Home > Manufacturing Software > Plex Systems > Plex Systems vs QAD ERP

Plex Systems vs QAD ERP

Last Updated:

Our analysts compared Plex Systems vs QAD ERP based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Manufacturing Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

Overview Pricing Benefits & Features Analyst Ratings Comparison Charts User Ratings Analyst Summary Screenshots
Plex Systems Software Tool
SelectHub Award Winner
QAD ERP Software Tool
Get Free Demo Demo    Request Pricing Pricing
Get Free Demo Demo    Request Pricing Pricing

Product Basics

Analyst Rating

57 Detailed Analysis

User Sentiment

Good User Sentiment (32 Reviews)

Analyst Rating

we're gathering data
Detailed Analysis

User Sentiment

Good User Sentiment (54 Reviews)
Plex Manufacturing Cloud uses real-time data to connect and facilitate operations among various business aspects such as finance, distribution and production. It has built-in compliance and approval monitoring tools to ensure that your products are created accurately and with regulations in mind.

With Plex software, you also have the ability to develop customized reports and dashboards to make visualization easier and more streamlined. These reporting tools can make developing insights faster and easier, especially when considering the program’s use of actual minute-by-minute data.
read more...
QAD ERP is a comprehensive manufacturing software solution designed to streamline and integrate core business processes across manufacturing organizations. It's particularly well-suited for mid-sized to large manufacturers in industries such as automotive, consumer products, food and beverage, life sciences, and industrial equipment. Key benefits include improved visibility and control over operations, enhanced collaboration, and boosted productivity. Popular features encompass financial management, supply chain management, production planning, inventory management, quality management, and customer relationship management. According to user experiences, QAD ERP stands out for its deep industry-specific capabilities, user-friendly interface, and strong customer support. Pricing is typically based on a per-user, per-month subscription model, with costs varying depending on the number of users, modules, and deployment options.

Pros
  • Industry-specific features
  • User-friendly interface
  • Strong customer support
  • Improved visibility and control
  • Enhanced collaboration
 Cons
  • Complex implementation
  • High customization costs
  • Steeper learning curve
  • Limited reporting capabilities
  • Potential integration challenges
read more...
$500/User, Monthly
Free Trial is available →
Get a free price quote
Tailored to your specific needs
$5,000/User, Monthly
Free Trial is unavailable →
Get a free price quote
Tailored to your specific needs
Small 
i
Medium 
i
Large 
i
Small 
i
Medium 
i
Large 
i
Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile

