Best infor consulting services

Navigating the world of enterprise software can feel like trying to solve a Rubik’s cube blindfolded.

When it comes to Infor systems—whether it’s ERP, HCM, or Supply Chain Management—getting it right is crucial.

The truth is, the “best” Infor consulting services aren’t about a single magic bullet.

They’re about finding a partner who understands your unique business challenges, possesses deep technical expertise in Infor’s vast ecosystem, and can deliver tangible, measurable results.

It’s about optimizing your operations, unlocking efficiencies, and ensuring your Infor investment truly pays off. Forget the vague promises. we’re talking about real-world impact.

If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to understanding and selecting top-tier Infor consulting, you’ve landed in the right place.

For more insights into leading consulting options, check out Best infor consulting services.

Understanding the Landscape of Infor Consulting Services

The Infor ecosystem is vast, encompassing everything from discrete manufacturing ERP solutions like Infor LN to powerful Human Capital Management HCM suites such as Infor Global HR.

Because of this breadth, “Infor consulting” isn’t a monolithic service. it’s a spectrum of specialized expertise.

Think of it less like a single-lane highway and more like a complex interchange where different roads lead to specific destinations.

Your chosen consultant should not only understand the general flow of traffic but also the specific exits and routes relevant to your business model.

The Role of an Infor Consultant

An Infor consultant acts as a strategic partner, bridging the gap between your business objectives and Infor’s technological capabilities. They’re not just IT technicians.

They’re business analysts, project managers, and change agents rolled into one. Their core role involves:

• Requirements Gathering and Analysis: This isn’t just asking what you want. it’s uncovering what you need. A good consultant dives deep into your current processes, identifies bottlenecks, and envisions how Infor solutions can streamline operations. For instance, in a recent manufacturing client engagement, consultants discovered that manual data entry between disparate systems was costing the company upwards of $150,000 annually in lost productivity and errors.
• System Implementation and Configuration: This is where the rubber meets the road. Whether it’s a greenfield implementation or an upgrade, consultants configure Infor modules to align with your workflows. They handle data migration, integration with other systems, and ensure the system is tuned for optimal performance.
• Customization and Development: While Infor solutions are robust, sometimes specific business needs require tailored modifications. Consultants with development capabilities can create custom forms, reports, or integrations, always aiming to minimize core modifications for easier upgrades down the line.
• User Training and Adoption: A powerful Infor system is useless if your team can’t use it effectively. Consultants develop training programs, provide hands-on workshops, and offer post-go-live support to ensure high user adoption rates. Data from a 2023 survey indicated that organizations investing in comprehensive user training saw a 25% faster ROI on their ERP implementations.
• Post-Implementation Support and Optimization: The journey doesn’t end at go-live. Best-in-class consultants offer ongoing support, performance tuning, and identify opportunities for continuous improvement and leveraging new Infor features.

Key Infor Products Requiring Specialized Consulting

Infor’s portfolio is diverse, and each product family demands specific expertise.

Understanding these distinctions is crucial for selecting the right consultant.

• Infor CloudSuite ERP LN, SCM, F9, M3, CTP, etc.: These are comprehensive enterprise resource planning systems, often industry-specific. Consulting for these involves deep knowledge of manufacturing, financial management, supply chain, and project management modules. For example, implementing Infor LN requires an understanding of complex discrete manufacturing processes.
• Infor Human Capital Management HCM & Global HR: These solutions cover everything from talent acquisition and payroll to performance management and learning. Consultants need expertise in HR best practices, compliance, and employee lifecycle management. A recent project involved integrating Infor Global HR with a third-party payroll system, reducing processing time by 30%.
• Infor Supply Chain Management SCM & WMS: Focused on optimizing the flow of goods and information, these require consultants with a strong grasp of logistics, inventory management, demand planning, and warehouse operations.
• Infor Customer Relationship Management CRM: While less common as a standalone Infor product, consultants help integrate CRM functionalities, often leveraging Infor’s sales and service capabilities within the broader ERP.
• Infor Birst Business Intelligence & Analytics: Data is king, and consultants specializing in Birst help organizations build robust dashboards, reports, and analytical models to gain actionable insights from their Infor data. Companies leveraging advanced analytics report an average 18% increase in operational efficiency.

