Unveiling Infor: The Software Giant You Should Know About

In today’s fast-paced tech world, Infor remains a hidden gem. Few outside the industry have heard much about it, and even software insiders often know little about the impressive portfolio of products it has amassed. However, Infor is a substantial player in the software business, boasting over 17,000 employees and serving 68,000 customers across 170 countries.

Founded in 2002, Infor’s journey to prominence was largely shaped under the leadership of Charles Phillips, who had previously co-piloted Oracle’s expansion, overseeing significant acquisitions like Peoplesoft and Siebel. Infor adopted a growth strategy centered on acquisitions, with notable purchases including Baan LN and Intentia’s M3 (Movex) solutions from SSA and Lawson, respectively. These acquisitions played a pivotal role in Infor’s foray into the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) market.

For those who have been in the industry for some time, Baan was a familiar name in discrete manufacturing, automotive, and aerospace & defense. Surprisingly, many discovered Infor’s ownership of Baan LN only after joining the company. Baan was previously owned by SSA before Infor’s acquisition in 2003. The Dutch ERP software company had a strong presence in discrete manufacturing, successfully competing with SAP in the 90s.

In a testament to Infor’s adaptability, Baan LN was completely re-architected for the cloud. Today, LN serves as the ERP engine behind Infor’s CloudSuite Industrial Enterprise applications, catering to industrial manufacturing, automotive OEMs and suppliers, and aerospace & defense. Its impressive customer base reads like a “who’s who” in the automotive world, and its scalability makes it suitable for startups, offering a platform for future growth. Private equity firms favor LN for its rapid deployment capabilities, considering it a credible SAP alternative.

The same transformation applied to Intentia’s M3/Movex product, acquired during the Lawson acquisition. M3 was also re-architected for the cloud, driving Infor’s CloudSuite solutions for food & beverage, distribution, plant & equipment rental, and fashion. These industry-specific solutions have garnered recognition for their rich capabilities.

So, why should you consider Infor when selecting a new ERP system?

1. Industry-Specific Solutions: Infor specializes in industry-specific solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of businesses in various sectors, ensuring faster implementation and better results.
2. User-Friendly Interface: Infor recently unveiled a user-friendly interface, enhancing user adoption and reducing training costs.
3. Flexibility and Scalability: Infor’s ERP solutions are adaptable and scalable, enabling businesses to respond swiftly to changing needs without costly overhauls.
4. Cloud-Based Solutions: Cloud-based solutions offer lower upfront costs, enhanced security, agility, and the ability to embrace innovations quickly.
5. Industry-Leading Innovation: Infor invests heavily in research and development, staying at the forefront of AI, machine learning, predictive analytics, and robotic process automation (RPA).
6. Edge Solutions: Infor complements its ERP with solutions for warehouse management, supply chain planning, human capital management, and more, ensuring a comprehensive suite of offerings.

Overall, Infor presents a compelling proposition with its industry-specific focus, user-friendly interface, flexibility, scalability, and cloud-based solutions. With a commitment to innovation, Infor is a strong contender for businesses seeking a new ERP system.

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