Product Assistance

Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support

Product Insights

  • Increased Efficiency: Plex Manufacturing Cloud uses real-time data and set parameters to maximize production capabilities. Its Advanced Planning and Scheduling tool uses information such as inventory levels, amount of production floor space and maximum productivity levels to generate a best-fit manufacturing schedule. 
  • Accessibility: As a cloud-based manufacturing software, Plex is available anytime and anywhere as long as a user has internet access. This is especially beneficial in the manufacturing center considering manufacturing managers and production line employees can access real-time data from internet-enabled devices while they’re actually on the floor working. 
  • Improved Customer Experience: Customers are the backbone of your business, and Plex software capitalizes on this fact through its customer portal, which provides visualization as a product moves throughout the supply chain. Shipping notifications are also included so that clients have an accurate expectation as to when an item should be delivered. 
  • Heightened Visibility: With increased visibility, you can develop insights more quickly. Plex Manufacturing Cloud contains the ability to use customizable dashboards to reflect minute-by-minute information such as inventory levels and labor allocation, which enables you to make informed decisions based on current processes. 
  • Collaboration: Plex allows for collaboration with clients through the customer portal. It also contains internal collaboration tools that are emphasized through its multi-site functionality for supply chain and financial processes. 
read more...
  • Improve Communication: Communicate with suppliers by providing them access to the QAD Supplier Portal. Additionally, QAD Cloud EDI provides translation and communication services that work with QAD Cloud eCommerce. The result is end-to-end communication with trade partners. 
  • Increase Throughput: The system uses “Drum-Buffer-Rope” techniques to optimize the supply chain. Employees can receive automatic notifications when there are backorders or shortages that will affect the manufacturing process. 
  • Better Visibility: Better visibility allows you to be aware of demand changes and work quickly to accommodate them. The analytics dashboard provides the user with unified data from multiple sources and the product genealogy feature tracks products. Other features that provide better visibility include the CRM feature, which supplies customer service technicians with all customer information they could need. The financial management module allows the user to view key financial information. 
  • Maximize Productivity: QAD Warehousing reduces the need for additional labor and makes current warehouse employees more productive. The system uses consolidated picking to reduce traffic and enable multiple tasks within each trip in the warehouse. 
  • Make Strategic Business Decisions:  From analytics to budgeting, the system supplies users with the tools to make well-informed and data-driven business decisions. The user has instant access to this information from any mobile device, so you’re able to make business decisions anytime, anywhere.  
  • Governance, Risk and Compliance:  Ensure you are staying compliant with your financial reports concerning regulations such as Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) or J-SOX. 
read more...
  • Inventory Management: Plex Manufacturing Cloud allows you to track the quantity and location of your inventory, whether you want to look at raw materials, WIP or finished goods. It also supports barcode scanning and label printing in an effort to improve the accuracy of reported inventory levels. Controls are also in place to ensure that products are always developed using the right materials, therefore improving inventory viability. 
  • PLM Functionality: Built-in revision control workflows allow for approved changes to be reflected across the entirety of the product lifecycle. Product specifications can also be developed to expedite processes. 
  • Quality Management: Plex software helps to ensure that you are retaining compliance with standards such as ISO, TS and QS. You can also use supplier scorecards to look at your entire supply chain. For example, your suppliers can use checksheets to validate the quality of their materials before the goods reach your facility, therefore hastening the quality analysis process on your end. 
  • Management of Shipments: The shipping management system ensures that only products that meet acceptable quality specifications are sent to customers and that they are sent to the intended recipient. Plex software's manufacturing system also contains a labeling feature that automatically prints labels using customer information in order to avoid shipping errors. ASNs are automatically sent and formatted as products leave the production facility. 
  • Real-Time Financial Management: Plex software contains continuously updated information on components such as labor hour utilization and point-in-time inventory. The financial management system is designed for order-to-cash and procure-to-pay processes and includes multi-site functionality. Financial reports are also easily accessible with this tool. 
  • Customer Relationship Management: This program includes a customer portal that provides visibility of a product as it moves throughout the supply chain and allows for enhanced collaboration ability. Important components such as quotes, estimates, issue resolution and order management are built into the tool along with an integrated EDI. 
  • Advanced Planning and Scheduling: The Plex Advanced Planning & Scheduling (APS) solution allows you to account for constraints in your workplace such as amount of resources and maximum production capacity to develop optimized production runs. Finite Scheduling includes the ability to plan your development schedule based on factors such as resources, tools and space. The program also allows you to level-load production across different manufacturing centers. 
read more...
  • Manufacturing: Track products throughout the production process, print labels, gain visibility into plans, schedules and supporting data. Lean manufacturing improves quality and eliminates waste. The Master Scheduling Workbench allows you to simulate changes to the schedule before you confirm changes to it.  
  • Supply Chain Management: You can plan, track and manage costs through the Distribution Requirements Planning feature. The QAD Supplier Portal allows you to share information about inventory, scheduling, purchase orders, shipments and more with your suppliers. QAD Warehousing handles complex warehouses and high volume picking. You can access pending acquisitions from your mobile device.  
  • Customer Management: The CRM feature provides a 360-degree view of your customer interactions and processes sales orders and invoices. The Customer Self Service feature provides the user with a web store-front that you can match to your own website’s branding. The configurator allows for mass production of customized products that may be delivered from any facility, no matter where the user initially did the configuration. Customer service and support run the entire services lifecycle, from managing service orders to providing all customer information that servicing personnel could need to perform their job. 
  • Financial Management: A general ledger, accounts receivable and payable are made available to you through the financial management feature. Other capabilities include multi-currency, cost management, credit management, budgeting and financial analysis. The system generates periodic or ad-hoc corporate and governmental reports, consolidates financial records and manages and tracks freight costs.  
  • Analytics: QAD BI displays your data at a single source, and users can access this information from any mobile device. You can create and run reports while managing your business processes with this feature.  
  • Integration: The software comes with robust ERP system integration solutions. QAD Cloud EDI streamlines communication between customers and suppliers, while QAD EDI eCommerce provides tighter integration with your trading partners. QAD Boomi AtomSphere can connect cloud applications to on-premise applications without requiring any additional hardware. QAD Q-Xtend automates data synchronization and eliminates both manual data entry and custom interfaces maintenance.  
read more...

