Cloud has become the preferred deployment option for most categories of enterprise systems. But conventional wisdom is that some systems that require low latency and a high degree of system availability, such as warehouse management systems (WMS) or manufacturing execution systems (MES), are best deployed on-premises.
The argument is that response time over the Internet is never as fast as over a local area network and that such systems cannot tolerate any level of unscheduled downtime inherent in using a cloud application.
Nevertheless, cloud systems are invading even this category of software. Although still in the minority, there are some vendors providing such low-latency applications as a cloud service.
One example is Plex Systems. And, interestingly, it is not a new example. For many years, Plex has offered its manufacturing execution system as a cloud service. Kors Engineering, a 20-year partner of Plex, has been an integral part of that solution, with its Mach2 product providing the integration between Plex’s cloud-based MES and the customer’s factory equipment, such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs), barcode equipment, scales, and gauges. It can be used to automate the recording of key metrics, such as production cycles, part variances, downtime, scrap, inventory counts, and machine status, freeing operators from having to key in such data. Finally, it can present these metrics on configurable dashboards to machine operators and managers in real time.
We have been briefed by Kors in the past and have admired what it is doing. We have also participated in several plant tours of Plex customers, most of which had implemented the Plex-Kors solution. But the question often came to mind, why does Plex need a partner to provide this connectivity directly? Now, the question has been answered with a Plex announcement that it is acquiring Kors Engineering.
Kors currently has about 100 customers, nearly all of them running Plex’s MES. So, while the deal does not add to Plex’s customer base, it does allow Plex to present a single face to the market.
Prior to the announcement, Plex executives reached out to offer us a pre-briefing. In reviewing the solution once again, several interesting angles came to mind.
Although Plex is one of the few enterprise vendors deploying low-latency applications, like MES, in the cloud, it is not the only one. Israel-based Priority Software also has a cloud-based MES, as well as a WMS in the cloud. 42Q is another such vendor, with a cloud-based MES, serving manufacturers of printed circuit boards. As the number of such solutions increases, it will become more and more difficult to claim that such systems are inappropriate for cloud deployment.
Want to see the solution in action? Here is a short video with Plex/Kors customer Thai Summit.
By Frank Scavo, President, Avasant Research
Avasant’s research and other publications are based on information from the best available sources and Avasant’s independent assessment and analysis at the time of publication. Avasant takes no responsibility and assumes no liability for any error/omission or the accuracy of information contained in its research publications. Avasant does not endorse any provider, product or service described in its RadarView™ publications or any other research publications that it makes available to its users, and does not advise users to select only those providers recognized in these publications. Avasant disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. None of the graphics, descriptions, research, excerpts, samples or any other content provided in the report(s) or any of its research publications may be reprinted, reproduced, redistributed or used for any external commercial purpose without prior permission from Avasant, LLC. All rights are reserved by Avasant, LLC.
Login to get free content each month and build your personal library at Avasant.com