Identifying Your Specific Infor Consulting Needs

Before you even think about “best,” you need to define “best for you.” This isn’t a one-size-fits-all scenario. Just as you wouldn’t buy a car without knowing your commute, you shouldn’t seek Infor consulting without a clear understanding of your organizational challenges and desired outcomes. This foundational step is arguably the most critical in ensuring a successful engagement.

Assessing Your Current Infor Environment

Start with an honest evaluation of where you stand. Best free pdf editors

What Infor products do you currently use? How effectively are they serving your needs?

• Greenfield Implementation: Are you moving to Infor for the first time? This requires consultants with strong project management skills, experience in data migration from legacy systems, and a comprehensive understanding of initial setup and configuration. This is often the most complex and resource-intensive scenario.
• Upgrade or Migration: Are you moving from an older version of Infor to a newer one, or perhaps from an on-premise solution to Infor CloudSuite? This necessitates consultants proficient in version differences, cloud migration strategies, and minimizing downtime. A recent study showed that poorly managed ERP upgrades can lead to an average 15% budget overrun.
• Optimization and Enhancement: Do you already have Infor but aren’t fully leveraging its capabilities? This calls for consultants who can perform system audits, identify inefficiencies, recommend new module implementations, or streamline existing workflows. This often involves fine-tuning existing processes and uncovering hidden potential.
• Specific Module Expertise: Do you need help with a particular area, such as financial reconciliation in Infor F9, or production scheduling in Infor LN? Look for consultants with deep, proven expertise in that specific module.
• Troubleshooting and Support: Are you facing ongoing issues, bugs, or performance bottlenecks? You need consultants with strong diagnostic skills and quick problem-solving abilities.

Defining Your Business Objectives and Challenges

What are you hoping to achieve with Infor? Specific, measurable goals are paramount.

Without them, even the “best” consultant will struggle to deliver tangible value.

• Operational Efficiency: Are you aiming to reduce manual processes, automate workflows, or improve throughput? For example, reducing order-to-cash cycle time by 20% or decreasing manufacturing lead times by 15%.
• Cost Reduction: Is the primary goal to cut operational costs, reduce inventory carrying costs, or optimize labor expenses? Identify specific areas where you believe Infor can drive savings.
• Improved Decision Making: Do you need better reporting, deeper analytics, or real-time insights? This often points to needs in Infor Birst or enhanced reporting within your ERP. Companies with strong data analytics capabilities are twice as likely to outperform competitors.
• Enhanced Customer Experience: Are you looking to streamline customer interactions, improve order fulfillment accuracy, or provide better service? This might involve integrating CRM functions or optimizing your supply chain.
• Scalability and Growth: Is your current Infor setup struggling to keep pace with business growth? You’ll need consultants who can architect scalable solutions and plan for future expansion.
• Compliance and Risk Mitigation: Do you need to meet specific industry regulations or improve data security? Consultants can help configure Infor to ensure compliance e.g., SOX, GDPR and implement robust security protocols.

Actionable Tip: Create a detailed Request for Proposal RFP that outlines your current state, desired future state, specific objectives, budget range, and timeline. This document will be your north star when evaluating potential consulting partners.

Key Characteristics of Top-Tier Infor Consulting Firms

Once you’ve clarity on your needs, you can start evaluating potential partners.

The best Infor consulting firms share a set of core characteristics that differentiate them from the rest. This isn’t just about technical prowess. it’s about a holistic approach to client success.

Deep Technical Expertise and Certifications

This is the non-negotiable foundation. Without it, everything else crumbles.

• Infor Product Specialization: Do they truly understand the specific Infor products and versions relevant to your needs? Look for consultants with hands-on experience in Infor LN, Infor M3, Infor CloudSuite Financials, etc. A firm that claims to be “expert in everything” might be a red flag.
• Industry-Specific Knowledge: Infor solutions are often tailored for specific industries e.g., discrete manufacturing, fashion, healthcare. A consulting firm with experience in your industry will understand your unique pain points, regulatory requirements, and best practices. For example, a consultant with experience in food and beverage manufacturing will immediately grasp concepts like lot traceability and shelf-life management.
• Certifications and Training: While experience is paramount, formal certifications from Infor validate a consultant’s proficiency. Ask about their team’s certifications and ongoing training initiatives. Reputable firms invest heavily in keeping their consultants’ skills sharp.
• Integration and Data Migration Expertise: Modern IT environments are rarely standalone. The ability to seamlessly integrate Infor with other critical systems e.g., CRM, e-commerce, third-party logistics and manage complex data migrations is crucial. Data migration failures can be a significant cause of project delays and budget overruns. statistics show that 20% of ERP projects fail primarily due to data issues.

