1. Nakul Patel
0
This document provides a comparison of the various cloud-based service offerings for ERP software based on the data collected
from various internet sources. Soft-wares, in this report, are compared on the basis of general features such as pricing, support,
etc. as well as on the basis of more specific features such as the supported modules and additional capabilities. In all, this
assignment compares 7 of the industry perceived best cloud based ERP systems (viz., Plex Online, NetSuite, Epicor, Infor, SAP
Business ByDesign, Microsoft Dynamics and Oracle) are described in detail towards the latter part of document.
Software Package Comparison for Cloud-based
ERP Systems
Prepared by:
Nakul Patel

2. 1
CLOUD-BASED
ERP SOFTWARE
ANSWERING THE BIG WHY
CLOUD ERP
Cloud ERP is an approach to enterprise resource planning (ERP) that
makes use of cloud computing platforms and services to provide a
business with more flexible business process transformation.
Enterprise resource planning is an industry term for the broad set of
activities that helps a business manage the important parts of its
business such as purchasing and inventory management. ERP
applications can also include modules for the finance and human capital
management aspects of a business. An ERP system integrates internal
and external management information across the entire company,
assimilating accounting, manufacturing processes, sales, and customer
relationship management. ERP systems facilitate the flow of information
between all business functions inside and outside the organization.
In the cloud model, the software vendor houses and manages the
software and buyers pay a subscription price for the software - typically
on a monthly or annual basis. This removes the need for businesses to
host and maintain the software and data on their own servers. This
model is not to be confused with “web-enabled” software, which means
that the software is still installed on-site but the data is accessible online.
In both cases, system data can be accessed through an Internet
connection, enabling employees to remotely access their business data
through any device with online capabilities.
To some industry experts, the promise of cloud computing is that it will
provide an opportunity for business to completely transform how it uses
and pays for information technology. For example, cloud-sourcing
legacy ERP applications might eliminate the need for a business to
purchase the necessary server and storage hardware and maintain it on
site which, in turn, has the potential reduce operational expenditures
(OPEX). Other industry experts, however, point out that the problems
associated with ERP software deployments – such as integration
problems between ERP modules and a company’s legacy systems –
would simply transfer to the cloud.
THE
CLOUD
ERP
SCENARIO
The wheels of a cloud
based ERP system
have started turning
and it is expected that
by the year 2015
global expenditure on
cloud based ERP
systems will have
increased by 21%
according to research
carried out by
Forrester!

3. 2
According to a Gartner Forecast from late 2011, the SaaS-delivered ERP market will grow at a 14.7%
compound annual growth rate until 2015. Manufacturing software vendors are moving their attention to
the cloud and the market is divided between 4 major SaaS ERP players: NetSuite Manufacturing, Epicor
Express for Manufacturing, Infor Industrial Manufacturing, and SAP Business ByDesign.
The hope is that ERP software developed specifically for cloud computing environments will include new
feature sets that were simply not possible using old technology. Until then, cloud ERP is seen as being
good for startup organizations and new business divisions within an existing company.
ADVANTAGES OF CLOUD-ERP
The most common benefits of the cloud-based ERP systems are as follows –
1. Minimized initial investment. On-site ERP solutions require purchasing, housing and
maintaining servers, then deploying, configuring, and maintaining the ERP software. The Cloud
ERP solution does not require a substantial initial investment. The process of implementing,
maintaining, and keeping the solution up to date is the responsibility of the solution provider.
2. Minimized technical staff implication. By eliminating the costs and complexities of installing
and integrating additional hardware to support the ERP, enterprises that use cloud-based
solutions don’t have to hire additional technical staff to support the application on an ongoing
basis.
3. Increase ROI of the ERP application investment. Cloud ERP solutions can easily be
implemented and integrated faster into the enterprise’s day-to-day activity.
4. Increased scalability. Cloud ERP systems are easily scalable to meet new business
requirements. This benefit is particularly useful for enterprises with specific seasonal activities
that need to quickly develop or integrate new functions to meet their business requirements.
5. Subscription benefits. First and foremost, since all SaaS services are offered on a subscription
basis, there are no unexpected costs. Customers know exactly how much the system will cost
them this month, next month and every other month which is a very appealing prospect especially
for smaller businesses whose funds tend to be considerably smaller. Even if the prices for the
SaaS system do increase, they don’t tend to increase by a great deal.
FIGURE 1: BENEFITS OF CLOUD BASED ERP
6. Faster implementation. Management and setup of an SaaS system are all the responsibility of
the vendor so there no real setup or installation process. Most parts of the system will come
preconfigured and ready to be setup integrate into your business. This results in a much faster
and simpler setup process which ultimately lead to a faster ROI since initial costs are lower.

4. 3
7. Lower initial costs. Since an SaaS system requires very little in the way peripherals and such
technology normally found in the average non cloud based ERP solution, the costs of running an
SaaS system are much lower as well. The only maintenance cost to the customer would be the
wage packet given to the employees using the software. What’s more, most ERP vendors allow
for additional users to easily be added into the SaaS system without the need for any additional
technology to be implemented so the system can expand easily if you ever need it to.
8. Fewer Responsibilities. Running an in house system means brings with it the added
responsibility of dealing with any problems that may occur such as on-site hardware implications,
software problems and network issues which makes troubleshooting an error somewhat difficult.
However, with an SaaS system all of this is the vendor’s responsibility so the customer does not
need to worry about any problems that may occur.
9. Focus on what you are best at. Possibly the major benefit of implementing any SaaS system is
the freedom that the customer benefits from since many of the responsibilities of running and
maintaining the system are given to the vendor so the customer can focus on doing what they do
best – selling the products and services they offer.

5. 4
A TYPICAL ERP
SOFTWARE
LOOKING CLOSELY AT ERP
MODULES
Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems integrate internal and
external management information across an entire organization—
embracing finance/accounting, manufacturing, sales and service,
customer relationship management, etc. ERP software integrates all
facets of an operation, including development, manufacturing, sales and
marketing. The purpose of ERP is to facilitate the flow of information
between all business functions inside the boundaries of the organization
and manage the connections to outside stakeholders.
ERP software consists of many enterprise software modules that are
individually purchased, based on what best meets the specific needs
and technical capabilities of the organization. Each ERP module is
focused on one area of business processes, such as product
development or marketing. Some of the more common ERP modules
include those for product planning, material purchasing, inventory
control, distribution, accounting, marketing, finance and HR.
ERP SOFTWARE MODULES
Different ERP modules cover common functional areas. Organizations
implement the modules in ERP that are both economically and
technically feasible and profitable. We will describe some of the common
modules below.
COMMON
ERP
MODULES
 Finance &
Accounting
 Supply Chain
 Manufacturing
 Materials Mgmt.
 Sales
 Project Mgmt.
 CRM
 HRM

6. 5
FIGURE 2: ERP MODULES
Finance Module
All kind of organizations small scale, large scale organizations benefit from the implementation of ERP
financial module. The financial module is the core of many ERP software systems. It can gather financial
data from various functional departments, and generates valuable financial reports such general ledger,
trail balance, asbalance sheet and quarterly financial statements.
Production Module
In the process of evolution of manufacturing requirements planning (MRP) II into ERP, while vendors
have developed more robust software for production planning, consulting firms have accumulated vast
knowledge of implementing production planning module. Production planning optimizes the utilization of
manufacturing capacity, parts, components and material resources using historical production data and
sales forecasting.
HR Module
Human Resources is another widely implemented ERP module. HR module streamlines the management
of human resources and human capitals. HR modules routinely maintain a complete employee database
including contact information, salary details, attendance, performance evaluation and promotion of all
employees. Advanced HR module is integrated with knowledge management systems to optimally utilize
the expertise of all employees.
Purchasing Module
Purchase module streamline procurement of required raw materials. It automates the processes of
identifying potential suppliers, negotiating price, awarding purchase order to the supplier, and billing
processes. Purchase module is tightly integrated with the inventory control and production planning
modules. Purchasing module is often integrated with supply chain management software.

7. 6
Inventory Module
Inventory module facilitates processes of maintaining the appropriate level of stock in a warehouse. The
activities of inventory control involves in identifying inventory requirements, setting targets, providing
replenishment techniques and options, monitoring item usages, reconciling the inventory balances, and
reporting inventory status. Integration of inventory control module with sales, purchase, finance modules
allows ERP systems to generate vigilant executive level reports.
Sales and Marketing Module
Sales module implements functions of order placement, order scheduling, shipping and invoicing. Sales
module is closely integrated with organizations' ecommerce websites. Many ERP vendors offer online
store front as part of the sales module. ERP marketing module along with CRP supports lead generation,
direct mailing campaign and other marketing works. Scheduling of the promotion is possible using this.
CRM Module
Customers are the most integral part of the business. It is necessary for a company to manage
interactions with current and future customers. It aims at providing a 360 degree view of customer data.
It helps you to know your customer better and includes many features such as activities, history, related
contacts, addresses of your customers and their relations with your competitors. The flexible database
structures enables you whatever information you would like to keep on your customer and maintains such
information for your future reference. CRM module can also offer an effective customer complaint
management tool including repairs processing and document management.

8. 7
CLOUD-BASED
ERP OFFERINGS
KNOWING THE OPTIONS
The software-as-a-service (SaaS) concept is being clarified, and lessons
are being learned by manufacturing companies around the globe. New
vendors are offering various cloud-only ERP solutions for
manufacturing, while many traditional vendors have developed cloud or
SaaS versions of their existing applications, or new cloud systems that
parallel the older on-premise ones. Even more significantly,
manufacturers are giving cloud deployment serious consideration as
part of their IT strategy for the future.
CLOUD-ERP VENDORS
Some of the most common Cloud-ERP vendors are listed below –
Plex Systems
Plex Systems was the first software vendor to bring a cloud-based ERP
system to manufacturing software. The company got its start in the
automotive industry but recently expanded into food & beverage and
other segments.
Plex Online is well suited for a variety of manufacturing segments,
including automotive, electronics, industrial machinery and plastics, and
can support several manufacturing modes, including discrete, mixed
mode, process and make-to-order. It is a comprehensive web-based
solution that ties the whole enterprise together, including financials, to
give businesses a clear, complete snapshot of their company. It comes
with multi-language and multi-currency capabilities, and can handle
multiple locations, and is eminently scalable, so it grows as the business
grows.
NetSuite
NetSuite is a complete cloud-based ERP solution that integrates with
inventory, warehouse management, accounting, and customer
relationship management. Ideal for businesses managing production
orders and inventory restocking. In addition, the system supports
inventory for multiple different locations, assembly management
CLOUD
BASED
ERP – ARE
THESE
OPTIONS
ENOUGH?
Cloud ERP adoption is
sometimes a
controversial process,
more complex than it
originally appeared.
Some ERP vendors
have had to
discontinue their cloud
offerings. Cloud ERP
offerings are not yet
mature enough or
sufficiently diversified
to fully fit the entire
manufacturing
industry.