Product Ranking

#14

among all
Manufacturing Software

#18

among all
Manufacturing Software

Find out who the leaders are

Analyst Rating Summary

57
we're gathering data
43
we're gathering data
0
we're gathering data
56
we're gathering data
Show More Show More

Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

Plex Systems
QAD ERP
+ Add Product + Add Product
Bill Of Materials (BOM) And Routing Computer-aided Design And Computer-aided Manufacturing (CAD And CAM) Management Engineering Change Control Inventory Management Manufacturing Execution System (MES) Mobile Capabilities Platform Capabilities Product Configuration Production Planning Production Scheduling Quality Management Recipe And Formula Management Reports And Dashboards Shop Floor Control Warehouse Management Work In Process (WIP) Work Order Management 43 0 56 71 80 67 79 36 67 70 80 47 100 70 44 0 44 0 25 50 75 100
44%
0%
56%
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
0%
0%
100%
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
56%
0%
44%
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
71%
0%
29%
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
82%
0%
18%
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
67%
0%
33%
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
71%
0%
29%
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
33%
0%
67%
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
67%
0%
33%
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
69%
0%
31%
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
80%
0%
20%
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
46%
0%
54%
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
100%
0%
0%
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
70%
0%
30%
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
35%
0%
65%
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
0%
0%
100%
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
44%
0%
56%
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A

Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

50%
0%
50%
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A

User Sentiment Summary

Good User Sentiment 32 reviews
Good User Sentiment 54 reviews
74%
of users recommend this product

Plex Systems has a 'good' User Satisfaction Rating of 74% when considering 32 user reviews from 4 recognized software review sites.

74%
of users recommend this product

QAD ERP has a 'good' User Satisfaction Rating of 74% when considering 54 user reviews from 3 recognized software review sites.

3.3 (17)
3.4 (12)
4.2 (11)
n/a
n/a
3.9 (14)
4.3 (3)
n/a
3.0 (1)
3.7 (28)

Awards

SelectHub research analysts have evaluated Plex Systems and concluded it earns best-in-class honors for Reports and Dashboards.

Reports and Dashboards Award

we're gathering data

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Improved Shop Floor Visibility: Users praise Plex for providing real-time insights into production processes, enabling better decision-making and quicker responses to issues.
Streamlined Inventory Management: Plex helps manufacturers optimize inventory levels, reducing waste and ensuring materials are available when needed.
Enhanced Quality Control: The system's quality management features help track defects, identify root causes, and improve overall product quality.
Show more
Enhanced Visibility and Control: Gain real-time insights into production, inventory, and finances to make informed decisions and proactively address issues.
Streamlined Operations: Automate manual tasks, reduce errors, and improve process efficiency across various manufacturing functions.
Improved Collaboration: Facilitate better communication and data sharing between departments, breaking down silos and enhancing teamwork.
Scalability and Flexibility: Adapt to changing business needs and growth, accommodating new users, locations, and processes seamlessly.
Industry-Specific Features: Benefit from pre-built functionality and best practices tailored to specific manufacturing industries, such as automotive, food and beverage, and life sciences.
Show more
Reporting Limitations: Users express frustration with the inflexibility and limitations of Plex's built-in reporting features, making it difficult to extract and analyze data in ways that suit their specific needs.
User Interface Complexity: The system is often described as being difficult to navigate and non-intuitive, especially for new users who require extensive training to become proficient.
System Rigidity: Plex is often criticized for its lack of flexibility in adapting to unique or evolving business processes, requiring workarounds or customizations that can be time-consuming and costly.
Show more
Complex Implementation: Requires significant upfront investment and technical expertise for setup and configuration.
High Customization Costs: Extensive customization can be expensive and time-consuming.
Steeper Learning Curve: User interface can be complex and require training for efficient use.
Limited Reporting Capabilities: Out-of-the-box reporting may not meet all needs, requiring additional development.
Potential Integration Challenges: Integrating with existing systems can be complex and require specialized skills.
Show more

