Dressing on credit

Today there was a story published in the Lapeer County Press about my daughter Brittany Hayward. It was written by Staff Reporter Jennifer Decker and can be found on the Lapeer County Press website. I’ve added photo’s to Jennifer’s story below.

Thank you to all of our friends, family and fellow employees at Plexus Systems, Inc. for saving all of the credit cards for her. A special thanks goes out to Blockbuster, Walmart and JW Marriott for donating those last few gift cards and room keys that were needed for Brittany to finish her dress "The Key to Credit".

Now to Jennifer Decker's article:
Dressmakers usually make their works from cotton or chiffon, but Brittany Hayward opted for something different and chose credit cards. Complete with earring, necklace and bow accessories also made with credit cards.



The 18-year-old Lapeer West High School senior spent two years alone collecting the cards. She made the dress in studio art class. Hayward said it took a few months to make because she had to drill all the holes in the credit cards.

Hayward is taught by West art teachers Nancy Barry, Jeanine Smith, and Jeff Bolzman.

"Brittany is gifted," Barry said. "A lot of her 2-dimensional crosses into the 3-dimensional area. Not only is her dress a cool idea, technologically the design is nice. Somebody else might've thought of this, but they wouldn't have designed this."

Barry gave Hayward some film strips and challenged her to make art out of it. Hayward's end piece? She used her imagination and made a purse.

Her other art pieces have included a dress made by men's dress ties.

Hayward's credit card dress will be entered into scholastic regional competition in January.

Hayward aspires for a career in art, but really likes working with glass. "I really like glass," she said. "It's challenging. Things break and it's unpredictable."

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Going Beyond the Hype; Manufacturing Software Enables Companies to Improve

Plexus Systems, providers of Plexus Online on-demand software for the manufacturing enterprise, today announced the availability of an informative whitepaper for manufacturers. It's entitled 'ERP Traceability Functions: Going Beyond the Hype; How Manufacturing Software Enables Companies to Improve Quality Operations and Control Warranty Costs.' The free whitepaper is available for download from Plexus Online.

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10 Strategies for Choosing a Midmarket ERP Solution

The read more link below will lead you to a white paper that is available for download at InsideCRM.com. The article covers 10 Strategies for Choosing a Midmarket ERP Solution. Number 4 mentions Plexus Online.

Think outside the (shrink-wrapped) box. Many SMBs are forgoing traditional means of buying and installing ERP solutions as IT executives discover the power of SaaS (software as a service). For example, Plexus Systems Inc. designs ERP and other systems, mostly for manufacturing and engineering customers. The company’s Plexus Online makes use of the SaaS model to provide more than 350 functional modules, including ERP. “Manufacturers pick and choose the modules needed for their unique business operations,” said company president Mark
Symonds.

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ERP Implementation — Plexus

Plante & Moran not only offers objective, experienced evaluation, selection and contract review and negotiation services for the acquisition of ERP systems, but we also offer implementation services. We are an implementation alliance partner of Plexus Systems’ Plexus Online ERP system, which provides extensive functionality for the automotive, medical device as well as aerospace and defense manufacturing verticals via an on-demand delivery model.

Plexus provides a fully integrated, total enterprise solution including modules that support Quoting, Engineering, EDI/Release Accounting, Customer Relationship Management, Lean Manufacturing, Production Planning and Scheduling, Manufacturing Execution (MES), Inventory Control, Bar Code Labeling, Quality, Tooling, Maintenance, Cost Accounting, Finance, Payroll, Human Resources, Time and Attendance and Document Management.

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Fast Lane - Positive outlook at Plexus Systems, Inc.

How Mark Symonds gets employees to celebrate change at Plexus Systems Inc. Smart Business spoke with Symonds about how to put a positive spin on change. “It has to start at the top, and then not tolerate behaviors that go counter to that — starting at the top and just reinforcing it every day, calling out good behaviors and privately talking...

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START-IT Reveals the Top Technologies for Manufacturing

Today, START-IT magazine announced the winners of the first Top 50 Technologies Awards.

The Top 50 Technologies Awards honor products that target the manufacturing space and help companies to improve their business practices. Winning products were gauged on their uniqueness and functionality in the market.

"The products selected as winners in the first Top 50 Technologies possess unique capabilities and characteristics in today's marketplace. While considering hundreds of applicants, the editors of START-IT chose products that fit the needs of the manufacturing community," said Peggy Smedley, editorial director of START-IT. "These companies are providing manufacturers with innovative and emerging technologies that enhance revenue opportunities and improve business practices."

Recently, a START-IT survey showed that 51% of manufacturers will spend $50,000 or more on technology in the coming year. As manufacturers move toward spending more on innovative technology, the advantage of providing leading-edge solutions becomes more profitable. "The winners of the Top 50 Technologies are playing a crucial role in the advancement of today's technology, and the companies listed here may well be the beneficiary of manufacturers' investment in 2008," added Smedley.