9. 8
requirements, bill of materials, work order management, diverse methods of measurement, bar coding
procedures, and other necessary business processes in the manufacturing industry. It can also integrate
shipping processes with mainstream carriers, such as FedEx.
Epicor
With extensive functionality for inventory, accounting, pre-production materials, and manufacturing
execution, Epicor delivers a fully integrated web-based software system. Ideal for manufacturers with $1
million+ in revenue.
Epicor provides its offering in three flavors –
 Epicor ERP
 Epicor Express
 Epicor iVP
ORACLE
Using the Oracle Technology Foundation, JD Edwards' ERP software is scalable and versatile to meet
the needs of a wide variety of vertical markets. Supports multiple languages and currencies. Available as
on-premise and web-based.
It offers applications for accounts payable, accounts receivable, advanced cost accounting, expense
management, financial management and compliance, fixed asset accounting, and a general ledger. The
system can support multiple languages and currencies.
Infor
Infor provides an extended ERP system for the Microsoft® platform that allows companies to
manufacture, sell, and service with speed and accuracy. It is a flexible, fully integrated, and easy to use
ERP suite that is widely deployed across many different types of industries from aerospace to biomedical,
capital equipment, precision tools and more.
Infor has two editions of offerings in –
 Infor Syteline
 Infor Visual ERP
SAP
SAP newest Saas ERP software, Business ByDesign is a fully comprehensive integrated business
management package that is delivered On Demand through a “cloud” or Software as a Service (SaaS)
model. Business ByDesign is the only ERP software product that embeds SAP’s best practice business
process expertise and IP. This new software solution is designed to provide manufacuturing and
distribution SMEs (small and medium businesses) with the benefits of a large scale business application
without the need for a large IT department and/or an upfront licensing fee. With Business ByDesign,
SMEs now have access to the same SAP business process expertise that has helped many of the
world’s leading companies maintain their leading edge.

10. 9
Microsoft
Originally designed as a financial accounting system, Microsoft Dynamics GP was extended to serve as
a complete ERP suite. Also includes applications for managing HR, manufacturing planning, supply
chain, IT, and more.
Microsoft Dynamics GP has applications for financial management, human resources management,
manufacturing planning, supply chain management, field service, business intelligence, collaboration,
compliance, and IT management. The Advanced Management edition contains additional features not
found within the Business Essentials edition. There are also a la carte modules which can be purchased
separately, along with hundreds of third-party applications from Independent Software Vendors (ISVs)
which can be added to the system to fit additional needs.
QAD
QAD Enterprise Applications is a complete suite of software designed to support all of the key processes
of global manufacturers. The software is in use at over 5,500 sites worldwide. QAD Enterprise
Applications enables measurement and control of all key business processes, and utilizes industry
specific best practices to support companies, whether in a single plant or across an entire global
organization.
IQMS
IQMS, an innovator in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software and creator of a truly single-source
software solution, provides manufacturers with all the functionality to efficiently manage and improve
business processes. The company's flagship product, EnterpriseIQ, intuitively combines real-time
manufacturing, accounting, and supply chain management into one database. IQMS provides business
and plant management software that allows manufacturers to run more effectively and more profitably.
Sage
Sage ERP X3 is designed for nearly size of company in need of an ERP solutions. Sage ERP X3 is
particularly strong in manufacturing and distribution with inventory control, supply chain management and
accounting functionality.
Sage ERP offers functionality for accounting, inventory control, material resource planning, shop floor
control, human resources, and supply chain management. The system is relatively unique for the
manufacturing and distribution software markets in its ability to offer the choice of multiple databases,
operating systems, and deployments (on-premise or web-based).
IFS
IFS has a solid, growing presence in the North American business software market. IFS North America
serves medium-size to large companies in a variety of key industries, including aerospace and defense,
industrial manufacturing, automotive, high-tech, construction, and process industries such as food and
beverage.

11. 10
TGI
TGI's Enterprise 21 ERP delivers fully-integrated sales order management, procurement, inventory
management, warehouse management, financial management, advanced planning, customer
relationship management (CRM), business intelligence, and manufacturing management software
functionality in a single ERP system.
Enterprise 21’s underlying system architecture is flexible and configurable by design, enabling
organizations to implement the system to meet their unique business process requirements. Offering a
broad scope of software functionality, Enterprise 21 ERP is highly scalable ERP solution that allows your
business to grow without the addition of additional modules, bolt-ons, or third-party software packages.
ProcessPro
ProcessPro Premier® is a fully-integrated ERP system incorporating “industry best practice” processes
from beginning sales order entry through manufacturing, inventory, and accounting.
ProcessPro Premier® is the only product of its kind that is based exclusively on the Microsoft Visual
Studio® suite and SQL server database. It offers the added advantage of Microsoft’s extensive research,
development, and testing in every package. Unlike other products that rely on proprietary languages and
databases, ProcessPro Premier® delivers a fully tested standard that is accepted around the world –
ensuring reliability, consistency, and a solid product future.
Vai
VAI provides flexible, fully integrated business software solutions that give companies of all sizes a true
market advantage. With VAI's Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) application, S2K Enterprise
Management Software, you'll obtain reliable data that will streamline your business processes to make it
more competitive, responsive, and profitable. Our ERP application features industry-specific modules for
manufacturing, wholesale distribution, warehouse management, food, retail and e-business. VAI also
provides a software-as-a-service (SaaS) option – featuring multi-tiered support in mindSHIFT
Technologies, Inc.’s 24x7x365 data center – for the S2K Distribution, S2K Manufacturing, S2K
Warehouse Management, S2K Food, S2K Retail, and S2K Service and Repair enterprise resource
planning (ERP) software solutions.

12. 11
COMPARATIVE
ANALYSIS OF
CLOUD-BASED
ERP OFFERINGS
(SAAS)
UNDERSTANDING THE OPTIONS
WHY SELECT
Once we have identified the options available to us in terms of ERP
offerings, next step is to select the right option. Whereas with the correct
ERP system (and there are an overwhelming amount to choose from),
a seamless flow of information is created between all business functions
inside the boundaries of the organization, along with connections to
outside stakeholders, selecting an inappropriate ERP package can
result in a plethora of problems.
The ill effects of wrong selection
An ERP system that is not a right fit tends to weigh down the entire
organization. There is the tendency on the part of people to generate
alternative manual approaches and work around ERP system
inefficiencies. This can compromise security and audit requirements and
have a debilitating effect on employee morale.
The financial consequence of selecting a wrong ERP is significant.
There are examples of manufacturers spending substantial amounts of
time and money on ERP implementations only to realize that a different
ERP system would have been a better fit.
The benefits of a right selection
On the brighter side, there are benefits of getting it right. We have
already discussed most of the benefits of an ERP system.
BASELINE
LIST FOR
CHOOSING
THE RIGHT
ERP
SOLUTION
 Industry Fit
 Core Strengths
 Industry Norms
 Vendor
Sustainability
 Usability
1.

13. 12
When implemented effectively, ERP can improve alignment of processes with organizational strategy,
reduce costs and improve productivity. An Aberdeen group study estimated that best-in-class ERP
implementations reduced inventory by as much as 22% and operating costs by as much as 20%.
FIGURE 3: AFTER EFFECTS OF BAD ERP
FIGURE 4: BENEFITS OF ERP IMPLEMENTATION
Thus, it is very important to know the various aspects of the ERP offering you are going to choose. We
present the comparative analysis of different ERP systems in this chapter.
The comparison is done on the basis of primarily 4 criterion described below –
1. General – Under this we present the comparison on the basis of various aspects such as
pricing, subscription options, supported users, latest version available, supported platforms, etc.
2. Modules – We compare the modules offered in different cloud based ERP packages and also
compare the functionalities provided by each of the module.
3. Additional Capabilities – We also have a look at what additional modules & services are
supported by the ERP system in addition to the standard modules described previously in
Chapter 2.

