automatically create the Inspection Checksheets, and drive Control Charts. This
establishes a seamless link from the part characteristic, through the ISO quality documents, and to all inspection data. The system also provides
modules for Gage Control, Corrective Action, APQP Tracking, Supplier Quality Management, and many other areas.
Scheduling:
Advanced Production Scheduling (APS)
A comprehensive, ultra-detailed, and fully automatic Finite Scheduling system. Includes visual representations of jobs and workcenter loading.
Capacity Planning
This module provides reports for analyzing the current and future load on production workcenters.
Kanban Scheduling
The Kanban system can be used to augment or replace conventional scheduling. Based on the Toyota Production System, this methodology is especially
useful for optimizing the production flow of a small number of high-volume, repetitive parts.
Material Requirements Planning (MRP)
This module is used to analyze Customer Orders, Raw Material Inventory Levels, Minimum Restock Levels and Lead Times in order to recommend
and create releases with suppliers. Similar to traditional Material Requirements Planning (MRP).
Production Requirements Planning (PRP)
Evaluates Customer Releases, current Inventory levels, and Min Inventory points, in order to recommend production.
Pull Scheduler
This module is used to analyze inventory levels, Minimum Restock Levels, Daily Pulls, and Lead Times in order to recommend and create production
jobs and maintain required stock levels. Often used as an electronic pull system.
Sequence Board - Production Scheduling
A visual schedule board that displays the Production Runs scheduled into each Workcenter. Each Production Run includes Part No, Operation,
Quantity, Raw Matl Availability, Tooling Availability, Due Date and Note. The Schedule Board represents the short term queue of production runs
that are scheduled into the machine.
Workcenter Calendar
Visual calendar of each Workcenter's work schedule, including production, maintenance, off hours, etc.
Tool Tracking:
Die Maintenance
This module allows you to establish a Preventive Maintenance schedule for each Die (Tool Set). You can define various events (Clean, Refurbish, Rework,
etc), each with its own checklist of tasks that need to be completed. The required frequency of these events for each Die is setup by Production Quantity
and/or Calendar Days. The Production Quantity on the Die is counted automatically by the Production Tracking Module. In addition to PM, shop users may
also request special Die maintenance on an as-required basis when special work is required. The module provides a Priority Report of the maintenance
that is due, and a detailed log of all the maintenance that has been done.
Die Maintenance Labor Tracking
This module allows shop users to track their maintenance time against specific Dies (Tool Sets). Provides reports of total cost of Die Maintenance,
by Die, Part, etc. Fully-integrated with the Actual Costing and Time & Attendance System.
Master Tool List
This module is used to establish a master list of tool numbers, and the pertinent data about each tool number, including Revision, Material,
Supplier(s), Min Quantity, Order Quantity, and so on. The Master Tool List is the foundation of the overall tooling system. It also provides links into
Tool Inventory, Tool Manufacturing, and the other tooling-related modules.
Online Tool Releases
This module provides Web-based communication of releases to Tool Suppliers. Suppliers view the online releases screen to see the releases that
have been issued to them. They then commit or reject those release dates/quantities. When they are ready to ship the tools, they use Plex to print
out a bar coded shipper ahead of time, which is then delivered and received with the tools. This module facilitates a high-level of real-time
communication with your tooling suppliers. This is a very fast and simple way to replace the need for paper releases, EDI, and constant phone
calls to the supplier. It also streamlines your receiving process. Because the incoming shipper is bar coded and pre-received, the receiving process
is very fast and accurate.
Tool BOM / Assemblies
A List of the tools required to produce each production part at each operation and workcenter. Distinguishes machine-specific tools (adapters)
from the tools used regardless of machine (forming tools). Provides the foundation for the Tool Sets module, which tracks the physical instances of
each assembly. This module also provides the foundation for tool-staging reports, which compare available inventory to the tooling required to fulfill
the production schedule.
