Best infor xi consulting providers

Navigating the complex world of Infor Xi implementations can feel like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded. To truly unlock the potential of your Infor investment and streamline your business operations, you need top-tier guidance. So, who are the best Infor Xi consulting providers out there? Firms like Avaap, fortiusone, and Grant Thornton consistently stand out for their deep expertise, proven track records, and comprehensive service offerings. They’ve repeatedly demonstrated the ability to deliver tangible ROI and help organizations maximize their Infor Xi platforms. For more insights into leading Infor consulting services, you can explore resources like Best infor xi consulting providers.

Why Expert Infor Xi Consulting is Non-Negotiable for Business Transformation

Think of your Infor Xi implementation as a major construction project.

Would you trust it to just anyone, or would you hire the best architects and engineers? Similarly, achieving optimal performance from your Infor Xi suite—whether it’s LN, M3, CloudSuite, or others—demands specialized knowledge.

This isn’t just about “setting it up”. it’s about reimagining your business processes, migrating critical data, ensuring seamless integration, and ultimately, driving significant operational efficiencies and strategic growth.

The True Cost of DIY Do-It-Yourself Infor Xi Implementations

Many organizations, in an attempt to save money, try to handle Infor Xi implementations in-house. While admirable in spirit, this often leads to costly delays, budget overruns, and suboptimal outcomes. According to a 2022 survey by Panorama Consulting Group, 55% of ERP projects experience budget overruns, and 51% face schedule delays. These numbers jump significantly higher for organizations that lack external expert guidance. The hidden costs of going solo include:

• Extended Go-Live Dates: Internal teams, unfamiliar with the nuances of Infor Xi, often underestimate timelines.
• Suboptimal Configuration: Without best practices, your system might not be configured to its full potential, leading to missed opportunities for automation and efficiency.
• Data Migration Headaches: This is often the trickiest part, and errors here can cripple your operations.
• User Adoption Challenges: Poorly planned implementations often result in resistance from end-users, negating the system’s benefits.
• Increased Support Needs: A botched implementation means more post-launch issues, diverting internal resources from core business activities.

The Value Proposition of Top-Tier Infor Xi Consultants

Leading Infor Xi consultants bring a blend of technical prowess, industry-specific knowledge, and project management discipline.

They act as strategic partners, guiding you through every phase from initial planning to post-implementation support. Their value proposition includes:

• Accelerated Implementation Timelines: They leverage methodologies and tools developed over years, reducing time-to-value.
• Optimized System Configuration: Consultants ensure your Infor Xi suite is tailored to your unique business processes, not just a generic setup.
• Risk Mitigation: They identify potential pitfalls early, preventing costly errors and ensuring compliance.
• Enhanced User Training and Adoption: Expert consultants know how to prepare your team for the new system, fostering enthusiasm rather than resistance.
• Strategic Business Alignment: They help you leverage Infor Xi not just as a software tool, but as a catalyst for achieving broader business objectives.

Key Attributes of the Best Infor Xi Consulting Providers

When evaluating potential Infor Xi consulting partners, it’s not enough to just look at their client list.

You need to dig deeper into their core capabilities and methodologies.

The best providers share several critical attributes that set them apart.

Deep Industry-Specific Expertise

One size does not fit all in the world of ERP. Best genesys consulting services

An Infor Xi consultant who specializes in manufacturing might not be the best fit for a healthcare organization. The top firms boast:

• Vertical Market Specialization: They understand the unique regulatory requirements, business processes, and jargon of specific industries like discrete manufacturing, process manufacturing, distribution, public sector, or healthcare. For example, a consultant specializing in manufacturing knows the intricacies of production planning, supply chain management, and quality control within Infor LN.
• Proven Track Record within Your Sector: Look for case studies and client testimonials from companies in your industry that have successfully implemented Infor Xi with their help.
• Certified Professionals with Relevant Experience: The best consultants often have certifications in specific Infor products e.g., Infor M3, Infor CloudSuite Financials and extensive experience within your industry.

