ETAP vs Plex Systems

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

Product Basics

ETAP is a comprehensive software solution designed to manage and optimize manufacturing processes. It is particularly well-suited for industries that require detailed electrical power system analysis and management, such as manufacturing plants, due to its robust capabilities in modeling, simulation, and real-time monitoring. The software offers significant benefits, including enhanced operational efficiency, improved safety, and reduced downtime through predictive maintenance and fault analysis.

Popular features of ETAP include load flow analysis, short circuit analysis, arc flash analysis, and dynamic system simulation. These features enable users to design, operate, and automate their electrical power systems with precision. Users have praised ETAP for its user-friendly interface and the depth of its analytical tools, which often surpass those of similar products in the market.

Pricing for ETAP can vary widely based on the specific modules and features required, as well as the scale of deployment. It is typically offered on a subscription basis, with costs potentially ranging from a few thousand to several tens of thousands of dollars annually. For precise pricing tailored to individual needs, it is recommended to contact SelectHub for a detailed quote.

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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.
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$700 Annually, Quote-based
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Tailored to your specific needs
$500/User, Monthly
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Tailored to your specific needs
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Product Assistance

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Product Insights

  • Improved Efficiency: ETAP streamlines manufacturing processes by automating routine tasks, reducing the time and effort required for manual operations.
  • Enhanced Accuracy: By minimizing human error through automated data entry and calculations, ETAP ensures higher precision in production planning and execution.
  • Cost Reduction: Optimizing resource allocation and minimizing waste, ETAP helps lower operational costs and improve profitability.
  • Real-Time Monitoring: ETAP provides live updates on production status, enabling managers to make informed decisions quickly and effectively.
  • Scalability: The software can easily adapt to the growing needs of a business, supporting expansion without significant additional investment.
  • Regulatory Compliance: ETAP assists in maintaining compliance with industry standards and regulations by ensuring accurate record-keeping and reporting.
  • Data-Driven Insights: Advanced analytics and reporting tools in ETAP offer valuable insights into production trends, helping to identify areas for improvement.
  • Enhanced Collaboration: By providing a centralized platform for information sharing, ETAP fosters better communication and collaboration among team members.
  • Predictive Maintenance: ETAP's predictive analytics can forecast equipment failures, allowing for proactive maintenance and reducing downtime.
  • Inventory Management: The software optimizes inventory levels, ensuring that materials are available when needed while avoiding overstocking.
  • Energy Efficiency: ETAP helps monitor and manage energy consumption, leading to more sustainable manufacturing practices and cost savings.
  • Customer Satisfaction: By improving production quality and reducing lead times, ETAP contributes to higher customer satisfaction and loyalty.
  • Flexibility: The software supports various manufacturing methodologies, including lean manufacturing and just-in-time production, allowing businesses to choose the best approach for their needs.
  • Risk Management: ETAP helps identify potential risks in the production process, enabling businesses to implement mitigation strategies proactively.
  • Resource Optimization: By efficiently managing labor, materials, and machinery, ETAP ensures optimal use of resources, enhancing overall productivity.
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  • 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. 
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  • Load Flow Analysis: Provides detailed analysis of power flow in electrical networks, helping to optimize system performance.
  • Short Circuit Analysis: Calculates fault currents and helps in designing protective devices to ensure system safety.
  • Arc Flash Analysis: Assesses potential arc flash hazards and recommends safety measures to protect personnel.
  • Transient Stability Analysis: Evaluates the system's ability to remain stable under transient conditions, such as sudden load changes or faults.
  • Harmonic Analysis: Identifies and mitigates harmonic distortions in the electrical system to improve power quality.
  • Protective Device Coordination: Ensures that protective devices are properly coordinated to minimize system downtime during faults.
  • Motor Acceleration Analysis: Analyzes the impact of motor starting on the electrical network, ensuring reliable operation.
  • Reliability Assessment: Evaluates the reliability of the electrical system and identifies areas for improvement.
  • Load Shedding and Restoration: Automates load shedding and restoration processes to maintain system stability during emergencies.
  • Real-Time Monitoring: Provides real-time data on system performance, enabling proactive maintenance and quick response to issues.
  • Network Topology Processor: Automatically updates the network model based on real-time data, ensuring accurate analysis.
  • Geospatial Information System (GIS) Integration: Integrates with GIS to provide a visual representation of the electrical network, aiding in planning and analysis.
  • Data Exchange and Interoperability: Supports data exchange with other systems and software, facilitating seamless integration into existing workflows.
  • Customizable Reporting: Generates detailed, customizable reports to meet specific regulatory and operational requirements.
  • Scenario Analysis: Allows users to simulate different scenarios and assess their impact on the electrical system.
  • Energy Management System (EMS) Integration: Integrates with EMS to optimize energy usage and reduce operational costs.
  • Training and Simulation: Provides a platform for training personnel and simulating various operational scenarios to enhance preparedness.
  • Compliance Tracking: Helps ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations through automated tracking and reporting.
  • Advanced Visualization Tools: Offers advanced visualization tools to help users understand complex data and make informed decisions.
  • Modular Architecture: Features a modular architecture that allows users to add or remove functionalities based on their specific needs.
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  • 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. 
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Product Ranking