Tool Control Plans
Tool Inspection Control Plans. Enables the inspection function to associate drawing attributes with tool manufacturing processes. Provides the
ability to mark a given attribute as required for the various tool job types: New, Rework, and Revision Change.
Tool Failure Tracking & Analysis
Most tools go through a cycle: they are created, used, and re-worked. This cycle repeats until the the tool is scrapped. While this process is
normal, it represents a significant portion of a manufacturer's total operating expense. Reducing this expense requires an understanding of which tools
cost the most and which ones cause the most production stoppages. Using standard cost and standard (expected) tool life, this module provides tool managers
with a detailed Pareto Analysis of total costs per tool and actual life versus standard life. Total costs contribute directly to the bottom line, and
unexpected tool failures contribute indirectly to total costs by disrupting the manufacturing operation. Whether attempting to reduce direct costs or
increase tool life, this module provides the list of tools that demand immediate attention -- A time-tested technique for chipping away at total
tooling costs.
Tool Inventory
A list the physical instances of the tools listed in the Master Tool List. Uses barcoding to change the location of the tools, and provides a
detailed log of every move, production run, and repair performed on a given tool.
Tool Inspection Checksheets
Collects and stores the actual tool measurements required by the tool control plan. Fully e-Commerce ready, external tooling suppliers can log
in and take online tool measurements. This dramatically increases supplier accountability.
Tool Life Tracking
Tool Life Tracking including reworks and total tool life, a closed-loop Tool Failure response system, Tool Cost Improvement System, Failure Mode
Analysis, and more. Although this module can be used for any situation where tool tracking is required, it is especially strong for forging and stamping
companies. For a lighter version of Tool Tracking, the Supply Crib Management System could be used instead.
Tool Manufacturing
The Job Manager forms the center of this system, displaying the list of all open jobs and enabling managers to prioritize existing jobs and
create new ones. The Operator Control Panel shows the list of tools at a given operation on the shop floor. This is where operators use touch
screens to easily clock in and out of the jobs they work on so as to provide detailed labor tracking. When tools complete the last step of the
process routing (usually an inspection), they become eligible to be moved to a press. If a tool revision changes during production, that tool
job is automatically placed on hold. Additionally, the "Tool Projects" module is a Godsend for any tool manager who has ever spent hours trying
to track down the status of a group of tools required for a special customer project. View all active tool projects by customer and due date and
provide detailed reports of the tools, tool statuses, and tool locations by customer and customer part number.
Tool Manufacturing - Subcontracting
This module is used for tracking the outsourcing of certain operations when making tools, such as plating and heat treating operations. This
module is used in conjunction with the Tool Manufacturing system. It helps tool room personnel know what is ready to ship out, it prints shippers,
moves inventory, and manages due dates. Upon return, the system receives the inventory back in, automatically updates Work Order location/operation,
and automatically creates a PO/Receipt in purchasing, including specialized blanket order pricing based on supplier, surface area, weight, and/or $/pc.
Tool Orders
The Tool Orders module is used to enter and track customer orders for tooling. Includes feature for managing, scheduling, and invoicing tool
orders.
Tool Requirements Planning
Compares tooling inventory balances to the tooling minimum requirements and recommends a quantity to be ordered.
Tool Set Tracking (Die Tracking)
A Tool Set is a collection of Details. A Tool Set may be a complete "Die" that is tracked over time, or it may be a temporary collection of loose
tools that have been staged to go into the press. Each Tool Set (Die) is uniquely identified and tracked with a bar code. The system automatically
maintains a detailed log of everything that happens to each Tool Set (Die).
Additional Modules:
Ad Hoc Query
Tool to allow users to create custom queries on database views.
Document Control System
The Document Control module provides the ability to store, edit, track and view documents on line. Includes full electronic approval and
revision tracking system ideal for ISO/TS 16949. Supports many file types, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, AutoCAD, PDF, HTML, and more.