Comprehensive Service Offerings

A true partner offers end-to-end support, not just isolated services. This typically includes:

• Strategy & Roadmap Development: Helping you define your Infor Xi vision and how it aligns with your long-term business goals. This involves assessing current systems, identifying pain points, and mapping out future state processes.
• Implementation & Rollout: From solution design and configuration to data migration, testing, and go-live support. This is the core service, ensuring your Infor Xi suite is correctly deployed.
• Integration Services: Connecting Infor Xi with other critical business systems e.g., CRM, e-commerce platforms, third-party logistics. This often involves using Infor ION Intelligent Open Network or API management.
• Training & Change Management: Equipping your team with the skills and mindset needed to embrace the new system, which is crucial for user adoption and ROI. A 2023 McKinsey report on change management indicated that 70% of change initiatives fail due to employee resistance and lack of management support.

Robust Methodologies and Project Management

Chaos is the enemy of successful implementations.

The best providers adhere to structured, agile, and transparent methodologies.

• Agile Implementation Approaches: Moving away from rigid waterfall methods, many top consultants embrace agile, iterative approaches that allow for flexibility, continuous feedback, and quicker realization of benefits. This can significantly reduce risk and increase project success rates.
• Clear Communication and Reporting: Regular status updates, risk registers, and clear lines of communication are vital. You should always know where your project stands.
• Defined Milestones and Deliverables: Every phase of the project should have clearly defined goals and measurable outcomes.
• Risk Management Frameworks: Proactive identification and mitigation of potential issues, from technical glitches to user adoption challenges.
• Post-Implementation Support & Handover: A smooth transition from the project team to your internal support team, with clear documentation and knowledge transfer.

Top Contenders for Infor Xi Consulting Excellence

While the “best” can be subjective and depend on your specific needs, several firms consistently receive high marks for their Infor Xi consulting services.

These companies have built strong reputations based on expertise, client success, and comprehensive offerings.

Avaap

Avaap is often cited as a premier Infor Alliance Partner, particularly strong in healthcare, public sector, and manufacturing.

They have a significant breadth of Infor expertise, covering everything from CloudSuite implementations e.g., CloudSuite Financials, HCM to specific product lines like Infor M3 and Infor LN.

• Strengths:
  • Deep CloudSuite Expertise: A strong focus on Infor’s cloud-native solutions, helping organizations transition to modern, agile platforms.
  • Healthcare Specialization: Extensive experience in healthcare IT, including electronic health records EHR integration and clinical operations.
  • Change Management Focus: They understand that technology alone isn’t enough. strong change management is critical for successful adoption.
  • Client Success Stories: Numerous documented successes with large enterprises, showcasing significant ROI.
• Notable Achievements: Avaap often features prominently in industry awards and has a track record of being recognized by Infor for outstanding partner contributions. Their client testimonials frequently highlight their ability to navigate complex organizational structures and deliver on ambitious timelines.

fortiusone

Fortiusone is another highly respected Infor partner known for its pragmatic and results-oriented approach.

They often work with mid-market to large enterprises, particularly strong in manufacturing and distribution. Best free painting software

Their focus is on delivering real business value through optimized Infor implementations.

*   Manufacturing and Distribution Focus: Deep knowledge of supply chain, production management, and logistics within the Infor ecosystem.
*   Process Optimization: Beyond just implementing software, they focus on re-engineering business processes to maximize the benefits of Infor Xi.
*   Customization and Integration: Expertise in tailoring Infor solutions to unique business requirements and integrating them with existing systems.
*   Post-Implementation Support: A strong commitment to ongoing support and optimization to ensure long-term success.

• Real-world Impact: fortiusone has helped clients achieve significant improvements in areas like inventory reduction e.g., 15-20% decrease in stock-outs for a manufacturing client, order-to-cash cycle times, and overall operational efficiency.

Grant Thornton

While a broader consulting firm, Grant Thornton has a dedicated and robust Infor practice, leveraging its extensive experience in business advisory to complement technical implementations.

They are particularly strong in financial transformations and public sector projects.

