Aberdeen Group Study of ERP in Manufacturing Supports Plexus Online's On-Demand Delivered Functionality

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Sept. 12 -- Plexus Systems, developers of Plexus Online, the first true on-demand manufacturing performance system, together with the Aberdeen Group, released the findings of "ERP in Manufacturing Benchmark" report that supports the on-demand use of its Plexus Online ERP solution. The independent study, co-sponsored with the Aberdeen Group, is available for a limited time at http://www.plex.com/ at no cost.

As noted by researchers in the new study, two thirds of manufacturers say their Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) selections are based primarily on functionality, but on average they use only 27.6% of available features and functions. Aging implementations, based on outdated technology were found to be limiting factors in terms of rolling out more functionality across enterprises.

"The chief ERP implementation challenges were associated with the alignment of business processes with software capabilities. Companies struggle to balance customization related issues with business process re- design amidst costs associated with upgrades, replacements, consolidation and latent integration costs," said Cindy Jutras, vice president, Manufacturing & ERP Research at Aberdeen and lead author of the report. "Solutions that can be implemented quickly, modified to match business processes, and simple to upgrade with customer requested enhancements are what today's manufacturers want in their ERP systems."

Plexus Online is one of the industry's most unique ERP solutions, with an always available or on-demand method of use through the Internet. Over 350 modules are available to manufacturers, with software enhancements added on a daily basis. Users do not need to wait for version software upgrades. Through a rapid application development process, Plexus Online users receive up-to-the-minute enhancements without any IT resources.

Plexus Online improves the complete manufacturing process, through design, launch, production, shipment, and service -- with true integration of all business functions, including sales, engineering, quality management, production, scheduling, shop floor control, bar coding, part traceability, warranty tracking, shipping and receiving, EDI, human resources, tooling, and more.

About the Aberdeen Group

Founded in 1988, Aberdeen Group is the trusted advisor to the global business executive for value chain strategies and business advice. http://www.aberdeen.com/

About Plexus Systems

For over a decade, Plexus Systems (Auburn Hills, MI) has maintained a singular vision -- to drive significant cost, quality and productivity improvements in the manufacturing sector from the shop floor to the top floor. Plexus Online(TM) is the first true on-demand manufacturing performance system. It delivers a powerful, real-time interface to the total manufacturing process. With the ability to manage a single facility or an entire enterprise, Plexus Online allows manufacturers to closely track critical aspects of their operation, anywhere, anytime. Plexus Online consists of over 350 functional modules allowing companies instant access to vital information using a simple web browser. Plexus Online includes shop floor control, traceability, quality management, EDI, accounting and many other capabilities configured as a fully integrated system or as a point solution to augment other ERP software. http://www.plex.com/ .