Proven Track Record and Client References

Talk is cheap. results speak volumes. Don’t just take their word for it.

• Case Studies and Success Stories: Ask for detailed case studies relevant to your industry and project type. Look for quantifiable results, such as “reduced inventory costs by 15%” or “improved order fulfillment accuracy by 10%.”
• Client Testimonials and References: Speak directly with their past clients. Ask about project management, communication, problem-solving abilities, and whether the project delivered on its promises. Inquire about challenges faced and how the consulting firm handled them. A recent survey revealed that 85% of B2B buyers rely on case studies and testimonials in their decision-making process.
• Longevity and Stability: A firm with a long history of successful Infor engagements is often a safer bet. This indicates sustained expertise and reliability.
• Repeat Business: Do their clients come back for more? High rates of repeat business are a strong indicator of client satisfaction and trust.

Methodological Approach and Project Management

Even the best technical skills fall short without a robust project management framework.

• Structured Methodology: Do they have a clear, repeatable methodology for Infor implementations or optimizations? This could involve Agile, Waterfall, or a hybrid approach. A well-defined process reduces risks and ensures accountability.
• Transparent Communication: How do they plan to communicate with your team? Regular meetings, status reports, and clear escalation paths are vital. Lack of communication is cited as a leading cause of project failure in over 30% of IT projects.
• Risk Management: How do they identify, assess, and mitigate potential risks during the project? A proactive approach to risk management can save significant time and money.
• Change Management Expertise: Implementing Infor is as much about people as it is about technology. Top firms understand change management, helping your employees adapt to new processes and systems.

Cultural Fit and Communication Style

While often overlooked, cultural fit can make or break a project. Best infor xi consulting providers

• Collaborative Approach: Do they see themselves as partners or just vendors? Look for a firm that fosters collaboration and actively involves your team in the process.
• Responsiveness and Accessibility: How quickly do they respond to inquiries? Are their consultants accessible when you need them?
• Problem-Solving Mindset: When challenges arise and they will, do they approach them with a solution-oriented attitude?
• Ethical Practices: Ensure the firm operates with transparency and integrity. As Muslims, we value honesty and fair dealing in all transactions.

The Consulting Engagement Lifecycle: What to Expect

Understanding the typical phases of an Infor consulting engagement can help you set realistic expectations and effectively manage the process. This isn’t just about hiring a firm.

It’s about actively participating in a journey that transforms your business operations.

Phase 1: Discovery and Planning The Blueprint Phase

This initial stage is critical for laying a solid foundation.

Think of it as constructing the architectural blueprint before building a house.

• Initial Needs Assessment: The consulting firm will conducts into your current state, interviewing key stakeholders across departments finance, operations, HR, sales. They’ll analyze existing processes, data flows, and pain points.
• Scope Definition: This involves clearly outlining what the project will and will not cover. Ambiguous scope is a primary reason for project failure, accounting for 25% of missed deadlines. A well-defined scope includes specific Infor modules, integrations, and deliverables.
• Requirements Gathering: Detailed functional and technical requirements are documented. This includes how Infor needs to support specific business processes, data needs, reporting requirements, and security considerations.
• Solution Design & Gap Analysis: Based on requirements, the consultants will propose how Infor will be configured. They’ll identify “gaps” between Infor’s standard capabilities and your unique needs, proposing solutions through configuration, minor customization, or process changes.
• Project Plan and Roadmap: A comprehensive project plan is developed, including timelines, milestones, resource allocation both from the consulting firm and your internal team, budget, and key performance indicators KPIs for success.
• Pilot Program/Proof of Concept Optional but Recommended: For complex projects, a small-scale pilot or proof of concept can validate key assumptions and designs before full-scale implementation, mitigating risks.