*   Strategic Business Advisory: Their broader consulting capabilities mean they can offer strategic guidance beyond just the technical implementation, helping organizations align their Infor strategy with overall business objectives.
*   Financial Management Expertise: Strong focus on Infor CloudSuite Financials and Enterprise Performance Management EPM, helping clients optimize financial processes and reporting.
*   Public Sector Experience: Significant experience working with government agencies and non-profits, understanding their unique procurement and compliance requirements.
*   Global Reach: As a global firm, they can support multi-national Infor deployments.

• Integrated Approach: Grant Thornton often combines their Infor technical teams with their industry and functional experts, providing a holistic solution that addresses both technology and business process improvements.

Other Reputable Infor Xi Consulting Providers

Beyond the top three, several other firms consistently deliver excellent Infor Xi consulting services, each with their own specializations:

• RPI Consultants: Known for their deep expertise in Infor Lawson now part of Infor CloudSuite Financials and HCM, particularly strong in healthcare and public sector. They offer comprehensive services from implementation to managed services.
• LogicData: Specializes in Infor M3 Movex implementations and upgrades, especially in fashion, food & beverage, and distribution industries. They focus on complex global deployments.
• Mindtree an L&T Group Company: Offers a broad range of Infor services, leveraging their global delivery model and expertise in digital transformation. They are strong in CloudSuite implementations and analytics.
• Deloitte, Accenture, PwC: While global giants, their Infor practices are substantial and capable of handling the largest, most complex Infor Xi transformations for multinational corporations. Their strength lies in their scale, integrated services, and deep industry vertical knowledge across all major sectors.

The Selection Process: How to Choose Your Ideal Infor Xi Partner

Picking the right Infor Xi consulting provider is a critical decision that can make or break your project. It’s not a decision to be rushed.

Think of it like choosing a business partner for a multi-year journey.

Define Your Requirements Clearly

Before you even start talking to consultants, get crystal clear on what you need.

• Current State Assessment: What are your current systems, processes, and pain points? What isn’t working?
• Desired Future State: What do you want to achieve with Infor Xi? Be specific about quantifiable goals e.g., reduce inventory by 20%, improve order fulfillment time by 15%.
• Scope of Implementation: Are you implementing a full CloudSuite ERP, or just specific modules like HCM or EAM?
• Budget and Timeline: Be realistic about what you can invest and when you need to go live. A typical large-scale ERP implementation can range from 6 to 18 months, with budgets from hundreds of thousands to several million dollars, depending on complexity.
• Industry Specifics: Do you have unique industry requirements e.g., FDA compliance for pharma, government reporting for public sector?
• Internal Team Capabilities: What skills and resources can your internal team bring to the table, and where will you need external support?

Request for Proposal RFP and Vendor Shortlisting

Once your requirements are clear, you can begin the formal process.

• Develop a Detailed RFP: This document should clearly articulate your needs, project scope, desired outcomes, timeline, and budget. It should also include questions about the consultant’s methodology, team structure, experience, and pricing model.
• Initial Research and Longlist: Start by identifying potential partners through industry reports, Infor’s partner network, and recommendations. Aim for a longlist of 10-15 firms.
• Shortlist Top Contenders: Based on their responses to the RFP, narrow down to 3-5 top firms that best match your criteria. Look for:
  • Relevant Experience: Do they have experience with your specific Infor products and industry?
  • Methodology Fit: Does their approach align with your organizational culture and project management preferences?
  • Cultural Fit: Will their team integrate well with yours? This is often overlooked but crucial for long-term success.
  • Transparent Pricing: Are their pricing models clear and comprehensive, avoiding hidden fees?

Due Diligence and Final Selection

This is where you dive deep and make your final decision.

• Reference Checks: This is perhaps the most important step. Don’t just rely on provided testimonials. Ask for contact information for past clients, especially those with similar project scopes and industries. Ask pointed questions about project challenges, consultant responsiveness, and post-implementation support.
• On-Site Visits/Discovery Sessions: If feasible, have the shortlisted firms conduct on-site discovery sessions. This allows them to better understand your operations and allows you to assess their team’s chemistry and approach.
• Team Interviews: Meet the actual project team that will be assigned to your implementation. Assess their expertise, communication skills, and personalities.
• Contract Negotiation: Review the contract carefully, paying attention to scope definition, deliverables, payment terms, change order processes, and dispute resolution. Ensure service level agreements SLAs are clearly defined for post-implementation support.

