Plex Systems Inc., seller of an enterprise resource planning suite for manufacturers known as Plex Online, has enhanced the application's materials resource planning (MRP) functionality. The tool allows users to manage purchase requirements and plan for just-in-time delivery of raw materials. In the process, said Plex, they can minimize inventory-holding costs and reduce delays caused by a lack of materials. Three new planning tools have been added to Plex Online. A supplier transit calendar itemizes delivery timing at the parts and operations levels. A company work calendar determines the days on which companies can receive inventory from suppliers. A customer transit calendar enables users to specify the days of the week that a product can be in transit. Another new feature of Plex Online is the ability to automatically create purchase orders from an in-transit inventory display. Forecasts can be passed directly to component requirements, and can also be viewed in a "multi-bucket" screen.