14. 13
4. Service Support – We also compare the additional services provided by the vendor along with
the software offering, such as, support, implementation/deployment, training and any additional
proprietary services.
COMPARISON OF CLOUD BASED ERP (SAAS) OFFERINGS
General Data
Product Name Version
Price
Range
Financing
Options
User
Range
Multi
-Site
Multi
National
Architecture
Database
Platform
Server
OS
SAAS
Plex Systems
Always
Current
$5K + per
month-
Subscription 20-1000+ Yes Yes
SaaS
Multitenant
SOA
MS SQL
Server,
Progress, IBM
DB2, Oracle,
ODBC
Compliant,
Pervasive,
Sybase,
Cloud-Based
(Saas),
Universal
Compatibility,
Quickbooks
Linux,
Windows,
Unix,
Novell
Netware,
Solaris,
AIX, HP-
UX,
Compatib
le With All
Yes
NetSuite
Always
Current
$10K-
100K
Subscription
10+unlimit
ed
Yes Yes
SAAS,
Multitenant
MS SQL
Server,
Progress, IBM
DB2, Other,
Oracle,
Proprietary`,
Cloud-Based
(Saas),
Universal
Compatibility,
Quickbooks
Mac OS,
Windows,
Unix,
Novell
Netware
Yes
Epicor ERP
9.05 $4K -500K
Lease,
Owner
Financing,
Lease to
own
1-1000+ Yes Yes SOA
MS SQL
Server,
Progress,
Cloud-Based
(Saas)
Linux,
Windows,
Unix
Yes
EnterpriseIQ
7.7
$20K-
200,000K
Lease,
Financing
5-Unlimited Yes yes SOA, .NET
Oracle,
Cloud-Based
(Saas)
Linux,
Windows,
Unix
Yes
Sage ERP X3
6.5
$2,600 /
User-
20-1000+ Yes Yes
MS SQL
Server,
Oracle,
Cloud-Based
(Saas)
Linux,
Windows,
Unix
No
Infor VISUAL
6.5.4
$12K-
100K
Lease,
Owner
Financing,
Lease to
own
5-500 Yes Yes SOA
MS SQL
Server,
Progress, IBM
DB2, Other,
Oracle,
Proprietary`,
Cloud-Based
(Saas)
Linux,
Windows,
Unix
Yes
IFS
Applications
8.0
8 300K-2M
Lease,
Owner
Financing
40-5000 Yes Yes SOA
Oracle,
Cloud-Based
(Saas)
Linux,
Windows,
Solaris,
AIX, HP-
UX
Yes
Enterprise 21
ERP
8.1
$30K-
$750K
Lease,
Interest
Free
Financing
5-1000+ Yes
English /
Spanish
SOA
MS SQL
Server,
Progress, IBM
DB2, Oracle,
ODBC
Compliant,
Cloud-Based
(Saas)
Mac OS,
Linux,
Windows,
Unix
Yes
SAP Business
ByDesign
Cloud
and
Mobile
Based
$150/user/
mo-
Lease,
Owner
Financing,
Financing
10 to
Unlimited
Yes
US, UK,
France,
Germany,
Model-driven
"Cloud"
Cloud-Based
(Saas),
Quickbooks
Windows Yes

15. 14
(Always
Current)
India,&
China
ProcessPro®
Premier
10.2
$100K-
750K
Lease 5-1000 Yes Yes
.NET,
ClientServer
MS SQL
Server,
Cloud-Based
(Saas)
Windows Yes
Epicor
Express
9
$400-
$5K/Mo.
Subscription Jan-50 Yes Yes
MS SQL
Server,
Progress,
Cloud-Based
(Saas),
Quickbooks
Windows Yes
Infor Syteline
8.01.00
$25K-
100K
Lease,
Owner
Financing,
Lease to
own
5-350 Yes Yes SOA
MS SQL
Server,
Progress, IBM
DB2, Other,
Oracle,
Proprietary`,
Cloud-Based
(Saas)
Linux,
Windows,
Unix
Yes
Oracle E-
Business
Suite
Release
12
$12K-
$350K
Lease,
Financing
25-1000+ Yes yes SOA
MS SQL
Server,
Progress, IBM
DB2, Other,
Oracle,
Proprietary`,
Cloud-Based
(Saas)
Mac OS,
Linux,
Windows,
Unix,
Novell
Netware,
Solaris,
AIX, HP-
UX, i
Operating
System
Yes
Microsoft
Dynamics AX
AX
(2012)
$20K-
750K
Lease,
Owner
Financing,
Financing
5-1000 Yes Yes SOA, .NET
MS SQL
Server,
Oracle,
Cloud-Based
(Saas)
Windows Yes
S2K
5.0.2 80K-150K
Lease,
Financing
15+ Yes
Yes
(UK, CA,
Caribbean
)
SOA
Power, Cloud-
Based (Saas)
i
Operating
System
Yes
Microsoft
Dynamics GP
2010
$10K-
100K
Lease,
Owner
Financing,
Financing
25-500 Yes yes SOA, .NET
MS SQL
Server, IBM
DB2, Other,
Oracle,
Proprietary`,
Cloud-Based
(Saas)
Mac OS,
Linux,
Windows,
Unix,
Novell
Netware
Yes
Epicor iVP
5.3
$3,000 per
user-
Lease,
Owner
Financing
10+ Yes Yes SOA
IBM DB2,
Other, ODBC
Compliant,
Power, Cloud-
Based (Saas)
i
Operating
System
Yes
QAD
Enterprise
Applications
2012.1
$250/User
-
Subscription 10-20,000 Yes Yes SOA, DA
Progress,
Oracle,
Cloud-Based
(Saas)
Windows Yes
TABLE 1: GENERAL DATA
Modules Supported
MATERIALS MANAGEMENT MODULE
Product
Name
Modules
Plex Systems
Inventory
Summary
Inventory
Tracking
Bill of
Materials
Bar Coding
Job
Tracking
System
Material
Requirements
Planning
NetSuite
Multi-location
Inventory for
Distributor
Advanced
Shipping
Bin
Management
Order
Promising
Real-Time
Sustem
Return
Materials
Authorization
Epicor ERP
Advanced
Material
Mgmt.
Bar Coding Handheld
Material
Handler
Interface
Material
Movement
Prioritize
Orders
Sales
Order
Allocation

16. 15
EnterpriseIQ
Inventory
Control
Vendor
Managed
Inventory
Wireless
Warehouse
Management
System
Sage ERP X3
Inventory
Control
Infor VISUAL
Enterprise
Resource
Planning
Product
Lifecycle Mgmt
Quality
Management
IFS Applications
8.0
Inventory
Forecasting
Inventory
Planning
Enterprise 21
ERP
Inventory
Management
Procurement
Warehouse
Management
System
SAP Business
ByDesign
ProcessPro®
Premier
MRP IC AWS
Physical
Inventory
Epicor Express
Material
Management
Infor Syteline
Material
Management
Summary
Plant
Maintenance
Oracle E-
Business Suite
Inventory
Management
Warehouse
Management
Microsoft
Dynamics AX
Inventory
Controls
Manufacturing
Material
Planning
Warehouse
Management
S2K
Master
Production
Schedule
(MPS)
Material
Requirement
Planning
Microsoft
Dynamics GP
Inventory
Management
Materials
Requirement
Planning
Epicor iVP
Bar Code
Labeling /
Serialization
Purchasing
QAD Enterprise
Applications
TABLE 2: MATERIALS MANAGEMENT MODULES
SALES ORDER MANAGEMENT MODULE
Product
Name
Modules
Plex
Systems
Commission
Tracking
Competitor
Intelligence
Database
Customer
Orders
E D I
Order
Entry &
Tracking
Quote
Tracking
Sales
Order
NetSuite
Automated
Order
Processing
Automated
Payments
One Click
Purchase
Orders
Order
Management
Procure-
to-Pay
Purchasing
Real
Time Order
Status
Self-
Service
Vendor
Center
Shipping
Integration
Streamline
d
Receiving
Epicor ERP
Order
Management
Sales
Mgmt.
Overview
Demand
Management
Electronic
Data
Interchange
Estimate /
Quote
Mgmt.
Storefront
EnterpriseI
Q
Packing
Slip &
Shipping
Management
Quoting
and
Estimating
Sales
Orders
Sage ERP
X3
Purchasing
Management
RF
Warehousing
Sales
Monitoring

17. 16
Infor
VISUAL
Sales
Management
IFS
Application
s 8.0
Coordinate
Projects
Sales
Sales
Quotes
Enterprise
21 ERP
Sales &
Order
Management
SAP
Business
ByDesign
ProcessPro
® Premier
Order
Entry
Epicor
Express
Estimating
& Quoting
Order
Management
Infor
Syteline
Advanced
Forcasting
Estimating /
Quoting
Request for
Quote
Oracle E-
Business
Suite
Oracle
Partner
Management
Quoting
Sales
Management
Sales
Proposal
Microsoft
Dynamics
AX
Sales &
Marketing
Sales
Management
S2K
Order
Processing
Work Order
Processing
Microsoft
Dynamics
GP
Sales
Configuration
Sales
Forecasting
Epicor iVP
Customer
Returns and
Credit
Management
Estimating
and
Quoting
Invoicing
Lead
Tracking
Order
Processing
Sales
Forecastin
g and
Analysis
Warranty
Management
QAD
Enterprise
Application
s
TABLE 3: SALES ORDER MANAGEMENT MODULES
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT MODULE
Product
Name
Modules
Plex
Systems
Accountin
g
Overview
Accounts
Receivabl
e /
Accounts
Payable
Costing
Expense
Project
Tracking
Inventory
Valuation
Multi-
Company
Financial
Consolidatio
n
NetSuite
General
Ledger,
Payables
&
Receivabl
es
Financial
Summary
Advanc
ed
Billing
Amortizatio
n
Schedules
Multi-
currency
Transactio
ns
Project
Accounting
Revenue
Recognition
Epicor
ERP
General
Ledger
Accounts
Payable
Account
s
Receivab
le
Multi-
Currancy /
Company
Financial
Mgmt
Overview
Tax
Connect
Cash /
Asset
Mgmt
Global
Engines
Enterprise
IQ
Financial
Overview
General
Ledger
Finanaci
al
Accounts
Payable
Accounts
Receivabl
e
Electronic
Data

18. 17
Reportin
g
Interchange
(EDI)
Sage ERP
X3
Business
Intelligenc
e
Data
Collection
Financi
al
Overview
Infor
VISUAL
Financial
Managem
ent
IFS
Applicatio
ns 8.0
Accounts
Payable &
Receivabl
e
Budget
Managem
ent
Cash
Flow
Consolidate
Accounts
Financial
Summary
Fixed
Assets
General
Ledger
Enterprise
21 ERP
Financial
s
Overview
Financial
Reports
SAP
Business
ByDesign
Accounts
Payable
Accounts
Receivabl
e
Cash
Flow
Financial
Management
Financial
Statement
s
Foreign
Currency
ProcessPr
o®
Premier
Accounts
Payable
(AP)
Accounts
Receivabl
e (AR)
General
Ledger
(GL)
Project
Accounting
Epicor
Express
Accounts
Payable
Accounts
Receivabl
e
General
Ledger
Multi-
Currency
Payroll
Infor
Syteline
Financial
Managem
ent
Oracle E-
Business
Suite
General
Ledger
Accounts
Payable
Asset
Tracking
Microsoft
Dynamics
AX
AR / AP
Dynamic
AX
Financial
Features
and
Summary
Fixed
Assets
General
Ledger
Internatio
nal
Project
Accounting
S2K
Accounts
Payable
Accounts
Receivabl
e
Financi
al
Highlight
s
General
Ledger
Microsoft
Dynamics
GP
Business
Intelligenc
e
Financial
Managem
ent
Multicur
rency
Online
Reports
Epicor iVP
Accounts
Payable
Accounts
Receivabl
e
Capital
Assets
General
Ledger
QAD
Enterprise
Applicatio
ns
Accounts
Payable
Accounts
Receivabl
e
Banking
/ Cash
Mgmt.
Budgeting
Finanaci
al
Overview
Financial
Analysis
Governan
ce, Risk &
Compliance
Manage
ment
Reportin
g
Multi-
GAAP
TABLE 4: FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT MODULES