The winners of the 2008 Top 50 Technologies are:

Abas ERP from Abas Software
Throughput Analyzer from Activplant Corporations
Adobe Acrobat 3D Version 8 from Adobe Systems Inc.
Arena Solutions from Arena Solutions
InventorLT from Autodesk
Axeda ServiceLink 5 from Axeda Corp.
Create!form from Bottomline Technologies
Enterprise Returns Management from ClearOrbit
Click Commerce Network Logistics from Click Commerce
Workforce Management 3D from CyberShift, Inc.
3DLive from Dassault Systemes
E2open from E2open
Esker DeliveryWare from Esker
Frontier 2.2 from Friedman Corporation
Docu-Proof 3.0.1 from Global Vision Inc.
Managed Services from GXS
Business FLEX from Honeywell Process Solutions
OneWireless from Honeywell Process Solutions
Incuity EMI from Incuity Software Inc.
Infor SCM Warehouse Management from Infor
Infor PLM Optiva from Infor
Infor ERP LN from Infor
QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions Manufacturing Ed. 7.0 from Intuit Inc.
Point Of Sale from John Gault Solutions
Kronos for Manufacturing from Kronos Inc.
Lawson QuickStep Fashion from Lawson Software
Voyager Solutions from Logility, Inc.
Metastorm BPM from Metastorm
Direct Part Marking from Motorola
Tier Nth from National Logistics Management
NetSuite from NetSuite, Inc.
Omnify Product Lifecycle Management from Omnify Software
Plexus Online from Plexus Systems
Preactor APS from Preactor International
QAD Enterprise Applications 2007 from QAD Inc.
Ramco Business Process Delivery Suite from Ramco Systems
Enterprise Intelligence Platform from SAS
Savvion BusinessManager 7.0 from Savvion
Teamcenter 2007 from Siemens PLM Software
Enterprise RTView from SL Corporation
SmartForecasts Enterprise from Smart Software
SolidWorks Intelligent Feature Technology from SolidWorks Corp.
Sterling Selling and Fulfillment Suite from Sterling Commerce
Fluid Interface Design from SYSPRO
Demand Sensing from Terra Technology
Collaborative Information Manager from TIBCO Software
The Niagra Framework from Tridium, Inc.
Visiprise Manufacturing from Visiprise, Inc.
S2K Enterprise Edition for Manufacturing from Vormittag Associates, Inc.
RFID Real-Time Locating System from WhereNet Corp., a Zebra Technologies co.

To read more about the winners, don't miss the Fall issue of START-IT.

Plexus Online Named to Emerging 40 Vendors

Industry leaders and the publication's editors chose Plexus Online due to its domain expertise, which is cited as a need in the manufacturing industry. Plexus Systems, Inc. is distinguished among software vendors by its software as a service (SaaS) distribution model and innovative use of technology.

"This recognition by Manufacturing Business Technology is an honor for our Plexus Systems team," remarked Mark Symonds, Plexus Systems Chief Executive Officer. "The award confirms the value provided to our global customers in automotive, aerospace, defense and medical device manufacturing. Plexus Online enables them to achieve superior performance, improved efficiencies, and reduced costs."

According to Manufacturing Business Technology, the technologies included in this year's roster of the 40 vendors are forging the next generation of technology and process innovation.

Plexus Online is an on-demand solution, building on the SaaS model pioneered by Salesforce.com and NetSuite. Plexus Online offers over 350 functional modules, providing companies instant access to vital information and management functions using a simple web browser. The on-demand solution features enterprise resource planning (ERP) functions such as accounting and finance modules, customer relationship management (CRM) features such as order entry and tracking, manufacturing execution systems (MES) function such as production scheduling and machine integration, and supply chain management (SCM) functions such as supplier quality and traceability.

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Plexus Online Provides Traceability Function To Help Manufacturers Improve

Improve Quality, Warranty, & Cost

The ability to trace individual components and 'lots' is becoming increasingly vital to industries that must comply with strict customer mandates and government regulation. Plexus Online helps manufacturers meet and exceed industry mandates, especially those in automotive, aerospace/defense, medical device and food production.

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Radio Pirate DJ - "This Is Life, This Is Living."

I don’t often blog about things other than Plexus but this is one blog that has nothing to do with Plexus Online.

On Friday October 19th, I was invited by Michael & Brittany to attend the Flint Generals hockey game. The Flint Generals are working hard at rebuilding the tradition of Flint hockey in 2007 and the band Michael is playing with Radio Pirate DJ was chosen as the band to help with the rebuilding effort on opening night. As one of Michigans top unsigned bands Radio Pirate DJ opened the night in front of a crowd of 2851 fans. I was very impressed with “Radio Pirate DJ” it was the first time I’ve had the chance to see Mike Reed play live.

Radio Pirate DJ is almost ready release their new CD "This Is Life, This Is Living." The songs on the soon to be released CD “this is life, this is living” are of the caliber will put them over the top and on the way to living their dream and breaking hearts. They have a few demos of the soon to be released CD on their MySpace.

