HI-LEX Streamlines Operations with Plex ERP Across All North Hemisphere Sites

In a significant move towards improving operational efficiency, HI-LEX, a leader in precision auto-parts manufacturing, has chosen the Plex Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system for all its production sites in the northwestern hemisphere. This strategic decision aims to streamline manufacturing processes, reduce costs, and enhance transparency throughout the supply chain.

HI-LEX specializes in producing mechanisms for vehicle windows, doors, and hatches for some of the largest automotive brands globally. Given the nature of their products, meticulous timing is key; these precision parts must be delivered just-in-time through complex international supply chains that encompass regions like Europe, the United States, and Mexico. To fulfill customer demands efficiently, maintaining real-time inventory visibility is essential.

The integration of the Plex ERP system signifies HI-LEX's commitment to enhancing supply chain efficiency and boosting customer satisfaction. With the advanced capabilities of Plex ERP, the company now has invaluable insights into stock levels and material requirements, updated in real-time. Such capabilities are pivotal for optimizing inventory management, allowing HI-LEX to accelerate workflows while minimizing excess stock.

By harnessing real-time data, Plex ERP fosters increased transparency and traceability in HI-LEX's operations. Stakeholders are now empowered to make informed decisions based on a comprehensive view of operations across all production sites. This interconnectedness not only aids in upholding customer service levels but also contributes to cost optimization by retaining the minimum necessary inventory.

According to Raffaella Bagliano, HI-LEX's IT lead for Europe, ease of use significantly influenced their choice of the Plex ERP system. She emphasized that the intuitive interface of Plex greatly benefits factory floor workers and IT support staff, consequently enhancing productivity at all levels. By consolidating onto a single modern ERP platform, HI-LEX anticipates substantial reductions in waste and improvements in production efficiency, thereby enabling the company to continuously meet or exceed customer expectations.

Asa Arvidsson, the regional vice president at Rockwell Automation, praised HI-LEX for being one of the most innovative operators in just-in-time supply chains worldwide. He highlighted the partnership with Rockwell Automation in achieving continued success in fulfilling customer expectations amid fluctuating market conditions. With Plex ERP, HI-LEX is poised to optimize key inventory metrics and enhance overall productivity, ensuring they meet their service level agreements (SLAs) successfully.

HI-LEX also benefited from the valuable insights and support from the Europe Customer User Group, a community of Plex users sharing innovative practices and real-world experiences. This collaboration is essential for continuous improvement and knowledge sharing, allowing HI-LEX to leverage collective expertise.

The journey of designing and implementing Plex ERP saw HI-LEX working closely with consultants from Rockwell Automation. Bagliano expressed satisfaction with the support received, stating, "The Plex consultants were vital in ensuring we adhered to deployment schedules and budget constraints, even during challenging times like lockdowns." Additionally, the Plex community provided significant benefits, allowing for the exchange of ideas and best practices across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA).

As Rockwell Automation continues to set the benchmark in industrial automation and digital transformation, its partnership with HI-LEX demonstrates the transformative potential of modern ERP systems. With a growing workforce of approximately 27,000 problem solvers dedicated to innovation, Rockwell Automation is committed to enhancing productivity and sustainability across various industries. To learn more about how they are making strides across the industrial landscape, visit www.rockwellautomation.com.