19. 18
PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT MODULE
TABLE 5: PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT MODULES
SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT MODULE
Product
Name
Modules
Plex
Systems
Online
Order &
Tracking
Online
Tool
Release
Problem
Control
Supplier
Quality
Supply
Chain
Overview
NetSuite
Supply
Chain
Overview
Epicor
ERP
Supply
Chain
Mgmt
Overview
Inventory
Mgmt
Purchase
Mgmt
Shipping
&
Receiving
Sourcing
Supplier
Relationshi
p Mgmt.
Warehouse
Mgmt
Enterpri
seIQ
Capable
to
Promise
Deman
d
Planning
Materials
Ordering
Outsourc
e
Central
Sage
ERP X3
Infor
VISUAL
Enterpri
se Asset
Mgmt
Supply
Chain
Mgmt
Product Name
PlexSystems
Barcode
Labeling
Capacity
Planning
Complex
Assembly
Labor & Time
Tracking
Multi-Plants
Plant Floor Mobile
Access
PLC Machine
Integration
Preventative
Maintenance
Production
Scheduling
Overview
Shop Floor
Control
Statistical
Process Controls
NetSuite
Advanced Multi-
location Inventory
Aseembly
Management
Work Order
Management
Epicor ERP
Production Mgmt
Overview
Advanced
Production
Advanced Quality
Mgmt
Job
Management
Lean
Manufacturing
Manufacturing
Execution Systm.
Planning &
Scheduling
EnterpriseIQ
Bill of
Manufacture
(BOM)
Engineering
Change Order
Manufacturing &
Production
Reporting
Material &
Capacity
Requirements
Planning
Production
Overview
Quality
Management
Real Time
Monitoring
Sage ERP X3
Discrete
Manufacturing
Process
Manufacturing
Infor VISUAL
IFS Applications
8.0
Batch Process
Constraint-Based
Scheduling
Costing Make to Order Make to Project
Multisite
Planning
Shop Order
Enterprise 21 ERP Manufacturing
SAP Business
ByDesign
Production
Planning &
Scheduling
Project
Management
ProcessPro®
Premier
Advanced
Scheduler
Formulation
Manufacturing (
BOM)
QualityControl (
QC)
R & D
Security
Regulations
Standard
Reports
Epicor Express Bill of Materials
Document
Management
Engineering
Change and
Revision Control
Job
Management
Lean Production
Quality
Assurance
Routing Scheduling
Shop Floor
Control
Infor Syteline Engineering
Planning &
Scheduling
Production
Management
Project Control Shop Floor Data Workflow
Oracle E-Business
Suite
Production
Scheduling
Project Costing
Shop Floor
Management
Microsoft
Dynamics AX
Bill of Materials Product Builder
Production Key
Features
S2K
Capacity
Requirements
Planning
Shop Floor
Control
Microsoft
Dynamics GP
Bill of Materials
Manufacturing
Order Process
Quality
Assurance
Epicor iVP Bill of Materials Maintenance
Production
Control
QualityControl
Serial and Lot
Tracker
Shop Floor
Reporting
Work Order
Scheduler /
Repetitive
Scheduler
QAD Enterprise
Applications
Lean
Manufacturing
Manufacturing
Execution
Manufacturing
Overview
Manufacturing
Planning
Manufacturing
Scheduling
Product Data
Management
Product Data
Management
Quality
Management
Modules

20. 19
IFS
Applicati
ons 8.0
Supply
Chain
Enterpri
se 21
ERP
Material
Requirem
ents
Planning
(MRP)
Distributi
on
Require
ments
Planning
(DRP)
SAP
Busines
s
ByDesig
n
Supplier
Relations
hip
Mgmt
Supply
Chain
Mgmt
Process
Pro®
Premier
Dock
Scheduli
ng
Electron
ic Data
Interchan
ge (EDI)
Master
Production
Scheduler
Purchase
Orders
(PO)
Epicor
Express
Purchas
ing
Shippin
g &
Receivin
g
Supplier
Mgmt
Infor
Syteline
Shipping
/
Receivin
g
Oracle
E-
Busines
s Suite
Supply
Chain
Executio
n
Supply
Chain
Planning
Microsof
t
Dynamic
s AX
Supply
Chain
Key
Features
S2K
Inventory
Mgmt
Microsof
t
Dynamic
s GP
Epicor
iVP
EASY
EBusines
s Suite
EDI /
Release
Accounti
ng
QAD
Enterpri
se
Applicati
ons
Consign
ment
Deman
d Mgmt
Purchasi
ng
Release
Mgmt
Supply
Chain
Overview
Supply
Chain
Planning
Supply
Chain
Portal
Transport
ation
Mgmt
Warehousi
ng
TABLE 6: SCM MODULES

21. 20
CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT MODULE
TABLE 7: CRM MODULES
Product Name
Plex Systems
Configurator
Pricing
Cost & Quote
Estimating
Customer Master
List
Customer
Relations
Summary
Field Service
Opportunity
Tracking
Quick Quoter Quote Tracking
NetSuite
Incentive
Management
Job and Project
Tracking
Partner
Relationship
Sales Order
Management
Self Service
Customer Portal
Website
Epicor ERP
Customer
Relations
Overview
Campaign
Connect
Case
Management
Informatin
Worker
Lead / Opportunity
Mgmt
Mobile Connect
Service
Management
EnterpriseIQ
Customer
Relationship
Management
(CRM)
Sage ERP X3 CRM
Infor VISUAL
Customer
Relations Mgmt
IFS Applications
8.0
CRM Features
Customer
Services
Information
Shring
Mobility Features
Enterprise 21 ERP
Customer
Relationship
Management
SAP Business
ByDesign
Customer
Relationship
Management
ProcessPro®
Premier
CRM
Epicor Express
Contact
Management
Lead &
Opportunity
Management
Marketing
Management
Infor Syteline
Customer
Relations
Management
Field Service
Management
Oracle E-Business
Suite
Microsoft
Dynamics AX
Marketing
Automation
Sales Force
Automation
S2K
Customer
Relationship
Management
Marketing
Automation
Remote Sales
Force Automation
Microsoft
Dynamics GP
Customer
Relationship
Mgmt
Epicor iVP
Customer
Relationship
Management
QAD Enterprise
Applications
Configurator
Customer
Relationship
Management
Customer Self
Service
Demand
Management
Pricing Sales Analysis Sales Orders
Sales Quotes &
Orders
Trade
Management
Modules

22. 21
Additional Capabilities
TABLE 8: ADDITIONAL CAPABILITIES
Product Name
Plex Systems
Business
Intelligence
Computer
Aided Design
Document
Control System E-Commerce
Electronic Data
Interchange
Groupware
Communication
Human
Resources
Overview
SmartPlex
Mobile Access
NetSuite
Real Time
Dashboards Security
Epicor ERP
Compliance
Overview
Enterprise
Performance
Mgmt
Global Business
Mgmt
Human Capital
Mgmt Overview
Product Data
Mgmt
Service Mgmt.
Overview
EnterpriseIQ
Payroll
Processing
Work Force
Management
Sage ERP X3
Multi-Channel
Retail and Direct
Marketing
Wholesale
Distribution
Infor VISUAL
Human Capital
Mgmt
IFS Applications
8.0
Business
Analytics
Human
Resources
Enterprise 21
ERP
Business
Intelligence e-Commerce
Enterprise 21
Workbench
Designer
SAP Business
ByDesign
Business
Analytics and
Collaboration
Compliance
Management
Executive
Management
Human
Resource
Management
ProcessPro®
Premier
Business
Intelligence
Comprehensive
Lot Traceability
FDA
Compliance MSDS Multicurrency
Nutritional
Labeling
System
Manager
Epicor Express
Business
Intelligence
Infor Syteline
Human
Resources
Internationaliza
tion
Intuitive User
Interface
Multi-Site,
Multi-Plant
Quality Control
(Supplier)
Report &
Analysis
Sytline Data
Collection
Oracle E-
Business Suite
Human
Resources
Analytics iSupport
Microsoft
Dynamics AX Alert System
Business
Intelligence
Compliance
Management
Human
Resource
Service
Managment
S2K
(EDI) Electronic
Data
Interchange
Distribution
Management
e Business
Applications S2K Mobile
Microsoft
Dynamics GP
Epicor iVP
Easy e-
Business
Epicor
Analytics
Inventory
Control
System
Utilities
Time and
Attendance
QAD Enterprise
Applications Analytics
Enterprise
Asset
Management
Interoperability
Solutions
Modules

23. 22
Service Support
TABLE 9: SERVICES SUPPORT
We will explore the individual modules of some of above mentioned ERP packages in coming chapters.
We will describe Plex Online, NetSuite, SAP Business ByDesign, Epicor, Microsoft Dynamics and
ORACLE in detail. For more information about the rest, references at the end of assignment can be
referred.
Product Name
Plex Systems Security
Training
Strategies
NetSuite Customer Care
NetSuite
Central
Site
Consultation
Epicor ERP
Business Process
Outsourcing
Hosting
Services
Learning &
Educational
Services
Managed
Services
Professional
Services Support
EnterpriseIQ
IQMS
EnterpriseIQ
Training
Programs
IQMS
Professional
Services and
Consulting
IQMS Technical
Support
Software
Updates and
Maintenance
Program
Sage ERP X3
Infor VISUAL
IFS Applications
8.0 Implementation Support Training
Enterprise 21
ERP
Direct Developer
Support
SAP Business
ByDesign
Built in Services
and Support
ProcessPro®
Premier ClientAdvantage
ProductAdvanta
ge™
Professional
Services
Epicor Express Implementation
Infor Syteline
Oracle E-
Business Suite
Support
Resources
Microsoft
Dynamics AX Support Options
S2K
Microsoft
Dynamics GP Support Options
Epicor iVP
Implementation
and Training
Services
System
Utilities
QAD Enterprise
Applications
QAD Service and
Support
Modules