The CD is getting it’s finishing touches now and on Friday October 26th the photoshoot for "This Is Life, This Is Living." with Nicole Rork was held in Detroit. She is an amazing photographer and Radio Pirate DJ’s "This Is Life, This Is Living." will have some fantastic photo shots.

Want to see them live? You can find their show schedule on MySpace.

This is a link to video from the Radio Pirate DJ show at the Royal Oak Music Theater on October 17th 2007

Josh LaFave - Vocals/Guitar, Drew Easton - Drummer, Michael Reed- Vocals/Bass, Bryan Aldrich-Keyboard/Synth, J.R. Augustine- Vocals/Guitar

Detroit Pistons visit Plexus Systems

The Detroit Pistons Players Rip Hamilton, Antonio McDyess and Lindsey Hunter go the extra mile to visit Plexus Systems, Inc. There is no better way to have your season tickets delivered than by the players themselves. Thank You!

Mike Hart and Antonio McDyess

Dennis Heyza and Rip Hamilton

Deanna Gernert (Oakland University Co-Op employee) and Lindsey Hunter and happy employee faces all around.

Brittany Hayward (Lapeer West High School Co-Op employee) and the vintage 1957 Chevy the Detroit Pistons drove to visit Plexus Systems.

Detroit Pistons Visit Plexus Online

They gave me (Kim Hayward) a hat during the visit and Rip Hamilton was nice enough to sign it. The hat also contains signatures from Antonio McDyess and Lindsey Hunter. It now resides in my office at Plexus Systems in Auburn Hills, Michigan. I'm such a SAP for events at Plexus Online Software.

I'm going to bet that Tim McGookey (Kettering University Co-Op employee) now holds the most coveted Plexus Online basketball on earth. These basketballs have been our giveaway’s at many March tradeshows and have been our tie in to March Madness spirit. Nice move Tim.

Lisa Hosner awaits the players in the 57 Chevy! Lisa the team driver?

Rip Hamilton, Lindsey Hunter and Antonio McDyess, head out after a tour of Myles Wohl's office. Myles has the “Plexus Pistons” best decorated "fan office" here at Plexus. You can view a photo of Myles in his office with the players at http://www.nba.com/pistons/news/extramile_071010.html

It's photo number 9.

Lies My Software Vendor Told Me

There is a direct correlation between the number of people using the system and the validity, timeliness and usefulness of the information. User based pricing discourages broad use and results in suboptimal implementations. Vendors are able to present a low initial price that seems very appealing.

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The Traceability Advantage

Plexus Systems, Inc. Mark Symonds, CEO published by Quality Magazine. To read the entire article click the "read more" link.

The technology solution also included effective problem control systems used to manage corrective action reports, customer concerns, online supplier management and problem solving. Parts traceability technology solutions work to eliminate recalls by providing real-time reports on the machines, components, stations, shifts and operators involved in the defective product and processes before the product is shipped. These technology features also identify defects prior to customer delivery to reduce in-process costs, along with facilitating design changes that improve a part’s performance.

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7 Things you may not know about Plexus:Software as a Service (SaaS)

Here are Seven more things you may not know about Plexus. This is an continuation blog related to the 11 things you may not know and 9 things you may not know.

1. Matt Harrell, the Chief Security Officer at Plexus, holds a black belt in Shorin-Ryu karate.

2. Ctrl-P will bring up the printer dialog to print the screen.

3. There is free food and soda in the break rooms at Plexus.

4. The Maintenance System allows you to define specific machine parameters. These measured values can be graphed over time and used for Predictive Maintenance.

5. The Plexus Sales and CRM system can take many forms, depending on the specific requirements.

6. Plexus Systems owns the registered trademark for Scanban® —the concept of a bar coded Kanban Card that is tracked electronically through the shop.

7. Dealer direct shipments are processed by populating the order number and dealer number on page 3 of the customer release.

Jerry Foster’s You Tube Video Provides Hope & Breath of Fresh Air

It’s very compelling and complementary when you find a blog that is just wishing Plexus Online was focusing on their industry. In Delyan Raychev’s blog today he has explained SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) and hopes for our entry into the Higher Education market to relieve this market from the high cost that SAP and Sunguard have driven into it.

Jerry Foster’s YouTube video is referenced in Delyan’s blog as a great example of SaaS and he lists the following as the key bullets from Jerry’s video.

• SaaS (specifically Plexus Online) promises 99.9 uptime 24/7
• always "latest and greatest" software for each customer - monthly, daily, hourly updates
• SaaS is mature - not future but past - Plexus Systems have been providing it for 9 years

Delyan, Plexus Online is dedicated to focusing 100% of our resources on the manufacturing market and has no current plans to change that direction. You’ve provided a compelling call for Plexus Online to help in your industry. Maybe Someday…

You can view Delyan’s entire blog entry HERE.