Maximizing Your Infor Xi Investment Post-Implementation

The go-live date is not the finish line. it’s the start of a new phase. Best free pdf editor

To truly maximize your Infor Xi investment, ongoing optimization and strategic utilization are key.

Neglecting this phase can lead to significant underutilization of the system’s capabilities, negating the initial investment.

Continuous Improvement and Optimization

Your business evolves, and so should your Infor Xi system.

• Regular System Health Checks: Schedule periodic reviews with your consulting partner or internal team to assess system performance, identify bottlenecks, and ensure data integrity.
• Unlocking New Features: Infor regularly releases updates and new functionalities. Work with your consultants to understand and implement features that can further enhance your operations. For instance, leveraging advanced analytics within Infor Birst or extending capabilities with Infor Coleman AI.
• Process Refinement: As users become more familiar with the system, they often identify areas for further process improvement. Continuously iterate and optimize workflows within Infor Xi.
• Performance Tuning: As your data grows and usage increases, system performance might degrade. Regular tuning, indexing, and database maintenance are crucial.

User Adoption and Training Reinforcement

A powerful system is only as good as its users.

• Ongoing Training Programs: Provide continuous training for new hires and refresher courses for existing users, especially as new features are rolled out.
• Super User Development: Identify and empower “super users” within different departments who can act as internal champions and first-line support for their colleagues.
• Feedback Mechanisms: Create channels for users to provide feedback on the system. This not only helps identify issues but also fosters a sense of ownership.
• Documentation and Knowledge Base: Maintain up-to-date documentation, FAQs, and a knowledge base that users can access for self-help.

Strategic Roadmap for Future Growth

Infor Xi is a platform for growth, not just an operational tool.

• Long-Term Vision: Work with your consulting partner to develop a multi-year roadmap for your Infor Xi ecosystem. This might include expanding to new modules, integrating with emerging technologies e.g., IoT, blockchain, or supporting international expansion.
• Leveraging Analytics and BI: Fully utilize Infor’s robust analytics capabilities like Infor Birst or built-in dashboards to gain deeper insights into your operations, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions. Studies show that organizations leveraging business intelligence tools achieve a 10-15% increase in operational efficiency.
• Embracing Cloud Advantages: If you’re on a hybrid or on-premise deployment, consider the long-term benefits of a full transition to Infor CloudSuite for scalability, security, and reduced IT overhead.
• Staying Ahead of the Curve: Keep abreast of Infor’s product roadmap and industry trends to ensure your Infor Xi environment remains cutting-edge and continues to support your competitive advantage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Infor Xi?

Infor Xi refers to Infor’s comprehensive suite of enterprise software solutions, built on a common technology platform, designed to deliver industry-specific functionality in the cloud.

It encompasses ERP like CloudSuite Financials, LN, M3, HCM, EAM, supply chain, and other business applications, often powered by technologies like Infor OS, Infor ION, and Coleman AI.

Why do I need a consultant for Infor Xi?

Implementing Infor Xi is a complex undertaking involving process re-engineering, data migration, system configuration, and change management.

Consultants bring specialized expertise, best practices, and project management discipline to ensure a successful, timely, and cost-effective implementation, minimizing risks and maximizing ROI.

How do I choose the best Infor Xi consulting provider for my business?

To choose the best provider, define your specific needs industry, Infor product, scope, evaluate their industry-specific expertise, comprehensive service offerings, robust methodologies, and cultural fit. Bed topper 140×200

Conduct thorough reference checks and interview the proposed project team.

What are the top Infor Xi consulting firms?

Some of the top Infor Xi consulting firms consistently recognized for their expertise include Avaap, fortiusone, Grant Thornton, RPI Consultants, and LogicData.

Larger firms like Deloitte and Accenture also have strong Infor practices for major enterprises.