24. 23
PLEX ONLINE
PIONEERING CLOUD BASED ERP
SOLUTION
Plex Online (often referred to as Plex Online Software or Plex Online
Cloud ERP) is a software as a service (SaaS) or cloud application ERP
that attempts to manage and monitor the manufacturing process and
support the functions of production, inventory, shipping, supply-chain
management, quality, accounting, sales, and human resource
departments, in addition to the traditional ERP roles of
finance/accounting, procurement, human capital management, etc. With
Plex Online, Plex System accomplished notoriety as the first provider of
a complete SaaS ERP solution for manufacturing companies. Plex
Online is targeted towards manufacturing industries with rigorous
traceability, quality and food safety requirements, including automotive,
aerospace, food & beverage, and life sciences or medical
manufacturing.
Manufacturers needing a solid, reliable cloud-based ERP system that
encourages business growth and innovation should look to Plex Online,
an industry leader and 2011 CODiE Award-winner for Best Operations
Management Solution. Plex Online is ideal for companies using lean
manufacturing principles that are committed to high quality products,
extensive inventory control (including WIP) and cradle-to-grave
traceability.
Plex Online is well suited for a variety of manufacturing segments,
including automotive, electronics, industrial machinery and plastics, and
can support several manufacturing modes, including discrete, mixed
mode, process and make-to-order. It is a comprehensive web-based
solution that ties the whole enterprise together, including financials, to
give businesses a clear, complete snapshot of their company. It comes
with multi-language and multi-currency capabilities, and can handle
multiple locations, and is eminently scalable, so it grows as the business
grows.
This state-of-the-art ERP system is web-based, with inclusive scalable
pricing that supports an unlimited number of users, including both
customers and suppliers. Also, because it is hosted by Plex in a secure
environment, you don't have to worry about having a large IT staff or on-
premise upgrades. Every time a user logs in, they are working on the
PLEX
ADVANTAGE
Plex Systems was the
first software vendor to
bring a cloud-based
ERP system to
manufacturing
software. The
company got its start
in the automotive
industry but recently
expanded into food &
beverage and other
segments. Several IT
software bloggers
have written about
Plex’s ability to
provide a wide scope
of critical features for
manufacturers in a
SaaS model, where
larger ERP vendors
have not succeeded.

25. 24
most updated version of the software. It's completely customizable, with the ability to implement features
on-demand, as you need them.
For companies looking for traceability, precise inventory management, regulation compliance and the
ability to secure key industry certifications, Plex Online is a robust, innovative, cloud-based solution.
The system must be accessed using a web browser, making its functions available from anywhere with
an Internet connection. The software is designed to provide managers and engineers with real-time
visibility to production data. While Plex Systems calls the SaaS solution "ERP", the software goes beyond
the traditional boundaries of ERP to include the following integrated functions:
 Enterprise resource planning (ERP): Plex Online supports traditional ERP accounting functions,
including costing, accounts payables, accounts receivables, general ledger and financial statement
generation; human resources and payroll; internal activities related to launching new products,
conducting R&D projects and handling major engineering part revisions; and others.
 Manufacturing execution system (MES) or manufacturing operations management (MOM): Plex
Online supports MES/MOM functions such as production (pull) scheduling and Kanban scheduling;
materials management; production control and process instructions; tool, production, scrap, and labor
tracking; traceability and part genealogy; and CAD integration. The software includes native support
for bar code labeling, wireless handheld devices, PLCs, weigh scales, packaging machines, and other
common manufacturing and shipping equipment.
 Quality management systems (QMS): Plex Online can gather quality data such as reports on
Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Statistical Process Control (SPC) data from electronic
gauges. It helps maintain compliance with quality standards including ISO 9000 and ISO 14000, QS-
9000, TS-16949, AS-9100, etc.
 Customer relationship management (CRM): Plex Online supports sales and customer relationship
activities common in manufacturing industries, including quote tracking and order entry; release
accounting and shipment tracking; revenue reporting; and others.
 Supply chain management software (SCMS): Plex Online supports supply chain management
functions such as electronic Kanban, online releases, EDI, electronic invoices and shipment
notifications, online supplier quality management, cross-company inventory traceability, cross-
company quality and production data, and others. EDI is integrated with customer orders, inventory,
bar code labeling, packaging, and shipping.
PLEX ONLINE – MODULES
We will now describe the modules supported by Plex Online. (For list of complete features & support,
refer the previous chapter).
Materials Management
Plex Online supports following modules under Materials Management –

26. 25
INVENTORY SUMMARY
Plex Online provides a powerful and highly-detailed Inventory Tracking System ideal for tracking
containers, pieces and/or assemblies as they move through the manufacturing process on the shop floor.
The Plex Online Inventory Tracking system is designed to meet the detailed and rigorous needs of the
Production and Quality Departments as well as the Accounting Department.
Plex evolved in the manufacturing industry and has always been a manufacturing execution system.
Inventory Tracking is one of our primary focus areas and often noted as a major differentiator between
us and our competitors.
Benefits of Plex Online's Inventory Tracking System:
 Simple, easy-to-use design for use by shop floor personnel
 Real Time
 Online
 Tracks individual containers, pieces and/or assemblies
 Full traceability and part genealogy
 Built-in Bar Code Labeling & Reading
 Built-in support for mobile/wireless handheld units
 Built-in integration with weigh scales, packaging machines, and other equipment
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.
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.
BAR CODING
Bar Code Labeling is a major strength area and product differentiator for Plex. Plex Online has built-in
support for printing, reading, and utilizing bar code labels throughout the manufacturing and business
process. Plex featues bar coding is an inherent part of our software design, rather than an afterthought
or add-on package.
Plex Online provides a huge, constantly updated library of pre-formatted bar code label formats from
Honda, GM, Ford, DCX, American Axle, and all the other OEMs and Tier 1 companies. Plex Online

27. 26
supports AIAG, ODETTE, and a variety of other label standards. Plex Online can also be configured to
support any other label format you require, whether it's an obscure customer requirement or an internal
label.
Plex Online specializes in implementing bar coding systems that track containers and/or individual parts
on the factory floor using hand-held Pocket PCs. Containers or parts are scanned as they move around
the shop floor, providing a highly accurate, real-time inventory system
Additional Bar Coding Capabilities
 Receiving Raw Materials and Components
 Container tracking (used when there are many parts in a container)
 Part tracking (used for larger, more complex/valuable assemblies)
 Badges (for quick login, time and attendance, and labor tracking)
 Machine/Asset Tracking
 Locations
 MRO Supply Crib Items
 Gage Calibration
 Tooling
 Shipping Labels
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.
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). For ordering raw material and component parts.
Sales Order Management
Following modules are supported under sales order management –
COMMISSION TRACKING
The Commission Tracking system provides a framework for setting up a Commission structure for sales
people. The system automatically looks up, calculates and records commission when part shipments are
made. Reports show the amount of commissions owed based on payment status of the associated
customer invoice.

28. 27
Commissions owed can be selected and used to generate accounts payable records, from which pay
checks can then be cut via standard accounting module functionality.
COMPETITOR INTELLIGENCE DATABASE
This is a database of competitor intelligence, including a list of competitors, markets, personnel, capacity,
strengths/weaknesses, and other marketing facts.
CUSTOMER ORDERS & RELEASES
Easy to use Customer Order functions are used to enter, track, and fulfill customer orders. Key data is
stored for each order, such as Customer, Due Date, Part Numbers and Quantities. Also provides links to
Job Tracking and Inventory in order to monitor the detailed status of an order
ELECTRONIC DATA INTERCHANGE
Plex Online’s electronic data interchange (EDI) system is easy to use, highly automated, and reliable.
Customers and suppliers seamlessly transmit and receive electronic documents, following industry
standards. Advance shipment notices (ASNs) are created and transmitted automatically when shipments
are made.
Plex Online incorporates all AIAG standards, plus requirements of Honda, GM, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota,
and other OEMs.
Release Accounting A comprehensive Release Accounting solution fulfills all the requirements for dealing
with automotive and other release-driven industries. Release Accounting provides a fully-integrated
system that includes: EDI Log, General Shipping Log and Barcoding Library.
ORDER ENTRY & TRACKING
Plex’s cloud based automated order tracking software features are used to enter, track, and fulfill
customer orders. Key data is stored for each order, such as Customer, Due Date, Part Numbers and
Quantities. Also provides links to Job Tracking and Inventory in order to monitor the detailed status of an
order.
Also available is Spot Buy Order Entry for quick entry of spot buy customer orders. This screen will create
Order, Order Line, Price, Approved Ship to, and Release records.
QUOTE TRACKING
Manufacturers improve the ordering process with an easy-to-use mechanism for creating, printing, and
tracking RFQ’s and Quotes with Plex Online. It also disables some other “automatic” emails used by non-
workflow customers.
CUSTOMER ORDERS
The Customer Order module is used to enter, track, and fulfill customer orders. Key data is stored for
each order, such as Customer, Due Date, Part Numbers and Quantities. Also provides links to Job
Tracking and Inventory in order to monitor the detailed status of an order.

