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Showing posts from January, 2026

Knowledge Workers are reshaping manufacturing

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  Manufacturing is no longer powered by machines alone. It is increasingly driven by   knowledge workers —the people who apply expertise, judgment, and problem-solving to keep production moving, solve issues faster, and improve quality. In modern plants, these workers are not just managers or engineers; they include frontline supervisors, technicians, quality teams, and operators who must make smart decisions in real time. As Peter Drucker famously pointed out, “ The most important contribution management needs to make in the 21st century is similarly to increase the productivity of knowledge work and the knowledge worker.” That idea matters now more than ever because manufacturers are facing labor shortages, skills gaps, and increasing operational complexity. The Problem Knowledge Workers Face Knowledge workers often lose time searching for instructions, waiting for answers, relying on tribal knowledge, or switching between disconnected systems. In manufacturing, that create...
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Turning Plex Compliance into Your Security Audit Superpower

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"Our financial auditor found that 15 users in the Buyer position can also post inventory adjustments. How did this happen? " Sound familiar? Most manufacturers using Plex ERP focus the Compliance System on ISO 9001, IATF 16949, or customer audits. But what if you could use the same system to catch segregation of duties (SoD) violations, Principle of least privilege (PoLP) violations, and Role Based Access Control ( RBAC) configuration drift before they become audit findings? Here's how I discovered the Compliance System's secret superpower—and how you can use it to audit Plex user security. Tool #1: Compliance System – Your Audit Evidence Engine Most people use it for: Documenting Quality Compliance Standard like  ISO TS 16949,etc. What it really does: Creates a  living, controlled security standards with checklists, reviews, and attachments for your own security compliance audits. Compliance Standard: "Plex Security & RBAC Compliance"...
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The Curiosity Advantage: Why Einstein’s Philosophy is the Secret to Modern Manufacturing

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  In the high-stakes environment of a manufacturing shop floor, we often prioritize efficiency, repeatability, and compliance. We build systems designed to minimize variance and keep the machines humming. However, when we lean too hard into "the way it’s always been done," we risk stagnation. Albert Einstein once famously said: "The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing." On the surface, curiosity sounds like a luxury for the lab or the design studio. In reality, it is the most powerful engine for continuous improvement (Kaizen) and operational excellence. Here is how to take Einstein’s philosophy off the pedestal and put it to work on your shop floor. 1. Transforming the Shop Floor Culture Curiosity is the antidote to the "Checked Out" worker. When operators are encouraged to ask why a certain tolerance is necessary or how a specific lubricant affects tool wear, they shift from being manual laborers to b...
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How Plex ERP Enhances Inventory Visibility during Order Entry

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  In today's fast-paced business environment, efficiently managing inventory is crucial for customer satisfaction and operational success. Plex ERP provides robust solutions that streamline the inventory check process during order entry, ensuring that businesses can quickly assess their available inventory. This article delves into how the Plex ERP can assist in checking inventory during the order entry process. Recalculating Available Inventory When entering sales orders, it's essential to understand the status of your inventory. Plex ERP allows users to recalculate available inventory directly on the Order Line Rapid Entry screen. Here’s how to do it: Access the Sales Orders Screen : Start from the main dashboard and navigate to the sales orders section. Adjust Filters and Click Search : Refine your search criteria to locate the desired sales order. Select a Sales Order : Click on the order you wish to review. Open Order Line Rapid Entry : On the Action Bar, select the ...
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Privacy Week 2026: Reclaiming Your Digital Footprint with California's DROP Program

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  Privacy Week 2026 ( January 26 to January 30, 2026 )  is officially here! In an age where our data is the primary currency of the digital economy, understanding how to protect your personal information has never been more vital. This year’s campaign is headlined by a major milestone in consumer rights: the California Delete Request and Opt-Out Platform (DROP) . For the first time, California residents have a centralized "one-stop shop" to force data brokers to delete their personal information. The Invisible Footprint: Why Deletion Matters Our digital footprints are often larger than we realize. Data brokers—companies you’ve likely never interacted with—scrape websites and purchase records to build massive profiles on you. These dossiers can include everything from your search history to sensitive location and health data. The California DROP Program: Official 2026 Timeline The California Privacy Protection Agency (CPPA) has officially launched the DROP tool at . If you ar...
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