Managing a manufacturing business is no small feat. Every process, from inventory management to production scheduling, demands precision and efficiency. This is where Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems come into play, serving as the backbone of modern manufacturing operations.
Among the top choices in the market is Infor SyteLine ERP, a solution designed specifically to meet the needs of manufacturers like you. With Infor ERP, you can streamline operations, improve decision-making, and ultimately raise your bottom line.
What Is Infor ERP?
Infor ERP, also known as Infor SyteLine CloudSuite ERP, is a comprehensive suite of software solutions tailored to the manufacturing industry. It integrates all aspects of your business—from procurement and production to sales and customer service—into a single, cohesive system. Unlike generic ERP solutions, Infor ERP offers specialized ERP modules for various manufacturing processes, ensuring that each aspect of your operation is covered.
One of the standout features of Infor ERP is its focus on industry-specific functionalities. Whether you’re in automotive, aerospace, or food processing, Infor ERP has modules designed to handle the unique challenges of your industry. This specialization not only reduces the need for extensive customization but also speeds up the implementation process, allowing you to see benefits sooner.
What Types of Businesses Use Infor ERP?
Infor SyteLine ERP is popular among a wide range of manufacturing businesses, from small to large enterprises. If your business deals with complex supply chains, multiple production sites, or stringent compliance requirements, Infor ERP is built to handle these challenges.
We find that Infor is the perfect option for manufacturers up to $1 billion in annual revenue, but larger companies have success with Infor as well.
For small and mid-sized manufacturers, Infor ERP provides the scalability needed to grow without overcomplicating operations. You can start with the core modules that address your immediate needs and add more as your business grows. Large enterprises, on the other hand, benefit from Infor ERP’s ability to manage intricate global operations while maintaining control over local processes.
Some examples of businesses that use Infor SyteLine include:
- Zildjian
- Ferrari
- Electrolux
- AmerisourceBergen Corp
- Lenovo
What Are the Benefits of Infor ERP?
You may already know the benefits of ERP systems for manufacturers like you, but here are some benefits of Infor specifically.
1. Automate Your Operations
Infor ERP excels at integrating various business functions into one seamless system. Imagine your procurement team automatically receiving alerts when inventory levels drop, triggering a reorder from your preferred supplier. Meanwhile, your production team gets real-time updates on material availability, reducing downtime and keeping production on schedule.
2. Leverage Data in Real Time
Manufacturing as an industry is like a large, complex machine. By the time you solve one problem, a new issue arises. That’s why access to real-time data is crucial.
Infor ERP provides dashboards and analytics that give you up-to-the-minute insights into every aspect of your business. Furthermore, Infor is one of the few ERP companies that hired designers to build its interface, making using dashboards and other tools super simple.
Whether you’re tracking production output, monitoring supply chain performance, or analyzing financial data, Infor ERP ensures that you have the information you need, when you need it.
3. Scale at a Faster Pace
As your business grows, so do your operational needs. Infor ERP is designed to scale with your business, allowing you to add new modules and functionalities when you need them. This scalability means you won’t outgrow your ERP system, avoiding the costly and time-consuming process of migrating to a new platform.
4. User-Friendly Interface
A key advantage of Infor ERP is its user-friendly interface. Your team members, from shop floor operators to senior managers, will find the system intuitive and easy to use. This reduces the learning curve and ensures that your team can start using the system effectively from day one.
How Much Does Infor ERP Cost?
The short answer is that Infor SyteLine CloudSuite Industrial typically costs around $200 per user per month.
However, the truth is that the cost of Infor ERP, or any ERP system, can vary widely depending on several factors. These include the size of your business, the modules you choose to implement, the number of users, and whether you opt for on-premise or cloud ERP deployment.
For small businesses, initial costs will be lower because small businesses are less likely to need extensive customization. However, larger enterprises generally require more customization, resulting in higher costs. In addition to the software licensing fees, you should also budget for consulting costs, implementation costs, training, and ongoing support.
While the investment in Infor ERP can be significant, the return on investment (ROI) of an ERP system often justifies the cost. With increased efficiency, reduced operational costs, and better decision-making capabilities, Infor ERP pays for itself over time.
How Do You Implement Infor ERP?
Implementing Infor SyteLine ERP is a structured process that requires careful planning and execution. The first step is to conduct a thorough assessment of your current operations and identify areas where Infor ERP can add the most value. This involves mapping out your existing processes and determining which modules and features of Infor ERP will best meet your needs.
Once the assessment is complete, you can begin the implementation process, which typically includes the following steps:
- Project Planning: Define the scope, timeline, and resources needed for the implementation. Select an ERP project manager.
- Data Migration: Transfer existing data into the new system, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
- System Configuration: Customize Infor ERP to fit your business processes.
- Training: Equip your team with the knowledge and skills they need to use the system effectively. Infor offers a rigorous User Adoption Platform, which your consultant can assist with.
- Go-Live: Launch the system in a phased approach, starting with core functionalities and gradually rolling out additional modules.
Throughout the implementation, ask for feedback. It’s important to involve key stakeholders and maintain open communication to address any challenges that arise. For example, we find employees often initially resist switching from current systems and learning an ERP system. Change management best practices can reduce resistance and even get employees excited about Infor.
How Long Does Infor ERP Implementation Take?
The timeline for implementing Infor ERP can vary based on several factors, including the size of your business, the complexity of your operations, and the level of customization required. On average, a typical implementation can take anywhere from six months to two years.
For smaller businesses with straightforward processes, the timeline may be shorter, especially if you’re implementing standard modules with minimal customization. However, larger enterprises with complex operations and multiple locations may require more time to fully implement and integrate the system.
Regardless of your business size, it’s essential to avoid rushing the implementation process. Take your time thoroughly planning and executing each phase to guarantee successful deployment and minimize disruptions to your operations.
Do I Need an Infor ERP Consultant?
Deciding whether to bring in an ERP consultant depends on your internal resources and expertise. An experienced Infor ERP consultant can guide you through the implementation process, helping you avoid common pitfalls and making sure that the system is configured to meet your specific needs.
Consultants bring a wealth of knowledge from previous implementations, allowing them to identify potential challenges early on and recommend best practices. They can also assist with training your team, ensuring that everyone is comfortable using the system once it’s live.
On the other hand, if your organization has a dedicated IT team with experience in ERP systems, you may opt to handle the implementation in-house. This approach can save costs, but you need to know that your team has the necessary expertise to manage the process effectively.
Let’s Discover If Infor ERP Is Right for You
Implementing an ERP system is a major project, but with Infor ERP, you’re investing in a solution designed specifically for manufacturers. From streamlining operations to providing real-time data and scalability, Infor ERP offers many benefits that will drive your business forward.
As you consider your options, remember that the success of your ERP implementation depends not only on the software itself but also on how well it aligns with your business goals and processes. Contact our Infor experts at Godlan Inc. As an Infor Gold Channel Partner, we have over 40 years of experience helping manufacturing businesses reach and exceed their goals with ERP implementation.