29. 28
Financial Management
Modules supported under financial management are –
ACCOUNTING OVERVIEW
Plex Online includes a complete Accounting System. One of the most powerful features of the Accounting
System is its seamless integration with other parts of Plex Online. Supplier Receipts create AP records.
Customer shipments create AR records. Your accounting staff can focus their effort on analysis and
follow-up rather than data entry.
Accounts Payable
Data entry or system creation of supplier invoices in real-time. Active maintenance of outstanding
payables and historical management. Payment processing including foreign currency translation.
Accounts Receivable
Data entry or system creation of Customer invoices including consolidated billing in real-time. Active
maintenance of outstanding receivables and historical management. Deposit processing and ability to
handle over/under payments.
Bank Reconciliation
Balancing of all accounting records against bank statement in real-time.
Budgeting
A module for setting up monthly and annual budgets for revenue and expense GL Accounts, and various
reports for analyzing performance and variance to the budget.
Credit Checking
A module for summarizing the credit status of a customer.
Collections
In depth maintenance of Customer accounts. Detailed history of invoices, payments, communications,
statements and letters.
Cross Company Integration
A set of features that allow one Plex Customer to seamlessly integrate with a different Plex Customer.
This has been configured for container traceability and automatic release creation.
Employee Expense Tracking
A module for entry and management of employee expenses and reimbursement, such as travel and
educational expenses.
Expense Project Tracking
This module is used by the Accounting and Purchasing departments to track expenses for a special
project, such as a press rebuild, a building expansion, or a new R/D initiative. The Project is an auxiliary
method for tracking and budgeting expenses, above and beyond the normal Chart of Accounts. Fully
integrated with Accounting and Purchasing.
Financial Statements

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Standard reports including; Balance Sheet, Income Statement, Cash Flow, Aging Schedules, Cash
Disbursements/Requirements and more all in real-time.
General Ledger
Data entry or system creation of journal entries, including reversing entries in real-time.
Hours Tracking
A module for a professional services organization to track internal labor hours/costs.
Inventory Valuation - Standard Cost
Using the Part Cost Structure as its base, this module provides Inventory Valuation at Standard. The
Valuation can be viewed as a detailed and/or summarized report, at the current moment in time or at
any point in the past. This is ideal for those situations where the accounting department needs to know
the inventory value at particular moments in time (at the beginning and end of the month, for example)
in order to do its month end closing. This module also allows you to value inventory based on different
Cost Models and to easily compare the results between the two.
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.
Multi-company Financial Consolidation
Financial reports, such as Income Statement and Balance Sheet, which combine results for two or
more companies. Features include multiple levels of consolidation, intercompany eliminations, currency
conversion, and multiple report formats.
Outside Collections Calling
This app downloads a list of customers indicated as open for outside collections with at least one invoice
45-89 days late. An outside collections firm with access to Plex will download this list for calling.
Receiving
The Receiving module is a simple-to-use interface for receiving goods into the company, which in turn
creates a Receiving History Record, updates the Purchase Order, updates inventory, and creates an
un-vouchered Accounts Payable entry (where applicable). Highly integrated with Supplier Module,
Inventory, and Accounts Payable.
Requisitions
Module used by customers for approving items before adding them to Purchase Orders.
Strategic Planning
This modules provides a structure for developing, documenting, and sharing a detailed Strategic Plan
for the company.
Workflow
A flexible, user-configurable module for designing and implementing Workflows. Workflow formalizes the
flow of information/documents through a series of steps to fulfill a specific business process.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE
Data entry or system creation of supplier invoices in real-time. Active maintenance of outstanding
payables and historical management. Payment processing including foreign currency translation.

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ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
Data entry or system creation of Customer invoices including consolidated billing in real-time. Active
maintenance of outstanding receivables and historical management. Deposit processing and ability to
handle over/under payments.
COSTING
Plex Online tracks and records all physical events (receiving, production, inventory status changes,
scrap, subcontract, shipping, etc.) on the shop floor, making it ideal for tracking cost.
 Actual Costing
 Advanced Standard Costing
 Cost Setup
 Inventory Valuation - Standard Cost
 Job Costing
 Part Cost Structure
EXPENSE PROJECT TRACKING
This module is used by the Accounting and Purchasing departments to track expenses for a special
project, such as a press rebuild, a building expansion, or a new R/D initiative. The Project is an auxiliary
method for tracking and budgeting expenses, above and beyond the normal Chart of Accounts. Fully
integrated with Accounting and Purchasing
INVENTORY VALUATION - STANDARD COST
Using the Part Cost Structure as its base, this module provides Inventory Valuation at Standard. The
Valuation can be viewed as a detailed and/or summarized report, at the current moment in time or at
any point in the past. This is ideal for those situations where the accounting department needs to know
the inventory value at particular moments in time (at the beginning and end of the month, for example)
in order to do its month end closing. This module also allows you to value inventory based on different
Cost Models and to easily compare the results between the two.
MULTI-COMPANY FINANCIAL CONSOLIDATION
Organizations that operate in a multi-company structure requiring consolidation of operations and
financial positions often need additional time to create and publish need financial reports. Beyond the
need to perform a month-end or year-end closing process for each individual business entity, the
corporate accounting team needs to perform the same processes at the consolidating level of the
organization.
In Plex Online, the process of creating a consolidating structure for an organization is simple. An
authorized user selects a name for a consolidation group, than assigns the individual entities/subsidiaries
to the group. Within Plex, each entity is effectively its own operating company. Larger organizations that
consolidate many entities/subsidiaries can design and build complex structures very quickly. Sub-groups
can be created to house and report their own subsidiaries, and can be rolled up to a higher consolidation
level. There is no limit to the depth of consolidation levels.
Plex Online functionality automatically consolidates entities which have different base currencies.
Currencies are translated based on period end spot rate (balance sheet current asset and current liability
accounts), period average rate (profit & loss accounts) or using historical rates (long term assets, long
term liabilities, and equity accounts). Financial statements at the consolidated level can be designed to
report foreign currency gain/loss.

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Consolidated statements within Plex Online are reported at a category level. The user has the option to
view the consolidated numbers by themselves or to view the consolidated numbers along with each
subsidiary published numbers and the eliminations. For data validity, when an accounting period is closed
at the consolidated level, none of the reporting entities are allowed to enter or generate transactions for
that period. When a consolidated fiscal year is closed, the fiscal year for all reporting entities is also
closed.
Production Management
BARCODE LABELING
Track containers or individual parts on the factory floor using hand-held pocket PCs. Scan containers or
parts as they move around the shop floor for highly accurate, real-time inventory data.
The system provides a constantly updated library of pre-formatted barcode label formats supporting
industry and OEM standards for most manufacturing industries. Plex Online supports other label formats.
CAPACITY PLANNING
This module provides reports for analyzing the current and future load on production workcenters.
 Rough-cut capacity planning for long term planning
 Job Scheduling for job shops and mixed-mode plants
 Support for Make-to-Stock and Make-to-Order
 High volume and low volume
COMPLEX ASSEMBLY
Plex Online Cloud ERP offers enhanced functionality to support complex manufacturing in continuous
process environments.
Improve productivity and increase visibility into the shop floor through the use of programmable logic
controllers (PLCs), assembly line support, line processing and online work steps by assembly stations.
Generate unique routings and Bills of Material (BOM) based on option configurations.
A comprehensive work instruction library dynamically builds work instructions with images and a control
plan. Work instructions dynamically link to engineering changes, ensuring the information is always
current.
LABOR & TIME TRACKING
Track both direct labor and indirect labor activity, including the employee, activity, machine, part,
operation, project, date, time and hours.
This module is fully integrated with the Timeclock screens, the control panel, tool manufacturing system,
maintenance system and other modules.
MULTI-PLANTS
Today’s manufacturer demands a sophisticated network to track inventory, production, and
scheduling across multiple locations in different time zones and on different continents

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A single tenant may contain several buildings within a facility or several facilities in different locations.
Typically, buildings within a facility are in close physical proximity to each other and part of the same
financial entity. The separate buildings can house different functions within the manufacturing process,
including warehouse capacity, back-office functions, or redundant manufacturing stations. Multi-plant
manufacturers within a tenant can effectively leverage Plex Online to easily manage many details of
resource planning:
 Individuals can be assigned by building, limiting operator access to only required and appropriate
information.
 Inventory transactions such as viewing, adjustments, and shipping can be restricted by building
for better control.
 Inventory locations can be specified by building and locations within buildings, if desirable.
 Inter-plant shipments and receipts can be supported and tracked with barcoding and mobile
readers.
 Operators can track in-transit shipments between buildings in real time.
 Inventory minimums and maximums for purchased parts and supply items can be established on
a building-by-building basis.
PLANT FLOOR MOBILE ACCESS
Plant Floor Mobile Access applications allow you to use wireless handheld scanning devices exactly
where and when you perform:
 Critical inventory control and management functions including cycle count
 Shipping
 Receiving
 Supplies (MRO) management
 Tool tracking
PLC MACHINE INTEGRATION
Most manufacturers have Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) on their machines and equipment to
control and monitor production, but few have learned to take advantage of the raw data the PLC collects.
The Plex Online PLC/machine integration module seamlessly links Plex Online information and your
production machines to take full advantage of its PLC-equipped machines and better manage production.
PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE
Plex Online’s comprehensive preventative maintenance module includes user-definable attributes,
checklists, maintenance request and approval functionality, preventive maintenance, spare parts
management, MRO, and more.
Automatically schedule preventative maintenance by hours, days, or number of production hits or pieces
produced. Plex Online allows the manufacturer to define specific machine parameters and to graph and
review data over time for predictive maintenance.
SHOP FLOOR CONTROL
Plex Online provides an extremely strong Shop Floor Control System (also known as Manufacturing
Execution System (MES)). 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.

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Plex Online’s 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
STATISTICAL PROCESS CONTROLS
Plex Online’s Statistical Process Control (SPC) module collects inspection data and conducts in-process
SPCs.
It also handles capability studies, dock audits, part layouts, final inspection sheets, PPAP inspections,
and special user-defined checks. Perform all statistical calculations and print a variety of reports, such
as histograms, averages and ranges, run charts and more. Fully integrated SPC links the Plex Online
part specification, control plan and gage control modules
PRODUCTION SCHEDULING OVERVIEW
Plex Online provides a variety of production scheduling modules and methodologies, from the simplest
to the most complex. We apply these methods in combination as warranted by the manufacturing
process, the operational constraints, and the manufacturer's scheduling vision.
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). For ordering raw material and component parts.
Production Requirements Planning (PRP)
Evaluates Customer Releases, current Inventory levels, and Min Inventory points, in order to recommend
production. Ideal for high-volume, repetitive manufacturers.
Visual 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. A visual tool for human-assisted, drag & drop scheduling.
Advanced Production Scheduling (APS)
A comprehensive, ultra-detailed, and fully automatic Finite Scheduling system. Includes visual
representations of jobs and workcenter loading. Finite Scheduling The most detailed and sophisticated
form of computer-automated scheduling and optimization.