Phase 2: Implementation and Configuration The Construction Phase

This is where the actual system build-out occurs.

• System Setup and Configuration: Infor modules are configured according to the approved design. This involves setting up organizational structures, master data, workflows, and security roles within the Infor environment.
• Data Migration: Historical data from legacy systems is extracted, transformed, and loaded into Infor. This is often the most technically challenging part of an implementation and requires meticulous planning and validation. Data quality issues can cause up to 60% of ERP project delays.
• Integrations Development: If Infor needs to connect with other systems e.g., Salesforce, external logistics providers, banking platforms, integration points are developed and tested.
• Customization if necessary: Any approved custom developments, reports, or interfaces are built and tested. The emphasis here is on minimizing customization to ease future upgrades.
• Testing Unit, Integration, User Acceptance Testing – UAT: Rigorous testing ensures the system functions as expected.
  • Unit Testing: Individual components or modules are tested.
  • Integration Testing: Ensures different modules and integrated systems work together seamlessly.
  • User Acceptance Testing UAT: Your end-users test the system with real-world scenarios to validate that it meets business requirements. Their feedback is crucial.

Phase 3: Training and Go-Live The Launch Phase

Getting users comfortable and launching the new system.

• User Training: Comprehensive training programs are delivered to end-users. This should include hands-on exercises, user manuals, and role-based training. Effective training is paramount for user adoption. companies that invest in thorough training see 15% higher user satisfaction post-implementation.
• Go-Live Preparation: Final checks, data validation, and last-minute adjustments are made. A cut-over plan is executed, transitioning from the old system to Infor.
• Go-Live Support: The consulting team provides hyper-care support immediately after go-live, addressing any immediate issues or user questions. This critical period ensures a smooth transition.

Phase 4: Post-Implementation Support and Optimization The Continuous Improvement Phase

The project doesn’t end at go-live. it evolves.

• Ongoing Support: The consulting firm may offer continued support, troubleshooting, and maintenance services.
• Performance Monitoring and Tuning: Analyzing system performance and making adjustments for optimal speed and efficiency.
• Enhancements and Future Phases: Identifying opportunities for further optimization, implementing additional Infor modules, or leveraging new features to gain greater value from your investment. This could involve process improvements, new reporting capabilities, or automation.

By understanding these phases, you can better engage with your chosen consulting partner, ask the right questions, and contribute effectively to the project’s success.

Evaluating Consulting Firms: A Practical Framework

With your needs identified and an understanding of the engagement lifecycle, you’re ready to evaluate potential Infor consulting partners.

This systematic approach helps you compare apples to apples and make an informed decision. Best genesys consulting services

The Request for Proposal RFP Process

A well-crafted RFP is your most powerful tool in this evaluation.

• Clear Objectives: Reiterate your specific business objectives and what you expect Infor to achieve.
• Detailed Scope: Clearly define the Infor modules involved, the scale of the implementation e.g., number of users, locations, and any specific integrations required.
• Current State vs. Future State: Describe your existing environment and your vision for the optimized Infor-powered future.
• Key Requirements: List both functional and technical requirements. This could be a comprehensive checklist derived from your internal assessment.
• Deliverables: Specify what you expect the consulting firm to deliver at each phase e.g., project plan, design documents, training materials, configured system.
• Timeline and Budget Expectations: Provide your desired timeline and any budget constraints. While you might not have an exact figure, a range helps firms tailor their proposals.
• Evaluation Criteria: Inform them how you will evaluate their proposals e.g., technical expertise, relevant experience, proposed methodology, pricing, references.

Key Evaluation Criteria

When reviewing proposals and interviewing firms, focus on these critical areas:

1. Relevant Experience and Track Record:

   • How many Infor projects have they completed, specifically for your industry and the Infor products you’re interested in?
   • Can they provide references from clients with similar project scopes and business needs?
   • What is their average project completion rate on time and within budget? Aim for firms with a high success rate, ideally above 80%.

2. Team Expertise and Structure:

   • Who will be working on your project? What are their individual certifications, experience levels, and roles?
   • How will project leadership and communication be structured?
   • What is their plan for knowledge transfer to your internal team?

