Plex Systems Study: Four Reasons the 4th Industrial Revolution is Powering Manufacturing Today

Survey of Leading Manufacturers Finds Innovation Driven by Cloud and
Connectivity

TROY, Mich.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Plex Systems, the leader in cloud ERP for manufacturing, today announced
the release of its annual study, The
State of Manufacturing Technology. In its third year, the Plex
Systems study investigates manufacturers’ use of technology from the
shop floor to the top floor. This year, the study finds four key reasons
that the fourth industrial revolution has not only started, it has
already become a major factor in manufacturing industry leadership.

The Plex Systems State of Manufacturing Technology study surveys more
than 150 manufacturers including both mid-sized and large enterprises
across a wide range of process and discrete industries including
automotive, aerospace, electronics, food and beverage, industrial
manufacturing and precision metalforming. The full report is available
now at www.plex.com/resources/white-paper/state-of-manufacturing-technology.html.

The Fourth Industrial Revolution is Here

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) has been described as not only
the next transformation in the way products are made and consumed, but a
fundamental revolution in how the world works in a new, connected era.
While academics and pundits project the 4IR out into the future, the
2017 Plex State of Manufacturing Technology study found at least four
major facets of 4IR are already in place.

#1 The Cloud Powers Transformation

Cloud has resoundingly moved from “what’s next” to “what’s now” in
manufacturing, as Plex has proven the superior performance, agility and
reliability of cloud systems for business critical capabilities
including Enterprise
Resource Planning (ERP) and Manufacturing
Execution Systems (MES) across more than 1,800 facilities around the
world. That value is now firmly established, with 96 percent of survey
respondents noting that improvements in connectivity to systems,
machines, suppliers, and customers are a direct result of cloud
systems.

#2 Connectivity Drives Innovation

Connected manufacturing is among the most powerful technology-based
shifts in a generation, just as important as the arrival of steam power,
electricity or the automated production line. The Internet of Things
(IoT) is fueling this revolution by making it easy to connect new
devices, equipment and sensors to the cloud. Today, manufacturers are
fully-orchestrated networks of people, materials, machines, systems,
partners, devices, and even end-products. Seventy-four percent of this
year’s respondents cited improved connectivity with mobile and personal
devices, and more than half have improved industrial equipment
integration using cloud technologies. Most importantly, 98 percent of
respondents reported that cloud-based systems are a key enabler for
continuous innovation.

#3 Supply Chains are Transforming

Not only is the cloud fueling a new era in industrial automation, it is
also extending that connectivity to supply
chain planning. By leveraging accurate, timely data from the shop
floor and across the enterprise, 60 percent of those surveyed noted
better supply chain performance using a cloud-based system of record.
Seventy percent of respondents also noted improved communications with
their own suppliers.

#4 Manufacturers are Tapping the Power of Big Data

As manufacturers connect their production lines, supply chains, and even
their products, the amount of data captured is growing exponentially.
This year’s survey finds more manufacturers than ever are using that
data to drive decision making. Twice as many manufacturers are using
analytics today when compared to last year’s study, with even more are
planning implementations over the next five years. Half of respondents
(48 percent) highlight data analysis as the most important skillset for
their next generation of employees.

Comments on the News

“The fourth industrial revolution is happening today on the
manufacturing shop floor,” said Jerry Foster, Plex Systems CTO. “This is
an industry that has always been about applying the most advanced
technology to simultaneously fuel efficiency and innovation. It is an
industry that is always excited to experiment, to try new devices and
machines and ideas, whether that’s on the shop floor or across a global
supply chain. This year’s State of Manufacturing Technology Report is
another reflection of the awesome innovation engine inside every
manufacturing organization.”

About Plex

Plex is the Manufacturing Cloud, delivering industry-leading ERP and
manufacturing automation to more than 550 companies across process and
discrete industries. Plex pioneered Cloud solutions for the shop floor,
connecting suppliers, machines, people, systems and customers with
capabilities that are easy to configure, deliver continuous innovation
and reduce IT costs. With insight that starts on the production line,
Plex helps companies see and understand every aspect of their business
ecosystems, enabling them to lead in an ever-changing market. Learn more
at www.plex.com.

Contacts

for Plex Systems
Sarah Lewis, 650.801.0937
[email protected]