#57

among all
Manufacturing Software

#14

among all
Manufacturing Software

Find out who the leaders are

Analyst Rating Summary

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Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

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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
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Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

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User Sentiment Summary

Excellent User Sentiment 81 reviews
Good User Sentiment 32 reviews
91%
of users recommend this product

ETAP has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 91% when considering 81 user reviews from 1 recognized software review sites.

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.

n/a
3.3 (17)
4.54 (81)
4.2 (11)
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4.3 (3)
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3.0 (1)

Awards

ETAP stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite.

User Favorite Award

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

Reports and Dashboards Award

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Trusted Results: ETAP provides reliable and accurate data and calculations, giving users confidence in their system analysis.
User-Friendly Interface: The software features a graphical user interface that simplifies complex modeling tasks, making it accessible to both new and experienced users.
Comprehensive Analysis: ETAP offers a wide array of tools and modules for performing various power system studies, enabling users to analyze and optimize their systems effectively.
Customizable Reporting: Users can tailor reports to their specific needs, including detailed analysis or concise summaries, facilitating clear communication and decision-making.
Responsive Support: ETAP provides reliable technical support and resources, ensuring users have assistance when encountering challenges or requiring guidance.
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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.
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Cost: Users have reported that the software requires the purchase of numerous modules. This can be frustrating for users as they may start a project only to realize they need an additional module for a key feature.
Complexity: The software is powerful and feature-rich, which can make it challenging to learn and require extensive training to master. Users have mentioned that getting reacquainted with the software after a period of not using it can be time-consuming.
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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.
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Is ETAP software the easiest tap into the world of electrical power system design and analysis? User reviews from the last year suggest that it might just be! ETAP consistently receives high praise for its user-friendly interface and robust functionality. Users highlight the intuitive one-line diagram interface, which simplifies the process of creating and analyzing complex power systems, as a key strength that sets it apart from competitors. For instance, one user, who previously used SKM Power Tools, found ETAP to be far easier to use and understand. However, some users express frustration with the pricing model, specifically the need to purchase numerous modules to access specific features. Despite this drawback, ETAP is widely regarded as a powerful and essential tool for power system engineers. ETAP's focus on providing detailed reports and analysis tools is another major plus. Users appreciate the software's ability to generate comprehensive reports, including star graphs that are visually appealing and easy to interpret. This feature is particularly valuable for presenting findings to stakeholders and justifying design decisions. The availability of macros for automating repetitive tasks further enhances efficiency and productivity, making it ideal for large-scale projects. Overall, ETAP emerges as the go-to choice for professionals involved in the design, analysis, and operation of electrical power systems. Its user-friendly interface, powerful features, and comprehensive reporting capabilities make it an invaluable asset for both seasoned engineers and those new to the field. While the pricing structure may pose a challenge for some, the software's exceptional value proposition and industry-leading reputation solidify its position as a top contender in the market.

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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.

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