Manufacturers are switching to Cloud computing systems to achieve improved business performance

May 25, 2011

CHICAGO -  For years, manufacturing companies have used Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems to manage their finance and shop floor information. Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP (Baker Tilly) recently shared a case study highlighting the experiences of Hiawatha Rubber, who chose Baker Tilly to assist them in evaluating and implementing a Cloud-based solution that replaced their obsolete ERP system. Hiawatha Rubber benefits from the deep functionality, flexibility, and real-time information they need to run their business and serve their customers effectively and efficiently.

“The legacy on-premise ERP system was more cumbersome to operate, requiring onsite specialized IT resources," said Matt Haller, a Principal in Baker Tilly’s business technology consulting practice. “It also lacked the basic reporting detail and real-time information needed for efficient decision making."

“Cloud solutions not only offer robust functionality with the simplicity of an internet connection, but also leverage modern technology in new ways to bring agility and speed to the business," continued Haller. “Additionally, Cloud-based solutions offer cross-functional visibility and consistent data across functions from multiple access points, faster low- or no-cost upgrades, and lower operational costs in a secure, redundant data center that few companies could afford to build on their own."

Baker Tilly’s business technology consulting practice assists manufacturing clients with evaluating, implementing and leveraging Cloud computing solutions. Baker Tilly’s partnership with Plex Online offers manufacturers like Hiawatha Rubber a complete cloud solution for ERP.

With staff totaling more than 1,350, Baker Tilly provides a wide range of accounting, tax, assurance, and consulting services. Ranked as the 16th largest* firm in the country, Baker Tilly serves clients from offices in Chicago, Detroit, Minneapolis, New York, Washington D.C., and throughout Wisconsin.The company is the exclusive Baker Tilly-branded firm in the US, which reflects its commitment to meet the ever-changing global needs of its clients.

Baker Tilly International is a worldwide network of 150 high quality, independent accounting and business advisory firms in 120 countries, with more than 25,000 professionals. The combined worldwide revenue of independent member firms exceeds $3 billion.

Plex Systems, Inc. is the developer of Plex Online, a SaaS ERP (software as a service) cloud solution for the manufacturing enterprise. Plex Online offers industry-leading features for virtually every department within a manufacturer, including Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and Quality Management Systems (QMS) for the shop floor, Supply Chain Management (SCM) for procurement, and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) for finance and management. Plex Online's comprehensive functional coverage delivers a "shop floor to top floor" view of a manufacturer's operations, enabling management to run its business at maximum efficiency. Founded in 1995, Plex Systems is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, with customers around the globe. Plex Systems and Plex Online are trademarks of Plex Systems, Inc. More information is available at www.plex.com.