This module is usually used to control the Quality Manual, Procedures and Work Instructions. It is also used for the Employee Handbook, Supplier
Handbook, and Technical Documentation.
Issue Management
A simple-to-use system for recording and maintaining focus on issues within the company.
Key Measurables
A flexible system for setting up, tracking and communicating company performance against a set of management-defined Key Measurables. Ideal
for strategic management.
Report System
A powerful and flexible master reporting system, which provides Main Company Reports, user-definable Report Favorites, and a centralized menu
of all reports.
Shop Floor:
Bulletin Board
With the bulletin board you can get a general notification to the people in your enterprise or out to your suppliers.
Keep them updated on:
- Changes
- Events
- Notifications
- Upload a document for notification and viewing
E-Mail
Plex Online can provide email services to its users. The user has the option to use the built in Plex Online email client, which provides
a basic hotmail-like User Interface, a high degree of integration with the rest of the system (such as Employees/Contacts), and accessibility
from any Web Browser in the world. The user also has the option to use a traditional PC-based email client, such as Outlook, Netscape or Eudora,
which provide more independence and flexibility in the user interface.
Integration:
PLC/Machine Integration, Settings/Recipes (SCADA)
The Machine Settings module is used when production machines are electronically connected to Plex through the machine PLC. This module
stores, organizes and controls all the settings that are downloaded to the machine at setup time.
Weigh Scale - Integration
Many companies use weigh scales to measure the quantity of parts in each container. This Plex Online module retrieves electronic
data from the scale in order to eliminate the need for data entry.
Equipment Integration:
Integration with Existing Systems
Plex can be integrated with other systems that are either new or legacy. We have successfully implemented a variety of methods, including
uploading/downloading ASCII files, automatic batch processing of FTP files, real time XML transactions, and more.
Advanced Technologies:
Automatic Email Notification
This subsystem will allow Plex Online to automatically notify users when certain events occur.
Bar Coding
Plex includes fully-integrated bar code printing and reading capability in many areas, including Inventory, Gage Control, Time and Attendance,
Locations, and User Login Cards.
Business Charts & Graphs
Plex Online provides a variety of charts and graphs throughout the various modules of the system.
Cell Phone Notification
This module will allow Plex Online to automatically contact your cell phone when certain events occur.
Direct Part Marking
This module provides support for Direct Part Marking, where individual pieces are identified and tracked with a unique symbol or code. Various
technologies are available, including InfoGlyph, DataMatrix, Bar Coding, and others. Application technologies include laser, peening, and special
labels. When traceability is critical, Direct Part Marking is a powerful tool.
RF ID
This module enables Plex Online to utilize RF ID technology. RF ID technology is a form of Auto-Identification whereby a minature tag is
attached to each item. The items are tracked automatically using readers that are placed at key points throughout the plant. One of the key advantages
of using RF ID Tags over bar codes is that the tags are read and detected automatically, updating the Plex database instantly, without humans having
to remember to scan the bar code. Die Tracking is a good example of using RF ID Tags. The system would confirm that the right Die is in the press before
allowing production to be made. Other applications include Inventory Tracking, Customer Shipping, Receiving, Time and Attendance / Labor Tracking, Supply
Crib Management, and so on.
Touchscreen Functionality
All Plex Online screens are functional with a touchscreen. Certain screens, such as the Control Panel, are designed specifically for this
purpose.
Universal Attachment System
The Attachment system allows you to attach files to records in the database. File attachments are used for Employees, Equipment, Gages, Orders,
Problem Records, Customers, and many other areas. Attachments can be in any file type, including Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and digital photographs.
Wireless Networking
Plex Systems can setup new wireless networks and/or configure Plex Online to function on your existing wireless networks. Wireless Networks
allow users mobile access to Plex Online through handheld devices, pen tablets, wireless PCs, and other equipment. Also see the Pocket PC Module
Group.
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