4D Simulation solutions allow key decision-makers within an organization to develop and test new ideas and processes, validate existing plans and procedures, and estimate future costs and project budgets—all within a virtual world. Of particular interest to manufacturers is our 4D Simula- tion Process Modeling, which delivers the ability to quickly and accurately develop and validate processes in a virtual environment. EOS Process Modeling not only allows for new procedures to be developed and tested, but also for those procedures to be documented and communicated. Detailed 4-D Instructions can be developed from process models by communicating exactly how to perform a procedure in a rich and immersive environment. These 4-D Instructions can be tailored to multiple audiences and even delivered in multiple languages—all within a single PDF fi le viewable through free Adobe Reader. EOS frequently engages in projects with our clients where the end deliverable is not only a validated procedure, but also a set of highly detailed 4-D Instructions prepackaged on a tablet PC or other mobile device. ME Edited by Patrick Waurzyniak; for more info, contact him at (313) 425-3256 or send an e-mail to pwaurzyniak@sme.org.
Investment Firm To Acquire ERP Developer Plex Systems
F
rancisco Partners (San Francisco), a technology-focused private equity fi rm, has announced its pending acquisition of ERP software developer Plex Systems Inc. (Auburn Hills, MI) from a group of shareholders that include the equity fi rm Apax Partners.
Apax, which acquired a majority share in Plex in 2006, last year bought ERP developer Epicor Software Corp. in a stock purchase valued at $976 million while also buying another ERP supplier, Activant Solutions. Plex Systems’ fl agship product, Plex Online, is a cloud- based ERP solution that is said to focus on all aspects of manufacturing, from the shop fl oor to the top fl oor, providing functionality for virtually every department within quality-driv- en manufacturers. Plex Systems has a broad customer base in the automotive, aerospace/defense, food and beverage, and electronics industries, where manufacturers are turning to the cloud to streamline and modernize their global operations. Francisco Partners was advised by Pacifi c Crest Securities, and Plex Systems was advised by Lazard. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
I HAVE PROBES ON MY MACHINE I DON’T NEED A PRESETTER
Misconception #8
The Truth Is: A probe may be an effective way to verify tool le but it is not the most efficient way to set your tools. A “guess-and making adjustments wastes valuable cutting time. A Speroni M can verify runout, measure length, diameter, radius, and othe measuring icons, and it can also inspect tools for wear. Spend and more time cutting.
The notch-free nut design of our Mega Micro Chuck preven for superior balance and concentricity. It not only eliminates w splattering, but also assures increased strength of the nut it design of the body offers added strength for micro end milling in long reach applications.