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Electronic 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. A simple, but powerful min-based approach to lean scheduling.
Electronic 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. A highly visual but virtual method for lean Kanban scheduling.
Card-based 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. Uses Plex-printed, bar coded Scanban™ cards.
Supply Chain Management
ONLINE ORDER ENTRY & TRACKING
The Order Tracking module is used to enter, track, and fulfill customer orders. Key data is stored for
each order, such as Customer, Due Date, Part Numbers and Quantities. Also provides links to Job
Tracking and Inventory in order to monitor the detailed status of an order.
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.
PROBLEM CONTROL
Plex Online enables the manufacturer to record, track, resolve and check statuses of problems across
its supply chain. The system includes forms for problem solving, corrective actions, supplier reporting
and resolutions, customer concerns and more.
It enables the company to assign to its suppliers one or more actions for containment, correction, and
problem prevention, and suppliers can respond to the issues in real time.
Plex Online includes an online cost recovery system to issue online chargebacks to suppliers when
problems are identified.

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SUPPLIER QUALITY MANAGEMENT
This module provides the ability to manage supplier quality, including Supplier Status, Certification
Level, Problem History, Quality Performance and more. Often used with E-Communication, to allow
suppliers to review and interact with their performance over time. Integrated with Supplier Module,
Problem Control, Purchasing and Shipping/Receiving.
SUPPLY CHAIN OVERVIEW
Because Plex Online is an Internet-based application, it provides a powerful suite of tools for Supply
Chain Management in all of its many forms. Plex Online connects the manufacturer with its customer
and suppliers through an online database of information, providing paperless, real-time communication
between trading partners. Our Supply Chain Management includes electronic kanban, online releases,
EDI, electronic invoices and shipment notifications, online supplier quality management, cross-
company inventory traceability, cross-company quality and production data, and much more.
Customer Module
This module establishes a master list of Customers, including various Ship To and Bill To addresses,
and maintains all customer-related data. A basic requirement for most systems.
Supplier List
This module establishes a master list of suppliers, and maintains all supplier-related data. A basic
requirement for most systems.
Online Order Entry & Tracking
The Order Tracking module is used to enter, track, and fulfill customer orders. Key data is stored for
each order, such as Customer, Due Date, Part Numbers and Quantities. Also provides links to Job
Tracking and Inventory in order to monitor the detailed status of an order.
Online Order Inquiry
This module allows customers to login to the system and view the real-time status of orders.
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.
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.

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Building List
This module establishes a master list of buildings, and maintains all supplier-related building data. A
basic requirement for most systems.
Traceability & Cross Company Integration
A set of features that allow one Plex Customer to seemlessly integrate with a diffent Plex Customer.
This has been configured for container tracability and automatic release creation.
Online Releases to Suppliers
This modules provides the ability to publish purchase orders and releases to suppliers via the Internet.
Suppliers login, commit to the delivery date, print bar codes, and handle other order fulfillment tasks.
This system provides highly-flexible, real-time, paperless, bi-directional communication between the
company and its suppliers. Highly integrated with Purchasing and Supplier Modules. We support
outbound 830's, outbound 850's, outbound 860's, inbound 856's. The inbound 856's load receipts in the
system to receive inventory against. The outbound 830's are releases provided to the suppliers. The
outbound 850's are purchase orders to the suppliers and 860's are purchase order changes.
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.
Supplier Quality Management
This module provides the ability to manage supplier quality, including Supplier Status, Certification
Level, Problem History, Quality Performance and more. Often used with E-Communication, to allow
suppliers to review and interact with their performance over time. Integrated with Supplier Module,
Problem Control, Purchasing and Shipping/Receiving.
Online Supplier PPAP
A system for issuing and managing online requests for PPAP from suppliers. (PPAP = Production Part
Approval Process) A PPAP is a Production Part Approval Process, which was established by the AIAG
and is a QS/TS requirement. The system prints the final Part Submission Warrant (PSW) form.
Online Supplier Scorecard
The Plex Online Supplier Scorecard module is a flexible system for tracking supplier performance
against a set of key measurables, such as Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Technology.
Online 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

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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.
Charge Back System / Online Cost Recovery
This module, which is usually used in conjunction with the Problem Control System, is used to issue
and track charge backs to suppliers when problems occur.
Online 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.
EDI System
EDI stands for Electronic Data Interchange. The EDI module provides a base system for setting up,
sending and receiving EDI documents following industry standard formats and protocols. The EDI
system supports AIAG, X.12, EDIFACT, and all other EDI protocols. Plex personnel provide EDI
expertise to help you setup and test with your various trading partners.
Customer Relationship Management
PART CONFIGURATOR PRICING SYSTEM
The Pricing System, a sub-module of the Part Configurator, provides a mechanism for setting up and
using highly-sophisticated, customized pricing structures for Order Entry and Estimating.
COST & QUOTE ESTIMATING
Expanding on the Quote Tracking system, the Estimating features provide the ability to build up a detailed
cost estimate for producing a quoted part. Also included are price markup and commission calculations.
CUSTOMER MASTER LIST
Easily establish a master list of customers, including various Ship To and Bill To addresses, and
maintains all customer-related data. This list serves as the basis for full CRM features.
Customer Relations Summary
Plex Online provides a full suite of tools for managing the sales process, from powerful Quote Tracking
and Order Entry modules, to Release Accounting and Shipment Tracking, to Revenue Reporting and
CRM.
By drawing upon is various modules, Plex provides Customer Relationship Management systems used
by corporations to establish strategies, manage day-to-day communication, and organize the
sales/service effort. The Plex Sales and CRM system can take many forms, depending on the specific
requirements.

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Customer Module
This module establishes a master list of Customers, including various Ship To and Bill To addresses, and
maintains all customer-related data. A basic requirement for most systems.
Tracking
The Opportunity Tracking Module is an essential tool for a Sales Department to manage and track their
sales opportunities. Each Opportunity is identified with a Customer, Description, Salesperson, $ Amount,
Expected Close, and so on. This is the primary module a sales department uses to organize its day to
day leads.
Contract Tracking
This module provides a central place to store and track contracts with outside third parties, such as
equipment providers, software maintenance, and so on. Automatic notification and reports when
contracts expire and/or require renewal.
Communication Log
A historical log of communication with contacts, customers and suppliers.
Quote Tracking
This module provides a mechanism for creating, printing, and tracking RFQ's and Quotes. It also disables
some other "automatic" emails used by non-workflow customers.
Estimating
Expanding on the Quote Traking system, the Estimating Module provides the ability to build up a detailed
cost estimate for producing a quoted part. Also includes price markup and commission calculations.
Weight Calculator
Calculates mass and weight of various shapes and material types. Especially useful for generating
quotes.
Quick Quoter
A quick and easy way to determine a new price based on the type, weight and price of all the existing
prices in the database. Instead of using cost to drive the price, it uses the current market as represented
in the current parts/prices.
Part Configurator Pricing System
The Pricing System, a sub-module of the Part Configurator, provides a mechanism for setting up and
using highly-sophisticated, customized pricing structures for Order Entry and Estimating.

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Order Entry & Tracking
The Order Tracking module is used to enter, track, and fulfill customer orders. Key data is stored for each
order, such as Customer, Due Date, Part Numbers and Quantities. Also provides links to Job Tracking
and Inventory in order to monitor the detailed status of an order.
Customer Orders & Releases
The Customer Order module is used to enter, track, and fulfill customer orders. Key data is stored for
each order, such as Customer, Due Date, Part Numbers and Quantities. Also provides links to Job
Tracking and Inventory in order to monitor the detailed status of an order.
Spot Buy Order Entry
This is a screen for quick entry of spot buy customer orders. This screen will create Order, Order Line,
Price, Approved Ship to, and Release records.
Standard Price Module
Provides the ability to setup standard, cross-customer pricing based on quantity break levels and other
parameters.
Revenue Reporting
Provides various reports for analyzing and tracking revenue.
Customer Sales Forecast
Allows forecast data to be stored by period, and comparisons made between snapshot versions of the
forecast. Maintains Initial Sales and Manufacturing versions of the forecast and displays data by sales
dollars or manufacturing quantity respetively.
Customer Satisfaction Overview
This module provides an overview of Customer Satisfaction. Each Customer is dipslayed with a color-
coded Customer Satisfaction Level, Status Note, Account Manager Name, and so on.
Online Order Inquiry
This module allows customers to login to the system and view the real-time status of orders.
Customer Assignment
Assign employees to customer responsibility.
Field Service

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This module is used to track Field Service calls to customer locations. Service records inlcude Service
Date, Technician, Machine Serial No, Problem/Complaint Description, Resolution and all other pertinent
Data. Also tracks Spare Parts used and warranty status.
Commissions Tracking
The Commission Tracking system provides a framework for setting up a Commission structure for sales
people. The system automatically looks up, calculates and records commision when part shipments are
made. Reports show the amount of commissions owed based on payment status of the associated
customer invoice. Commissions owed can be selected and used to generate accounts payable records,
from which pay checks can then be cut via standard accounting module functionality.
Competitor Database
This is a database of competitor intelligence, including a list of competitors, markets, personnel, capacity,
strengths/weaknesses, and other marketing facts.
Mail List Manager
A system designed to manage a promotional literature for a Direct Mail campaign.
Sales Literature Request
The Sales Literature Request Module is used to Manage Customer Requests for Samples, Literature,
etc.
Special Price Request
A module, integrated into the CRM system, for tracking customer requests for special pricing.
Sales Force Coordination
This module provides the ability to track and coordinate the activities of a sales force.
FIELD SERVICE
Easily track Field Service calls to customer locations. Service records include Service Date, Technician,
Machine Serial No, Problem/Complaint Description, Resolution and all other pertinent Data. The feature
also tracks Spare Parts used and warranty status.
OPPORTUNITY TRACKING
The Opportunity Tracking Module is an essential tool for a Sales Department to manage and track their
sales opportunities. Each Opportunity is identified with a Customer, Description, Salesperson, $ Amount,
Expected Close, and so on. This is the primary module a sales department uses to organize its day to
day leads.