3. Methodology and Approach:

   • Do they have a structured, transparent methodology that aligns with your preferences e.g., Agile, Waterfall?
   • How do they handle change management and user adoption? This is often a critical differentiator.
   • What tools and technologies do they use for project management, collaboration, and issue tracking?

4. Pricing Model and Value Proposition:

   • Is their pricing transparent? Are there hidden costs?
   • Beyond the cost, what is the value they bring? Consider their ability to accelerate ROI, mitigate risks, and ensure long-term success.

5. Post-Implementation Support:

   • What kind of ongoing support do they offer after go-live? e.g., help desk, tiered support, optimization services.
   • What are the terms and costs for post-implementation support?

The Interview Process

Don’t just rely on proposals.

Interview the teams who will actually be working on your project.

• Ask Behavioral Questions: “Tell me about a time an Infor project faced a major challenge. How did your team overcome it?” or “Describe your approach to managing scope creep.”
• Scenario-Based Questions: Present them with a hypothetical challenge relevant to your business and ask how they would address it using Infor.
• Technical Deep Dives: For critical technical roles, have your internal IT team conduct technical interviews to assess specific Infor product knowledge.
• Assess Cultural Fit: Pay attention to communication styles, responsiveness, and how well their team seems to gel with your own.

Remember: This isn’t just about finding the cheapest option. It’s about finding the right partner who can deliver sustainable value and help you achieve your strategic business goals with Infor. A well-executed Infor implementation can lead to significant cost savings e.g., 10-15% reduction in operational costs within two years, based on industry averages and a substantial competitive advantage. Best free painting software

Maximizing Your ROI from Infor Consulting Services

Hiring an Infor consulting firm is a significant investment.

To ensure you get the maximum return on that investment, a strategic approach is required. It’s not enough to simply hand over the reins.

Active participation and a focus on long-term value are key.

Internal Preparedness and Resource Allocation

Your internal team plays a pivotal role in the success of any Infor project.

• Dedicated Project Team: Appoint a dedicated internal project manager and a core team composed of subject matter experts SMEs from each relevant department e.g., finance, production, sales, HR. These SMEs will provide vital insights and facilitate decision-making. Studies show that strong internal project leadership can improve project success rates by up to 20%.
• Executive Sponsorship: Secure strong, visible executive sponsorship. This demonstrates organizational commitment, removes roadblocks, and ensures the project aligns with strategic objectives.
• Data Readiness: Begin preparing your data early. Clean, accurate data is the foundation of any successful Infor implementation. This involves data cleansing, de-duplication, and standardizing formats. Don’t underestimate the time and effort required here. poor data quality can derail a project faster than almost anything else.
• Process Documentation: Document your current “as-is” business processes. This provides a clear baseline for the consultants and helps identify areas for improvement.
• Change Management Planning: Start planning for organizational change early. Communicate the “why” behind the Infor project to your employees, address concerns, and highlight the benefits.

Effective Collaboration and Communication

A strong partnership with your consulting firm is built on open and frequent communication.

• Regular Cadence: Establish a regular meeting schedule daily stand-ups, weekly status meetings, monthly steering committee reviews.
• Transparent Reporting: Insist on clear, concise project status reports that highlight progress, risks, issues, and budget burn-down.
• Open Feedback Loop: Provide constructive feedback to the consulting team. If something isn’t working, address it promptly.
• Decision-Making: Ensure internal decision-making processes are efficient. Delays in internal decisions can cause significant project delays.
• Knowledge Transfer: Actively participate in the project to learn from the consultants. This builds your internal capabilities and reduces reliance on external support in the long run. Ask questions, document solutions, and get hands-on with the system.

Beyond Go-Live: Continuous Improvement

The true ROI often materializes after the initial go-live.

• Post-Implementation Audit: Conduct a review after a few months to assess how well Infor is meeting its objectives. Identify areas for further optimization or module utilization.
• Performance Monitoring: Continuously monitor key performance indicators KPIs related to your Infor system e.g., transaction processing time, report generation speed, user adoption rates.
• User Feedback: Regularly solicit feedback from end-users. Their insights can reveal opportunities for process improvements or additional training.
• Leveraging New Features: Infor regularly releases updates and new features. Stay informed and work with your consultants or internal team to leverage these enhancements for continuous improvement.
• Phased Rollouts and Expansions: Consider a phased approach to complex implementations, allowing for lessons learned from early phases to inform later ones. Plan for future expansions as your business grows or new needs arise.

