GibbsCAM vs Plex Systems

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Our analysts compared GibbsCAM 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.

GibbsCAM Software Tool

Product Basics

GibbsCAM is a computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software intended to aid CNC programmers, machinists, engineers and more with CNC-specific modules. It's scalable and provides users with the modules needed to program parts.

It reduces machine time with toolpath strategies and post processors. Production milling, production turning, 2.5D solids, five-axis and tombstone management system are some of its popular attributes.
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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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$550 Annually
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Tailored to your specific needs
$500/User, Monthly
Get a free price quote
Tailored to your specific needs
Small
Medium
Large
Small
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Large
Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile

Product Assistance

Documentation
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Live Online
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Documentation
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Videos
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Email
Phone
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FAQ
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Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
Email
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24/7 Live Support

Product Insights

  • Machine Simulation: Implement animated machine tool models to recognize any errors before making mistakes on the shop floor via the machine simulation. 
  • Wire EDM: Work with the two through four-axis CNC Wire EDM module to gain full control of wire EDM machining operations and post processors for each major wire EDM machine brand. 
  • 5-Axis MultiBlade: Simplify bisk, bling and impeller parts with blades by leveraging the 5-axis multiblade accessory. It also streamlines machining programming centers and multi-tasking machines. 
  • VoluMill: Work with uninterrupted toolpaths, which streamlines the CNC program with the VoluMill tool. 
  • Multi-Task Machining: Utilize the graphical interface for multi-task machining with a variety of turning and milling capabilities. This solution also enables users to update operations as production changes appear. 
  • Polar and Cylindrical Milling: Execute three-axis milling functions with a rotary axis that wraps over shapes, performs cylindrical and polar rotary milling and conducts rotary repeats via the polar and cylindrical milling asset. 
  • Radial Milling: Review 3D wireframes and solids to pinpoint off-centered rotary machining through the radical milling appliance via the radial milling accessory. 
  • 5-Axis Porting: Implement a variety of machining strategies such as spiral and plunge-along finishing, roughing and more through the five-axis porting appliance. 
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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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  • Production Milling: Activate two-axis with three-axis wireframe machining that contains contouring, pocketing, thread milling, face milling, 2D/3D spiral creation and drilling that supports drill cycles, tapping and boring through the production milling. 
  • Production Turning: Utilize contouring, repetitive shape roughing, threading and more through the production turning appliance. There are also advanced features, including lathe programming and current stock conditioning. 
  • Solids Import: Analyze, evaluate and change solid models with the solids import appliance.  
  • 2.5D Solids: Produce, upload and adjust solid models while generating programs to machine them with the 2.5D solids idiosyncrasy. Users may also implement particular tools to import, rectify and solidify surface information. 
  • SolidSurfacer: Develop, open and change solid CAD models and then draft toolpaths with native shapes through the solidsurfacer appliance. 
  • 5-Axis: Use collision detection and gouge checking for several tool shapes with the five-axis machining appliance. Users may also utilize multi-task machines with live tooling. 
  • Tombstone Management System: Execute multi-part setup, programming, toolpath verification and post-processing for tombstone machining with the tombstone management system. Users also obtain CNC developers' options to determine and alter machining strategies and construct G-codes for machines. 
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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

#67

among all
Manufacturing Software

#14

among all
Manufacturing Software

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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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User Sentiment Summary

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Good User Sentiment 32 reviews
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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.

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3.3 (17)
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4.2 (11)
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3.0 (1)

Awards

No awards.

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

Intuitive Interface: Many users find GibbsCAM easy to learn and use, even for those who are new to CAM software. They appreciate the logical layout and the clear, concise menus.
Powerful 3D Machining: GibbsCAM excels at generating complex 3D toolpaths, making it suitable for industries like aerospace and moldmaking that require intricate geometries.
Extensive Post Processor Library: Users praise the wide range of post processors available, ensuring compatibility with various CNC machines. This streamlines the transition from design to manufacturing.
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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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High Learning Curve: Many users find GibbsCAM's interface and workflow to be complex and difficult to learn, especially for those who are new to CAM software or have experience with other, more user-friendly systems.
Cost: GibbsCAM is known for being relatively expensive, both in terms of initial purchase price and ongoing maintenance fees. This can be a significant barrier for smaller businesses or hobbyists with limited budgets.
Limited Post Processor Options: Users have reported difficulties finding or creating post processors for specific CNC machines, which can limit the software's compatibility and require additional time and effort for setup.
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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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GibbsCAM users rave about its user-friendly interface, making it a breeze to learn, even for those new to CNC programming. Many highlight its powerful capabilities, allowing them to tackle complex machining tasks with ease. A standout feature is its robust 3D modeling and simulation, which lets users visualize their designs and catch potential issues before hitting the shop floor. Compared to competitors like Mastercam and Fusion 360, GibbsCAM shines in its intuitive workflow and specialized tools for specific manufacturing needs, such as multi-task machining. However, some users find its pricing structure less flexible than subscription-based models offered by competitors. GibbsCAM seems tailor-made for small to medium-sized machine shops that value ease of use and specialized functionality over a vast feature set. Its focus on delivering a streamlined experience for common manufacturing tasks makes it a powerful tool in the hands of experienced machinists and beginners alike.

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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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