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QUICK QUOTER
Plex’s quick quoter software is a quick and easy way to determine a new price based on the type, weight
and price of all the existing prices in the database. Instead of using cost to drive the price, it uses the
current market as represented in the current parts/prices.
To streamline the quote process, an integrated Weight Calculator calculates mass and weight of various
shapes and material types. Especially useful for generating quotes.
QUOTE TRACKING
Manufacturers improve the ordering process with an easy-to-use mechanism for creating, printing, and
tracking RFQ’s and Quotes with Plex Online. It also disables some other “automatic” emails used by non-
workflow customers.
Human Resources Overview
Plex Online provides a complete Human Resources system. The foundation of the Plex HR system is
the Employee List, which stores all the pertinent information about each employee. The fully-integrated
Time and Attendance module feeds information to the cost tracking system, and supports the
downloading of hours data to payroll services. Here are some of the modules provided within the HR
subsystem:
EMPLOYEE LIST
This module provides a master Employee List, including all employee data, such as Name, Address,
Phone, Department, Insurance Type, Gender, Marital Status, Tax Status, and all other HR data.
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.
POSITIONS & JOB DESCRIPTIONS
A module for maintaining a master list of employee Positions (titles), along with their Job Descriptions,
Cost Rate, and other peritnent data.
VISUAL EMPLOYEE LIST
The visual employee module gives you a view of an employee's photograph with a listing of their
department, position and assignment. With a link for the employee to include a personal message to the
company.
DISCIPLINE TRACKING SYSTEM
A flexible module for setting up and managing employee discipline tracking systems (aka Point Systems).
EMPLOYEE RECORDS
Employee Records is a sub-module to the employee list, you store records such as reviews, disciplinary
actions, key events for your employees.
INJURY TRACKING
The injury-tracking module will keep a history on all injuries for active and inactive employees fulfilling
your needs for OSHA, workers comp. and internal time loss tracking.

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HEALTH/SAFETY INCIDENT TRACKING
The Health/Safety Incident Tracking is used to track special events related to health, safety, and the
environment. The module is ideal for tracking Hazardous Material Spills and results from Safety
Walkthroughs. This is a sister module to the Injury Tracking system.
TRAINING TRACKING
Training Tracking is used by those companies who are/goal ISO or QS certified to track employee
training.
SKILL MATRIX
A module for setting up and maintaining a Skill Matrix. Employees are displayed down the left side of the
Matrix, and Skills are displayed across the top. User-definable colors, text and/or images are displayed
in each cell to indicate the skill level attained. Each Position is defined with a list of required skills.
GRIEVANCE LOG
The Grievance Module is used to track union grievances (or other grievance issues). Each Grievance
record has a Description, Date, Article Violated, Resolution, Status, Grievance Type, Employee Involved,
Shop Steward and so on. Excellent module for tracking and documenting the grievance process.
EMPLOYEE EXPENSE TRACKING
A module for entry and management of employee expenses and reimbursement, such as travel and
educational expenses.
DISCLOSURE LOG (HIPPA)
A log of information disclosures. This module is configurable to different purposes, but is often used by
the HR Department to track Medical Record Disclosures for HIPPA compliance. This module can also be
used for tracking disclosures related to confidentiality agreements, legal proceedings, and so on.
EMPLOYEE SUGGESTION SYSTEM
This module allows Employees to enter in Suggestions (Quality, Safety, Cost Savings, etc), and for
management to respond and maintain a status of those suggestions.
EMPLOYEE REVIEW PRIORITY LIST
A list of employees, along with various HR/review data, sorted by Months Since Last Review, Hire Date,
and a variety of other options for helping to prioritize and schedule Employee Reviews.
BADGE PRINTING
Prints users' ID badges, with optional barcode for quick log-in ability.
EMPLOYEE REIMBURSEMENTS
Third-party (Supplier) reimbursements by employees.
WORK CALENDAR
Visual calendar of scheduled and historical work shifts.
TIME & ATTENDANCE LABOR TRACKING
This module is used to track the time and attendance of employees, and at the same time track labor
activity against specific parts, jobs, and operations. This is especially useful in job shop environments,
where accurate and real-time job costing is critical. Also useful for Activity Based Costing (ABC) in larger

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production facilities. This module also tracks Lateness, Vacation, Funeral Time and other special
attendance issues. Plex can configure this module with custom business rules in order to calculate
Regular, Overtime and Double Pay (including approvals by supervisors) which can then be exported and
sent to your payroll service (such as ADP, Paychecks, etc).
TIMECLOCK PAYROLL INTERFACE
Functionality that processes the raw labor tracking data into a format suitable for weekly download to a
payroll package or service.
TEAM/GROUP SETUP
A module for setting up a team or group, and defining its champion and members.
EMPLOYEE PRIORITY LISTS
A simple-to-use tool for managing and communicating high level Priority Lists for employees. This
approach emphasizes ease-of-use and the flexibility of quick changes. For more advanced/detailed task
management, use the Activity Manager.
Additional Services
BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE TOOLS
A suite of dynamic business intelligence tools in Plex Online provides the speed and flexibility
manufacturing enterprises need. Gather, compare, share and analyze data from the shop floor to the top
floor. Take advantage of these system-integrated tools – no extra programming required.
DOCUMENT CONTROL SYSTEM
As part of Plex's cloud ERP software, the document control system module has the ability to store, edit,
distribute, and manage documents online. Plex Online document control system for managing documents
includes many features ideal for ISO, TS, QS, and other standards.
 Document Imaging
 Multiple Methods for Adding Files to the Control System
 Online Supplier Management System Integration
 Universal Attachment System (UAS) Integration
 Workflow Module Integration
 Electronic Approval System
 Full Electronic Distribution
 Revision Tracking System
 User-Defined Champions and Groups
 User-Defined Hierarchical Directory Structure
COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN
CAD formats are managed and controlled through the Plex Online Drawing Management System /
Document Control System. Plex Online integrates with CAD software in a variety of ways.
 Document Control System
 CAD Integration
 Universal Attachment System

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E-COMMERCE
As a full-featured and comprehensive Internet-based application that interconnects manufacturers with
their suppliers and their customers, the Plex Online system fulfills the vision of an E-Commerce ERP
solution in all its many forms, ranging from online orders and shipping, to inventory tracking and online
supplier management.
ELECTRIC DATA INTERCHANGE (EDI)
Plex Online provides a sophisticated EDI system that is easy to use, highly automatic, and extremely
reliable. Unlike our competitors who tack on third party EDI packages, we designed our EDI system to
be an inherent part of our information system. Plex Online provides seamless and automatic transmission
and receipt of electronic documents with customers and suppliers, following EDI standards set by Honda,
Toyota, GM, Ford, DaimlerChrysler, and other Tier 1 and OEMs. Customer Releases are retrieved and
processed automatically. Advanced Shipment Notices (ASN) are created and transmitted automatically
when shipments are made. This is EDI the way it was meant to be.
Plex Online's EDI supports the increasing demands of the industry. EDI is highly integrated with Customer
Orders, Inventory, Bar Code Labeling, Packaging, and Shipping.
GROUPWARE COMMUNICATION
The Plex Online information system provides a shared, online database that all employees can draw
from to make decisions and perform their job functions.
 Activity/Task Manager
 Broadcast E-Mail
 Bulletin Board
 Calendar
 Checklist System
 Contact Management
 Forum
 In/Out Board
 Issue Management
 Key Measurables
 Team/Group Setup
 Visitor Log
 Workflow
SMARTPLEX MOBILE ACCESS
Intended for executive and managerial users, SmartPlex incorporates a PIN-enabled login screen
allowing fast, easy yet secure login from mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.

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SERVICES SUPPORT
Security
The Plex Online Data Vault has been hardened against security attacks both physical and virtual. From
our ironclad firewalls and automated security sniffers to our concrete walls and biometric control systems,
the Plex Online system has been designed from the ground up to provide the highest level of security.
We maintain a dedicated staff of security experts to protect your data. All our policies, procedures and
equipment have been designed around rigorous Type II SAS-70 certification.
Plex Online stores and protects data for the U.S. military's Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) as well as
an array of Tier 1 and Tier 2 Aerospace and Defense contractors. Our systems are used to track highly-
sensitive information on everything from F15 fighter jets and Apache attack helicopters, to the B2 Stealth
Bomber and the Space Shuttle.
Training Strategies
Plex takes a “just-in-time” approach to training. Training takes place when a person is ready to start
engaging daily with the system; for the core team that is day one of the Conference Room Pilot phase
and for others in the organization that is during phases two and three.
You might also describe Plex Online training as “a little at a time.” Hundreds of implementations have
taught the Plex team that the best approach to training is to do short training sessions and then have
employees return to their work. This allows them time to try-out what they have learned and to develop
ideas for process modifications and system optimization.
Training starts in a meeting format then continues with employees at their workstations by teleconference
and on-line. As employees begin to work with the system entering data they become increasingly familiar
with the various features of the software.
Online training sessions by teleconference allow for flexibility in scheduling and the ability to immediately
access other Plex experts. This type of training also is effective because the software itself is online –
everyone can instantly see the result of transactions made from anywhere in the world. Lastly, it
encourages the customer team to take ownership of the system and not become dependent on the Plex
project manager. Plex’ approach to training is less onerous and formal than has been typical for new
system implementations traditionally. With more than 350 modules, no one person can hold
detailedmknowledge of every aspect of the Plex system, however many team members can develop an
extensive understanding of how to operate specific modules. Many employees of a manufacturing
enterprise can perform their entire jobs using only two or three screens of their module within the Plex
System.
Plex approaches training with this principle in mind. Employees learn some overall system principles and
then get right to work learning how to operate the system, as they work with the implementation team to
validate their function’s business processes. Training in the majority of modules requires an hour or less.