In my Infor in-depth review, I’m sharing the results of my analysis and evaluation from hands-on testing and experimentation. Before we dive in, if you’re just starting your search for the best enterprise resource planning (ERP) tools, you should first check out my picks for the best ERP software. Infor is one of the top-rated ERP tools out there, but to figure out if it's a good match for you, it's important to understand the software’s benefits and drawbacks.
My in-depth Infor review will take you through everything you need to know to make a more informed decision—pros and cons, features and functionality, pricing, and more—to help you to better understand its capabilities and suitability for your needs.
Infor ERP Software Product Overview
Infor is a comprehensive enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, often utilized by medium to large-sized businesses, including those in industries where software engineers focus on automation to enhance operational efficiency. It allows users to configure it to their specific needs, contributing to its overall rating as a versatile business management solution.
The software provides significant benefits such as improved operational efficiency through automation, enhanced data analysis, and better integration of various business functions. Infor addresses main pain points like complex supply chain management and fragmented data systems. For professionals, especially software engineers, it supports work-life balance by streamlining processes. Its best features include industry-specific solutions, advanced analytics, and global supply chain management capabilities.
Pros
- Industry-Specific Solutions: Infor stands out for its tailored solutions for different industries, ensuring more relevant and effective ERP applications.
- Advanced Analytics: It offers sophisticated analytics tools, providing deep insights into business operations.
- Global Supply Chain Management: Infor excels in managing complex, global supply chains, which is critical for large, multinational companies.
Cons
- Complexity: The software can be complex to implement and use, especially for businesses without a dedicated IT department.
- Cost: Infor can be more expensive than some of its competitors, which might be a barrier for smaller businesses.
- Customization Limitations: Compared to some ERP solutions, Infor may offer less flexibility in customization.
Expert Opinion
In my view, Infor ERP, with its CloudSuite platform, is a robust solution, particularly well-suited for medium to large businesses that require industry-specific functionality. Its design supports the work of associate software engineers and DevOps teams, ensuring that current employees can efficiently address the needs of end users. It outperforms many competitors in industry specialization and global supply chain management but may fall short in terms of ease of customization and implementation complexity, a notable consideration for associate software engineers and DevOps professionals.
While it offers excellent features, its cost and complexity make it less suitable for smaller businesses or those without significant IT resources. Infor is best for companies looking for a deep, industry-focused ERP system that can handle complex, global operations, aligning with the skill sets of associate software engineers and DevOps teams.
Infor: The Bottom Line
Infor distinguishes itself from similar ERP software with its industry-specific solutions and advanced analytics capabilities, particularly in the manufacturing industry. As a good company, noted by former employees, it stands out for its effective management system, which is well-suited to the intricate demands of such sectors. Senior software engineers often appreciate the depth and flexibility of Infor's solutions.
What sets it apart is its ability to provide tailored solutions for various industries, a feature that many ERP tools lack. Particularly good about Infor is its capability to manage complex global supply chains and provide deep operational insights, making it a powerful tool for large, multinational companies. Its most noteworthy features, often praised by former employees and senior engineers, include its specialized industry solutions, advanced data analytics, and robust global supply chain management.
Infor ERP Deep Dive
Here's a deep dive into Infor’s features, best use cases, pricing, customer support, and other purchase factors.
Product Specifications
1. Financial Management - Yes
2. Supply Chain Management - Yes
3. Production Management - Yes
4. Project Management - Yes
5. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) - Yes
6. Human Resources Management (HRM) - Yes
7. Inventory Management - Yes
8. Purchasing Management - Yes
9. Sales Management - Yes
10. Business Intelligence and Analytics - Yes
11. Reporting and Dashboards - Yes
12. Workflow Management - Yes
13. Document Management - Yes
14. Asset Management - Yes
15. Quality Management - Yes
16. Compliance Management - Yes
17. E-commerce Integration - Yes
18. Mobile Access - Yes
19. Cloud Deployment - Yes
20. Data Import/Export - Yes
21. Multi-Currency Support - Yes
22. Multi-Language Support - Yes
23. Customization Tools - Yes
24. API for Integration - Yes
25. Collaborative Tools - Yes
Infor Feature Overview
1. Industry-Specific Solutions: Infor offers tailored solutions for various industries, ensuring relevance and effectiveness.
