Plex Systems Inc. of Auburn Hills developed Plex Online, a software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution for manufacturers. Plex Online offers industry-leading features for virtually every department within a manufacturer, including manufacturing operations management (MOM) and quality management systems (QMS) for the shop floor, customer relationship management (CRM) for sales and marketing, supply chain management (SCM) for procurement, and enterprise resource planning (ERP) for finance and management. Delivering a “shop floor to top floor” view of a manufacturer’s operations, Plex Online enables management to run its business at maximum efficiency, noted Mark Symonds, president and CEO. Founded in 1995, Plex Systems initially delivered traditional software systems, but came to the realization that many projects were too costly, time consuming and difficult for both the firm and its customers. “The entrepreneurial team felt that the time would come when the traditional approach would not be practical or competitive,” Symonds said. “Plex Online is a complete, comprehensive state-of-the-art system serving manufacturers in automotive, aerospace/defense, industrial, medical devices and food/beverage industries.” The company added a user-friendly customization tool, VisionPlex, in late 2008 with a subscription-only pricing structure and disaster recovery capabilities. “With other enhancements in 2009, Plex Online has emerged as a breakthrough technology innovator helping manufacturers of all sizes, in all industries, meet the challenges of today’s economic and business environment,” Symonds said. Web-hosted Plex Online is always up to date, with new opt-in enhancements available every day.
www.plex.com
RazorThreat Inc. of Pontiac creates leading-edge malware-detection software and services that protect its clients’ intellectual capital and personal, financial and health information from known and yet-to-be-discovered threats that get through existing firewalls and intrusion detection, intrusion prevention and other security software. “RazorThreat’s products and services benefit society by protecting the personal, financial and health identity of individuals, the intellectual capital and trade secrets of businesses and the intelligence and military information of our federal government,” said Greg Guidice, CEO. “RazorThreat plays an active role in our country’s defense against cyber crime and cyber warfare.” www.razorthreat.com
The Center for Venture Capital and Private Equity Finance oversees the finance and investment component of entrepreneurial studies at the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan. The center contributes to entrepreneurial education and programs – as a part of the school’s Samuel Ell & Robert H. Lurie Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies – while disseminating its core knowledge of entrepreneurial finance, venture capital and private equity investment to the business community. Established in 1994 under the direction of Professor David J. Brophy, CVP connects the school’s entrepreneurial network to the financial community through its annual Michigan Growth Capital Symposium. “From early fur traders to Henry Ford today’s startups, Michigan is rooted in entrepreneurship,” Brophy said. “Our state is now on the cusp of dramatic transformation to a knowledge-based economy and is welcoming in every way to companies engaged in applications of science and technology to the demands of a growing world population. Our strong educational institutions, strategic logistical position, and our population’s core of tacit knowledge in engineering and manufacturing are gaining market recognition and making the state an attractive place for new and established businesses to locate.” The state has attractive resources for technology-based entrepreneurs, from events to business plan competitions, to lab and incubator space, he added. For instance, Ann Arbor SPARK in Southeastern Michigan, and Lakeshore Advantage on the west side of the State provide office space, services and resources to entrepreneurs. www.bus.umich.edu/CVP/