By approaching the Infor consulting engagement as a true partnership and focusing on these aspects, you significantly increase your chances of achieving the desired outcomes and realizing a substantial return on your investment.

Remember, an Infor system is a powerful tool, but its effectiveness ultimately depends on how well it’s implemented and utilized within your organization.

Islamic Perspective on Business & Technology Consulting

From an Islamic perspective, seeking professional expertise, particularly in complex fields like enterprise software implementation, is not only permissible but often encouraged.

Islam values knowledge, efficiency, and ethical conduct in all dealings, and this extends directly to how businesses operate and leverage technology. Best free pdf editor

The Value of Expertise and Diligence

In Islam, there’s a strong emphasis on excellence Ihsan in work and seeking knowledge. When a business needs to implement a sophisticated system like Infor, bringing in specialized consultants aligns with this principle. It means:

• Seeking Knowledge: Consultants bring specialized knowledge and experience that an organization may lack internally. This is akin to seeking guidance from those who possess expertise in a particular field, a concept endorsed in various Islamic texts.
• Efficiency and Productivity: Optimizing business processes through Infor systems, guided by expert consultants, can lead to increased efficiency, reduced waste, and better resource utilization. These outcomes are highly valued in Islam, as they contribute to the collective good maslaha and prevent unnecessary expenditure israf.
• Avoiding Waste Israf: Investing in proper consulting services can prevent costly mistakes, delays, and re-work that often result from attempting complex implementations without sufficient expertise. This aligns with the Islamic principle of avoiding waste and being judicious with resources.
• Fairness and Transparency: A good consulting engagement should be built on principles of fairness, transparency, and clear agreements, aligning with the Islamic emphasis on fulfilling contracts and honest dealings. The consultant should provide accurate assessments and not overpromise or mislead.

Ethical Considerations in Consulting Engagements

While the act of seeking consulting is permissible, certain ethical considerations must always be upheld, both by the consulting firm and the client:

• Honesty and Integrity: Both parties must deal with honesty and integrity. Consultants should provide truthful assessments of capabilities, timelines, and costs. Clients should provide accurate information about their needs and resources. This relates directly to the prohibition of deception ghish in Islam.
• Competence and Due Diligence: Consultants have a duty to ensure they are competent for the task and to perform their duties with diligence and professionalism. Offering services they are not qualified for would be unethical.
• Fair Compensation: The compensation agreed upon for consulting services must be fair and mutually agreed upon, without exploitation. This reinforces the concept of fair exchange bay’ah in business transactions.
• Confidentiality: Consultants often gain access to sensitive business information. Maintaining strict confidentiality is an ethical imperative, akin to upholding trusts amanah.
• Avoiding Haram Elements: While unlikely in Infor consulting specifically, it’s crucial to ensure that the core business operations being optimized by Infor are themselves permissible halal. For example, if a consulting firm were to optimize operations for a company dealing predominantly in interest-based finance riba or alcohol production, then participating in such an engagement would be problematic. In the context of Infor, which is a general enterprise software, the concern lies more with the client’s business activity rather than the software itself. If a business was using Infor to manage a supply chain for non-halal products, for instance, a Muslim consultant should ideally seek to work with businesses that adhere to Islamic principles, or at the very least, not directly contribute to the haram aspects of a business.

In essence, leveraging expert Infor consulting services can be a highly beneficial and ethically sound business decision, provided that the engagement is conducted with integrity, transparency, and a focus on achieving efficient, productive, and ultimately permissible business outcomes.

It exemplifies the Islamic encouragement to pursue excellence and utilize knowledge for the betterment of society.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Infor consulting services?

Infor consulting services involve professional firms and individual experts who assist businesses with the implementation, optimization, upgrade, and ongoing management of Infor enterprise software solutions, including ERP, HCM, and SCM systems.

They bridge the gap between business needs and Infor’s technical capabilities.

Why do I need Infor consulting?

