Plex Systems Inc., a vendor of enterprise resource management (ERP) software for manufacturers, has made available a free, online Manufacturer's Management Assessment Tool. The Web-based diagnostic service helps to identify best practices for manufacturing operations, in the form of a 10-minute online survey based on research from the Aberdeen Group. It is designed to help manufacturers understand which processes, organizational strategies and technology traits lead to best-in-class performance. According to Plex, the responses reveal opportunities for improvement by way of personalized recommendations from Aberdeen manufacturing experts. The tool gives users a way to identify the "top pain points" around the management of manufacturing, back-office and front-office processes, according to Plex president and chief executive officer Mark Symonds. The survey can be used by automotive, food and beverage, aerospace and medical device manufacturers, among others. At the conclusion of the assessment, each participant receives a customized report which identifies best practices and offers recommendations for improving business strategies.
