IBM and Infor tempt manufacturers with integrated ERP
1 min read
IBM and Infor have launched an integrated hardware and software solution which, they say, can improve the profitability and responsiveness of manufacturers.
Based on IBM's Power7 family of systems and the IBM i operating system, the platform comes with Infor's ERP LX, ERP XA and ERP System21 ERP options.
Charles Germano, global alliance executive for IBM sales and distribution, says the system has been carefully workload-optimised and is easy to install.
He also says that users will be able to streamline their manufacturing processes through automated planning, scheduling and fulfilment. Just as important, he claims that the combination also yields new data intelligence that quickens decision making and reduces administrative costs.
This is the second such industry-specific system from IBM and Infor, the last one being aimed at distribution organisations, and featuring Infor ERP Distribution Enterprise (A+).
That solution was used by Puerto Rico Supplies Group, one of the largest distribution companies in the country, and was credited with helping to boost gross revenues by 10% over one year, while also improving OTIF deliveries by 23%.
Productivity of warehouse workers at its site rose by 44% for packaging refrigerated products and 85% for dry products.
"Manufacturing is a process and each step can dramatically affect profitability," warns Germano. "Gaining more visibility into processes and optimising each step efficiently is crucial for any company wanting to compete globally."
And he adds: "By offering an integrated hardware and software solution that is already tuned to the specific tasks of manufacturers, we are simplifying the IT environment to make this transformation possible."
Nattily dubbed Infor Manufacturing Solution Built with IBM Power Systems, the new package includes three years of premium support, implementation and migration services, as well as customisable software and service options, such as Infor CRM for System i and cloud-based data recovery services.
Manufacturing users can choose either IBM Power 720 Express or IBM Power 740 Express servers as the basis for their IT environment with the I series operating system integrating middleware such as IBM's DB2 database software.