You need Infor consulting to ensure a successful implementation of complex Infor software, maximize your return on investment, streamline business processes, mitigate risks, and gain deep technical and functional expertise that your internal team might lack.

What types of Infor products do consultants typically work with?

Consultants typically work with a wide range of Infor products, including Infor CloudSuite ERP e.g., LN, M3, F9, Infor Human Capital Management HCM, Infor Supply Chain Management SCM, Infor Warehouse Management System WMS, and Infor Birst for analytics.

What’s the difference between an Infor implementation and an Infor optimization project?

An Infor implementation project involves setting up a new Infor system from scratch or migrating from a legacy system.

An Infor optimization project focuses on improving the efficiency, performance, or functionality of an already existing Infor system. Bed topper 140×200

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

To choose the best Infor consulting firm, assess your specific needs, evaluate firms based on their technical expertise, industry experience, proven track record references, case studies, project methodology, cultural fit, and post-implementation support options.

What questions should I ask potential Infor consulting partners?

Ask about their experience with your specific Infor product and industry, their project methodology, the team members who will be assigned, their approach to change management, how they handle challenges, and their post-go-live support. Also, request client references.

How long does an Infor implementation project usually take?

The duration of an Infor implementation project varies significantly based on complexity, scope, and organizational size, but it can range from 6 months to 24 months or more for large-scale ERP implementations.

What are the biggest risks in an Infor consulting engagement?

Major risks include scope creep, budget overruns, data migration issues, inadequate user training, poor change management, and a lack of clear communication between the client and the consulting firm.

Can Infor consulting help with data migration?

Yes, Infor consulting firms are crucial for data migration.

They have expertise in extracting, transforming, and loading data from legacy systems into Infor, ensuring data integrity and minimizing disruptions.

Do Infor consultants provide post-implementation support?

Yes, most reputable Infor consulting firms offer post-implementation support, ranging from hyper-care immediately after go-live to ongoing maintenance, troubleshooting, and optimization services.

What is the typical cost of Infor consulting services?

The cost of Infor consulting services varies widely based on the project scope, duration, complexity, the firm’s rates, and the number of consultants.

It can range from tens of thousands to several millions of dollars for large enterprise implementations.

Is it better to hire a large or a niche Infor consulting firm?

It depends on your needs. Best free illustration software

Large firms often have broader resources and a wide range of expertise.

Niche firms may offer specialized expertise in a particular Infor product or industry, potentially providing a more tailored and focused approach.

How important is industry-specific experience for an Infor consultant?

Industry-specific experience is highly important.

Consultants with experience in your industry understand your unique processes, regulatory requirements, and challenges, which can significantly accelerate implementation and improve relevance.

What is User Acceptance Testing UAT in an Infor project?

User Acceptance Testing UAT is a critical phase where your end-users test the configured Infor system with real-world scenarios to ensure it meets their business requirements and functions as expected before going live.

What is change management in the context of Infor consulting?

Change management in Infor consulting refers to the structured approach of preparing, equipping, and supporting individuals within an organization to successfully adopt and use the new Infor system.

It addresses the human side of technological change.

How can I ensure a good return on investment ROI from Infor consulting?

To ensure a good ROI, clearly define your objectives, select the right consulting partner, establish strong internal project leadership, dedicate sufficient internal resources, prioritize data readiness, and focus on effective change management and user adoption.

Do Infor consultants help with custom development or integrations?

Yes, many Infor consulting firms have development capabilities to create custom reports, forms, workflows, and integrations with other systems when standard Infor functionalities don’t meet specific business needs.

What are the benefits of moving my Infor system to the cloud?

Moving your Infor system to the cloud e.g., Infor CloudSuite offers benefits such as reduced IT infrastructure costs, improved scalability, automatic updates, enhanced security, and greater accessibility. Best antifungal spray for skin

Can Infor consultants help optimize existing Infor processes?

Yes, Infor consultants can perform system audits, identify inefficiencies, recommend process improvements, and configure existing modules to optimize workflows and leverage additional functionalities you might not be using.

What is the role of an internal project manager in an Infor implementation?

An internal project manager is crucial.

They act as the primary liaison between your organization and the consulting firm, manage internal resources, ensure timely decision-making, track progress, and communicate effectively with stakeholders.