2. Advanced Analytics: Provides sophisticated analytics for deeper business insights.
3. Global Supply Chain Management: Excels in managing complex, global supply chains.
4. Flexible Cloud Deployment: Offers options for cloud deployment, enhancing scalability and accessibility.
5. Comprehensive HRM: Includes a full suite of HRM tools, from payroll to talent management.
6. Dynamic Financial Management: Robust financial management tools cater to complex global financial requirements.
7. Integrated CRM: Offers integrated CRM for improved customer relationship management.
8. Customizable UI: User interface can be customized to meet specific business needs.
9. E-commerce Integration: Seamlessly integrates with e-commerce platforms.
10. Mobile Access: Mobile capabilities provide flexibility for on-the-go management.
Standout Functionality:
1. Industry-Specific Solutions: Infor's tailored approach to different industries is a key differentiator.
2. Global Supply Chain Capabilities: Its ability to handle complex global supply chain issues stands out.
3. Advanced Analytics and BI: Offers more in-depth analytics and business intelligence than many competitors.
Integrations
Infor provides native integrations with various systems, including financial, CRM, and e-commerce platforms. It offers an API for further integration capabilities. Various add-ons extend the platform's functionality, catering to specific business needs.
Infor Pricing
Pricing is available upon request. You can connect with a Business Development Representative for more information on the company's website.
Infor's pricing tends to be on the higher side compared to basic ERP solutions, given its advanced capabilities and industry-specific solutions. Specific pricing details often depend on the scale of implementation and feature set required.
Ease of Use
Infor's user interface, designed for complex software development, is sophisticated and can present a learning curve, particularly for users new to comprehensive ERP systems. The company's focus on a positive work culture and work environment, including options to work from home, reflects in its system design, which is geared towards facilitating both in-office and remote software development. Its extensive features require thorough onboarding for effective utilization, ensuring that users can adapt to and efficiently navigate the system whether they are in a traditional office setting or working remotely.
Customer Support
Infor provides robust customer support, including documentation, webinars, live chat, and tutorials. However, some users might find navigating through the extensive resources and getting specific issues resolved challenging, especially in complex implementations.
Infor Use Case
Who Would Be A Good Fit For Infor?
In my experience, Infor is particularly well-suited for medium to large businesses in industries that require specialized, industry-specific ERP solutions. The most loyal and avid Infor customers are those in manufacturing, healthcare, distribution, and hospitality, where complex supply chains and specific operational requirements are common. This tool works effectively in environments that demand a deep understanding of industry nuances, where businesses have the infrastructure and resources to leverage Infor's extensive capabilities. Large teams that require comprehensive data analytics, global supply chain management, and detailed financial tracking find Infor particularly beneficial.
Who Would Be A Bad Fit For Infor?
Conversely, Infor may not be the best fit for small businesses or startups due to its complexity and the resources required for successful implementation and maintenance. The most disappointed customers are likely to be those from smaller operations or businesses that need a more straightforward, plug-and-play ERP solution. Environments with limited IT support, simpler operational needs, or tighter budget constraints may find Infor's expansive and detailed system more challenging and less cost-effective.
Infor FAQs
Does Infor offer solutions for specific industries?
Yes, Infor provides industry-specific solutions for various sectors like manufacturing and healthcare.
Can Infor integrate with existing business systems?
Yes, Infor offers integration capabilities with a wide range of business systems.
Is Infor suitable for global supply chain management?
Yes, Infor excels in managing complex global supply chains.
Does Infor provide cloud-based ERP solutions?
Yes, Infor offers flexible cloud deployment options for its ERP solutions.
Can Infor support multi-currency transactions?
Yes, Infor supports multi-currency transactions, catering to global businesses.
Is mobile access available for Infor ERP?
Yes, Infor provides mobile accessibility for convenient management on the go.
Does Infor offer customizable ERP solutions?
Yes, Infor's ERP solutions can be customized to meet specific business needs.
Alternatives to Infor
- SAP ERP: Ideal for large enterprises requiring robust and comprehensive ERP solutions.
- Oracle NetSuite: Best suited for businesses looking for a cloud-native ERP with strong financial management capabilities.
- Microsoft Dynamics 365: A good option for organizations that want seamless integration with other Microsoft products and services.
Infor Company Overview & History
Infor is a global enterprise software company providing a range of solutions, including ERP, supply chain management, asset management, and more. The software is used by a variety of companies, particularly those in manufacturing, healthcare, distribution, and hospitality. Infor is a privately-owned company, with its headquarters located in New York City, USA. While specific notable employees or board members are not publicly highlighted, the company is known for its team of industry-focused professionals. Infor’s mission is to deliver business-specific software that enables companies to achieve sustainable operational advantages. Since its inception, Infor has marked several milestones, including significant acquisitions and product innovations, establishing itself as a key player in the enterprise software market.
Summary
Concluding, Infor presents a robust ERP solution especially tailored for medium to large-sized businesses in industries requiring specialized software. Its strength lies in industry-specific solutions, comprehensive supply chain management, and advanced analytics. While it offers extensive capabilities, its complexity and resource requirements make it less suitable for smaller businesses.
I encourage potential users and those currently using Infor to share their experiences. Real-world insights and discussions can greatly aid others in making an informed decision about whether Infor is the right fit for their business needs.