Rockwell Automation introduces it’s own cloud-based manufacturing platform
Plex, which Rockwell Automation acquired in 2021, is a Software as a Service (SaaS) Smart Manufacturing Platform that connects people, systems, machines, and supply chains. It is a digital system of record that automates business processes, tracks data from the shop floor to the top floor, and delivers analytics to improve visibility, quality, and control.
Rockwell Automation recently released its 2023 State of Smart Manufacturing Report, which comprised data from thousands of manufacturers globally, including 75 in Australia. Rockwell found that more than 45% of Australian manufacturers say that they lack the innovation, skilled workforce, and technology to outpace the competition over the next 12 months.
“Although smart manufacturing is key to Australia’s success, only 25% of the country’s manufacturing industry leaders said they were extremely familiar with the technologies,” said Anthony Wong, regional director – south pacific, Rockwell Automation.
Plex opens up technologies to smaller players
“Using Plex for food and beverage manufacturers and processors is like moving from DVDs to a streaming service. It opens up these technologies to smaller players, who don’t have to invest in large up-front costs. The good news is that solutions exist and can be quickly implemented. Plex, for instance, does not require major investment in hardware or IT infrastructure. Plex is modular and scalable – it grows with you,” said Wong.
“Using Plex for manufacturers and processors is like moving from DVDs to a streaming service,” said Wong. “It opens up these technologies to smaller players, who don’t have to invest in large up-front costs.”
This is positive news for a sector that, in Australia, is largely made up of Small and Medium Enterprises.
“Being cloud-based makes it easier to keep software like Plex updated. New functionality is regularly being added, and because it’s a modular system, it doesn’t take everything else offline to perform an update,” said Wong.
The Plex stand will feature demonstrations of the software, and how it can benefit manufacturers of any scale.
“I encourage manufacturers of all sizes to come and speak with our experts on the stand to see how a modular SaaS platform like Plex could help grow their business,” concluded Wong.