# Knowledge Articles

## On-Demand Series

### [Elastic MES Guide](https://plex.rockwellautomation.com/en-us/products/manufacturing-execution-system/elastic-mes-guide.html)
Discover elastic MES, a modular, scalable platform that unifies capabilities beyond traditional MES, enabling flexible, autonomous manufacturing operations.

### [Future Robotics And Automation](https://plex.rockwellautomation.com/en-us/knowledge-articles/mes/future-robotics-and-automation.html)
Learn about manufacturing robots and the role they will play in the factory of the future.

### [How to Implement an MES](https://plex.rockwellautomation.com/en-us/knowledge-articles/mes/how-to-implement-an-mes.html)
Learn how to implement MES with clear steps, best practices and tips to boost efficiency, visibility, and production performance.

### [Guide to Production Part Approval Process (PPAP)](https://plex.rockwellautomation.com/en-us/knowledge-articles/mes/guide-production-part-approval-process-ppap.html)
Establish confidence in suppliers and their production process with PPAP. This article covers everything you need to know about how and when to perform PPAP.

### [What is Industry 4.0? Industry 4.0 Technology Guide | Rockwell Automation | Plex | US](https://plex.rockwellautomation.com/en-us/knowledge-articles/mes/what-is-industry-4-0.html)
Explore Industry 4.0, the next industrial revolution powered by IIoT, AI & smart manufacturing to transform production, efficiency and connectivity.

### [Guide to Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) | Rockwell Automation | Plex | US](https://plex.rockwellautomation.com/en-us/knowledge-articles/qms/guide-advanced-product-quality-planning-apqp.html)
Looking to learn more about Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP)? We cover everything from definition to implementation.

### [Automotive Quality Management System: IATF 16949 | Rockwell Automation | Plex | US](https://plex.rockwellautomation.com/en-us/industries/automotive/automotive-quality-management-system-iatf-16949.html)
Perform at the highest possible standards with an automotive quality management system. Learn about the IATF standards and benefits here.

### [Guide to Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) | Rockwell Automation | Plex | US](https://plex.rockwellautomation.com/en-us/industries/automotive/guide-failure-mode-and-effects-analysis-fmea.html)
Learn how FMEA helps manufacturers predict failures, reduce risk and improve product quality with this clear, practical guide to using FMEA effectively.

### [Digitization Shop Floor Quality Control Systems](https://plex.rockwellautomation.com/en-us/industries/automotive/digitization-shop-floor-quality-control-systems.html)
Discover how Plex QMS helps automotive suppliers meet FMEA and supplier quality requirements with connected, real-time, and auditable shop floor quality systems.

### [Why ERP is Crucial to the Automotive Industry | Plex](https://plex.rockwellautomation.com/en-us/industries/automotive/why-erp-crucial-automotive-industry.html)
ERP is essential to the automotive industry. Find out why you should be using ERP software to refine your manufacturing processes.

### [Food & Beverage ERP | Rockwell Automation | Plex | US](https://plex.rockwellautomation.com/en-us/industries/food-and-beverage/food-beverage-erp.html)
Take control of your Food & Beverage ERP with purpose-built solutions and find out why F&B manufacturers prefer Plex systems.

### [Guide to Food Traceability | Rockwell Automation | Plex | US](https://plex.rockwellautomation.com/en-us/industries/food-and-beverage/food-traceability.html)
Explore food traceability and how Plex helps improve food safety, compliance, and visibility across the food and beverage supply chain.

### [Food Manufacturing Software: MES – PLEX | Rockwell Automation | Plex | US](https://plex.rockwellautomation.com/en-us/industries/food-and-beverage/why-mes-critical-food-and-beverage-manufacturers.html)
Learn why MES is critical for manufacturing in the food and beverage industry, and how PLEX can optimize your plant floor.

### [Type of Quality Management Systems | Rockwell Automation | Plex | US](https://plex.rockwellautomation.com/en-us/products/quality-management-system/types-quality-management-systems.html)
Discover types of Quality Management Systems, from ISO standards to digital solutions, and find the best QMS for your manufacturing needs.

### [What is a QMS? | Rockwell Automation | Plex | US](https://plex.rockwellautomation.com/en-us/products/quality-management-system/what-quality-management-system-qms.html)
Learn what a Quality Management System (QMS) is and how it streamlines processes, ensures compliance, and improves product quality.

### [What Is Connected Manufacturing And Why Care](https://plex.rockwellautomation.com/en-us/products/analytics-and-industrial-iot/what-is-connected-manufacturing-and-why-care.html)
Learn about connected manufacturing and how it works with IIoT. This article covers why businesses should prioritize using AI in manufacturing.

### [What is the IIoT? | Rockwell Automation | Plex | US](https://plex.rockwellautomation.com/en-us/products/analytics-and-industrial-iot/what-is-iiot.html)
Looking for more information on the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)? This article covers what IIoT is, why it's important and how it's used in manufacturing.

### [Inventory As A Percent Of Sales](https://plex.rockwellautomation.com/en-us/products/supply-chain/inventory-as-a-percent-of-sales.html)
Discover how understanding inventory as a percentage of sales can help businesses measure working capital and optimize their inventory.

### [About Sales And Operations Planning](https://plex.rockwellautomation.com/en-us/products/supply-chain/about-sales-and-operations-planning.html)
Understand how manufacturers can use Sales & Operation Planning (S&OP) to improve customer service, reduce costs, and drive higher profitability.

### [Supply Chain Planning Strategic Planning And Operations](https://plex.rockwellautomation.com/en-us/products/supply-chain/supply-chain-planning-strategic-planning-and-operations.html)
Learn how Supply Chain Planning software automates processes, provides robust inventory forecasting and can empower teams to reduce costs through better, more precise planning.

### [MRP In An Uncertain World](https://plex.rockwellautomation.com/en-us/products/supply-chain/mrp-in-an-uncertain-world.html)
Learn more about MRP and how companies are using modern systems to manage material requirements within factories to improve efficiency and cost.

### [Implementing a Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) Process](https://plex.rockwellautomation.com/en-us/products/supply-chain/implementing-sales-and-operations-planning-sop.html)
Use our Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process overview as a template to define the roles, responsibilities, and timing of each step in your own strategy.

### [MRP Software For SMBs](https://plex.rockwellautomation.com/en-us/products/supply-chain/mrp-software-for-smbs.html)
Discover how disruptive technology can help small and medium-sized businesses match the pace of larger companies in technology, tools and infrastructure.

### [Demand Management: A Critical Success Factor in the Food and Beverages Industry](https://plex.rockwellautomation.com/en-us/products/supply-chain/demand-management-a-critical-success-factor-in-the-food-and-beverages-industry.html)
An agile demand management process is critical for success in the food & beverage industry. Optimize your demand management process with these five tips.