Want to know if Plex Systems is truly complex or simply complexly awesome? Recent user reviews suggest the former might be closer to the truth. While Plex Systems is praised for its comprehensive suite of features covering everything from planning and scheduling to supply chain management, users often highlight a steep learning curve and a sometimes clunky interface as drawbacks. This complexity can make it challenging for smaller businesses or those with less tech-savvy teams to implement and utilize effectively. However, Plex Systems shines in its ability to connect different aspects of a manufacturing operation, providing real-time visibility into production processes, inventory levels, and quality control data. This end-to-end integration is a key differentiator, allowing businesses to streamline operations and make data-driven decisions. For example, users cite the ability to track production in real-time and identify bottlenecks as a major advantage, leading to improved efficiency and reduced downtime. Ultimately, Plex Systems is best suited for larger, established manufacturing businesses with the technical resources and expertise to navigate its complexities and leverage its powerful features for maximum impact.

Show more

User reviews of QAD ERP reveal a love-hate relationship. Fans tout its industry-specific muscle and enhanced control, with one user gushing, "It's like SAP on steroids for automakers; we finally have real-time visibility into production flows." However, its complexity can be daunting. "Compared to Acumatica," admits another, "QAD has a steeper learning curve, but its customization blows it out of the water, especially for our intricate assembly lines." The customization aspect is a double-edged sword. "Implementing QAD was an Everest-sized task," laments one reviewer, "and ongoing tweaks can be pricey compared to something like NetSuite." In the end, user experiences suggest QAD shines for manufacturers craving a highly configurable and industry-specific platform, but be prepared to invest sweat and tears (and dollars) in implementation and training.

Show more

Screenshots

Top Alternatives in Manufacturing Software

Acumatica
Aptean ERP
Cetec ERP
DELMIAworks
Dynamics 365 Business Central
Dynamics 365 SCM
Epicor Kinetic
JobBOSS²
Katana MRP
MIE Trak Pro
MRPEasy
NetSuite
Oracle Fusion Cloud
Sage 100 Cloud
SAP S/4HANA Cloud
SYSPRO
SyteLine
Visibility ERP

Related Categories

3D Printing Software
Additive Manufacturing Software
Aerospace Manufacturing Software
Apparel ERP Software
Apparel Manufacturing Software
APS Software
Automotive Manufacturing Software
Bill Of Materials Software
Business Management Software
CAE Software
Capacity Planning Software
Chemical Manufacturing Software
Contract Lifecycle Management Software
Discrete Manufacturing Software
Electronics Manufacturing Software
ERP Software
Food Manufacturing Software
Food Safety Software
Healthcare ERP Systems
Higher Education ERP Systems
Lean Manufacturing Software
Manufacturing Accounting Systems
Manufacturing BI Software
Manufacturing Inventory Software
Metal Fabrication Software
MRO Software
MRP Systems
OEE Software
Order Entry Software
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Software
Production Management Software
Quality Management Software
Simulation Software
SPC Software
SRM Software
Supply Chain Management Software
Supply Chain Planning Software
Show more
Additive Manufacturing Software
Aerospace Manufacturing Software
Apparel ERP Software
Apparel Manufacturing Software
Bill Of Materials Software
Business Management Software
CAE Software
Capacity Planning Software
Chemical Manufacturing Software
Discrete Manufacturing Software
Electronics Manufacturing Software
ERP Software
Food Manufacturing Software
Food Safety Software
Healthcare ERP Systems
Higher Education ERP Systems
Lean Manufacturing Software
Manufacturing Accounting Systems
Manufacturing BI Software
Manufacturing Inventory Software
Metal Fabrication Software
MRO Software
OEE Software
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Software
Production Management Software
Quality Management Software
SPC Software
Supply Chain Management Software
Show more

Head-to-Head Comparison

Plex Systems VS Acumatica
Plex Systems VS DELMIAworks
Plex Systems VS Dynamics 365 Business Central
Plex Systems VS E2 Shop System
Plex Systems VS ERPNext
Plex Systems VS Epicor Kinetic
Plex Systems VS MIE Trak Pro
Plex Systems VS MRPEasy
Plex Systems VS NetSuite
Plex Systems VS ProcessPro

WE DISTILL IT INTO REAL REQUIREMENTS, COMPARISON REPORTS, PRICE GUIDES and more...

SelectHub Products Reporting and Analytics
Build Your Requirements
SelectHub Products Cost and Pricing Guide
Get Your Free Comparison Report
Compare products
Comparison Report
Just drag this link to the bookmark bar.
?
    Table settings