User-Friendly and Intuitive Design
计算机和软件行业中最过用的表达式之一是“用户友好”。当然，这是一个相对的术语，因为一个用户对另一个用户的容易难以难以理解。直观的是另一个同样滥用的术语。解决方案提供商使用这些术语，因为它们产生了共鸣 - 技术系统的学习和使用是多么困难。
What you want to look for is a system that is as approachable and familiar as possible. For example, for the last few decades many solutions or websites have had a Microsoft Office “look and feel” including drop-down lists, question marks for help, or magnifying glass icons. Most business users know how to click on the magnifying glass to search for something or do sorts, calculations, totals, and more in Excel spreadsheets.
For the systems that support your manufacturing operations, it should be easy for a new user to learn how to work in the system and get the information they need. The overall design of displays must be consistent across the entire system. If a new user is introduced to inventory screens, icons, and tools and then moves to production control, those screens and functions should be familiar and work the same way. This is what enables the user to focus on function, not the mechanics of the screens.
Consistency also applies to security, access, and controls. There should be one sign-on, with access controls by role so users can get to where they need to be without additional entries or codes. Those same controls ensure that only appropriate individuals with appropriate roles have access to sensitive information.
Your ERP and MES system should be designed the same way with clear, familiar, and consistent screens, icons, and tools. A system like the Plex Manufacturing Cloud combines both ERP and MES functions for manufacturing users that are intuitive and sophisticated for businesses with one or multiple plants around the globe.
Reducing Manual Data Entry
Reducing manual data entry is the most effective way to preserve resources right from the beginning. It’s also lean and efficient. Automated data collection is much timelier than manual entry, and is more accurate—which is critical to ensuring the status of operations at any given point in time. Most MES solutions are made of a loosely integrated collection of separate functions.
Plex Manufacture云将它们同步到一个系统内置，直接连接到车辆到机架控制器，用于机器到机器通信。传感器和可编程逻辑控制器（PLC）将活动和测量直接报告给ERP系统。系统可以根据需要下载计划和指令，而无需用户干预。触摸屏显示器和条形码扫描仪接口还简化了往返商店地板的报告和通信。
Simplifying Data Communication
Simplified and automated communications with other systems, partners, and devices enhances the system’s ease of use. In several manufacturing industries for example, Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) communications between customers and suppliers is a critical part of day-to-day operations. EDI is a native application within the Plex Manufacturing Cloud, meaning there is no integration or interfacing with a separate EDI package necessary. Information and templates for many trading partners are pre-populated, making for simple setup and rapid communication. Since ERP, MES, and EDI functions are contained within the same cloud-based solution, there are no linkages to maintain and manage. Users don’t need to be concerned with the technical details or routine operational requirements. The Plex Manufacturing Cloud system is designed in a web services environment with XML-based messaging for inbound and outbound data exchange making interchange across the plant, supply chain, and the globe fast and reliable. Data is transferred without delays or errors from manual intervention.
Enabling a Mobile Experience
在工作站屏幕，台式计算机和移动设备上提供相同体验的能力走得很长，旨在创建易于使用的系统。
More users are comfortable with using sophisticated features on their mobile devices, even systems that were once bound to a physical site.
Plex Mobile是一个基于用户角色的移动应用程序，扩展了Plex制造云体验。商店地板用户可以管理应收账款和库存，同时在GO时，从遗留车间工作站不受影响。通过大型，易于阅读，触摸屏友好的按钮通过过程和功能逻辑分组，用户可以立即开始使用Plex而没有陡峭的学习曲线。
Is Your ERP or MES Software Friendly Enough?
If your current systems aren’t “user friendly,” consider one built exclusively for your manufacturing company, with your processes in mind. Consider a system designed for single sign-on access control security with a consistent, familiar look-and-feel that includes communication capabilities for both inside your plant and outside with your suppliers. The Plex Manufacturing Cloud delivers ERP, MES, and EDI functions for manufacturing users that are intuitive and sophisticated yet easy to use so you users can focus on their jobs, continual improvement, and customer satisfaction instead of figuring out how to use the software.