What services do Infor Xi consultants typically offer?

Infor Xi consultants typically offer end-to-end services, including strategic planning, solution design, implementation, data migration, integration with other systems, training, change management, post-go-live support, system optimization, and managed services.

How much does Infor Xi consulting cost?

The cost of Infor Xi consulting varies widely based on project scope, complexity, duration, the specific Infor products involved, and the consultant’s rates.

It can range from tens of thousands of dollars for small projects to several million for large, multi-year enterprise implementations.

What’s the difference between an Infor Alliance Partner and a regular consulting firm?

An Infor Alliance Partner has a formal partnership with Infor, often indicating a deeper level of commitment, access to Infor’s latest training and resources, and a closer working relationship with Infor product teams.

This often translates to more up-to-date expertise and support.

Can Infor Xi consultants help with specific modules like Infor M3 or Infor LN?

Yes, many Infor Xi consulting firms specialize in specific Infor ERP products like Infor M3 for process manufacturing, food & beverage, fashion or Infor LN for discrete manufacturing, in addition to CloudSuite products.

What industries do Infor Xi consulting providers specialize in?

Many Infor Xi consulting providers specialize in industries such as manufacturing discrete, process, distribution, healthcare, public sector, fashion, food & beverage, and services, tailoring their expertise to the unique needs of these sectors. Best free illustration software

How important is change management in an Infor Xi implementation?

Change management is critically important.

Without effective change management, user adoption can be low, leading to resistance, inefficiencies, and ultimately, a failed implementation, regardless of the technical perfection of the system.

What is the typical duration of an Infor Xi implementation project?

The duration of an Infor Xi implementation project can vary significantly based on scope and complexity, typically ranging from 6 to 18 months for medium to large enterprises, though smaller deployments can be quicker and larger ones can extend beyond 24 months.

Do Infor Xi consultants help with data migration?

Yes, data migration is a core service offered by Infor Xi consultants.

They help with data extraction, cleansing, transformation, and loading from legacy systems to Infor Xi, a critical and often challenging aspect of any ERP implementation.

What is Infor CloudSuite, and how do consultants assist with it?

Infor CloudSuite is Infor’s industry-specific, cloud-native ERP solution.

Consultants assist with CloudSuite implementations by providing strategic guidance, configuring the cloud environment, migrating data, integrating with other cloud or on-premise systems, and training users on the new cloud-based workflows.

Can consultants help with Infor Xi upgrades or optimizations?

Absolutely.

Beyond initial implementations, many consultants specialize in helping organizations upgrade their existing Infor systems to newer versions of Infor Xi or optimize their current deployments to leverage new features, improve performance, or refine processes.

What are the red flags to watch out for when selecting a consultant?

Red flags include a lack of clear communication, vague pricing structures, limited relevant industry or product experience, reluctance to provide client references, and a “one-size-fits-all” approach without understanding your unique business needs. Best antifungal spray for skin

What certifications should Infor Xi consultants have?

Look for consultants with certifications in specific Infor products e.g., Infor CloudSuite Financials, Infor M3, project management certifications e.g., PMP, and relevant industry certifications or experience.

How do consultants ensure successful user adoption of Infor Xi?

Consultants ensure successful user adoption through comprehensive training programs, developing “super users,” establishing clear communication channels, involving end-users in the design process, and providing ongoing support and feedback mechanisms.

What is Infor ION, and how do consultants work with it?

Infor ION Intelligent Open Network is Infor’s integration framework that allows different Infor applications and third-party systems to communicate seamlessly.

Should I choose a large global firm or a specialized boutique firm for Infor Xi consulting?

The choice depends on your needs.

Large global firms offer scale, broad expertise, and can handle complex multinational rollouts.

Specialized boutique firms often offer deeper expertise in specific Infor products or industries, a more personalized approach, and potentially lower costs for specific niche projects.

What kind of post-implementation support do Infor Xi consultants provide?

Post-implementation support can range from hypercare immediately after go-live to address critical issues, to ongoing managed services for system maintenance and support, performance monitoring, and strategic guidance for future enhancements and optimizations.