 
 
Infor LN and Infor M3 surpass entry-level ERP systems like Acumatica, Infor CSI, or NetSuite, by delivering mature capabilities for intricate manufacturing intertwined with distribution operations. They are also successful in the upper mid-market, targeting the $250M – $750M revenue range. They provide a superior suite experience akin to SAP and Oracle, featuring enterprise-grade best-of-breed functionalities, including PLM, WMS, WFM, BI, and a Supply Chain collaboration platform.
Infor CloudSuite M3 boasts extensive features tailored for process and apparel manufacturing, covering industries such as fashion, F&B, and chemicals. It is also adept at facilitating advanced global operations, particularly for companies spanning multiple countries seeking to optimize cost synergies globally. On the other hand, Infor LN excels in discrete manufacturing and offers a robust suite experience, it does face certain challenges in specific scenarios such as with process-centric operations for companies.
Choosing between Infor LN vs Infor M3 requires a detailed examination, and thus, this comparison offers valuable insights for ERP selection projects. Therefore, let’s explore further.
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| Infor CloudSuite LN | Infor CloudSuite M3 | |
| Started in | 2006 (when Infor acquired BaaN) | 2006 (Acquired by Infor) |
| Ownership by | Koch Industries | Koch Industries |
| No. of customers | 1000+ | 1000+ |
What Is Infor CloudSuite LN?
Infor CloudSuite LN is a complete product suite to meet the needs of an enterprise similar to Epicor, SAP, Oracle, or Microsoft. Infor is also perhaps the only vendor after the larger ones that has the capabilities to build best-of-breed architecture akin to SAP, Oracle, and Microsoft. In fact, Infor might have deeper capabilities than Microsoft in some areas with pre-integrated best-of-breed solutions such as Infor WFM and Nexus. Infor is also the only vendor that can provide depth in several industries while not struggling with the transactional processing requirements of large accounts.
Infor LN is ideal particularly for discrete manufacturing companies. It is successful in the upper mid-market, targeting the $250M – $750M revenue range. Positioned for companies surpassing entry-level ERP systems like Acumatica, Infor CSI, or NetSuite, this solution delivers mature capabilities for intricate manufacturing intertwined with distribution operations. Infor LN also provides a superior suite experience akin to SAP and Oracle, featuring enterprise-grade best-of-breed functionalities, including PLM, WMS, WFM, BI, and a supply chain collaboration platform.
While Infor LN excels in discrete manufacturing and offers a robust suite experience, it does face certain challenges in specific scenarios such as with process-centric operations for companies. They might also include business operations such as plastic or chemicals as part of their automotive operations. Despite limitations in broader capabilities compared to other vanilla solutions, recent upgrades acknowledge its broader application in various automotive business models.
What Is Infor CloudSuite M3?
Infor CloudSuite M3, is one of Infor’s flagship solutions, catering to particularly distinct micro-verticals across various industries. Sharing similar suites with Infor LN and also built on the Infor OS platform, it is successful in the upper mid-market, targeting the $250M – $750M revenue range. Positioned for companies surpassing entry-level ERP systems like Acumatica, Infor CSI, or NetSuite, this solution delivers mature capabilities for intricate manufacturing and also distribution operations. Infor CloudSuite M3 provides a superior suite experience akin to SAP and Oracle thus, featuring enterprise-grade best-of-breed functionalities, including PLM, WMS, WFM, BI, and a Supply Chain collaboration platform.
Infor CloudSuite M3 boasts extensive features tailored for process manufacturing and apparel manufacturing, covering industries such as fashion, F&B, and chemicals. It is also adept at facilitating advanced global operations, particularly for companies spanning multiple countries seeking to optimize cost synergies globally. The native capabilities of Infor M3 address global trade and compliance concerns, which are particularly crucial for international business operations.
While Infor CloudSuite M3 serves as an excellent operational solution for a 2-tier architecture for enterprise companies, its limited focus on certain industries might not be the best fit for enterprise companies diversifying their operations or aggressive with their M&A strategy. The intricate data model and Bill of Materials (BOM) demand significant internal expertise and also external advisory assistance to extract operational efficiencies. Notably, the technology landscape for Infor CloudSuite M3 remains somewhat patchy and less modern compared to its competitors. Furthermore, the ecosystem and consulting support for this solution is relatively limited. Despite these challenges, Infor CloudSuite M3 stands out as a robust manufacturing solution for upper mid-market companies with budget constraints.
Infor LN vs Infor M3 Comparison
Navigating the choice between Infor LN vs Infor M3 is a significant decision for businesses particularly looking for operational efficiency and strategic alignment. Thus, this section delves into the comprehensive comparison of Infor LN vs Infor M3 across various critical dimensions.
| Infor CloudSuite LN | Infor CloudSuite M3 | |
| Global Operational Capabilities | Has sufficient layers of financial hierarchies and global trade compliance functionality pre-baked with products. | Robust financial hierarchies and global trade compliance functionality integrated. |
| Diverse Capabilities | Limited focus on certain business models. | Supports diversified manufacturing business models. |
| Best-of-breed Capabilities | HCM, PLM, data lake, ERP, WMS, TMS, and advanced supply chain planning, are all pre-integrated with LN. | Best-of-breed integrations provided out-of-the-box. |
| Last-mile Capabilities | Last-mile capabilities along with breadth of capabilities for diversified manufacturing business models. | Last-mile capabilities along with breadth of capabilities for diversified manufacturing business models. |
| Operational Functionalities | Infor LN is a legacy solution with limited cloud-native capabilities such as universal search, mobile experience, etc. | Infor CloudSuite M3 is a legacy solution with limited cloud-natve capabilities such as universal search, mobile experience, etc. |
| Integration Capabilities | Most tools that a manufacturer would require, such as HCM, PLM, data lake, ERP, WMS, TMS, and advanced supply chain planning, are all pre-integrated with LN. | Tools such as HCM, PLM, data lake, ERP, WMS, TMS, and advanced supply chain planning, are all pre-integrated. |
| Manufacturing Capabilities | This solution delivers mature capabilities for intricate manufacturing and distribution operations. | Delivers mature capabilities for apparel, F&B, and chemical manufacturing. |
| Pricing Model | Subscription-based | Subscription-based |
| Key Modules | 1. Financials 2. Human Resources 3. Manufacturing Management 4. Inventory Management 5. Purchasing Management 6. Quality Management 7. Sales Management 8. Product Technology | 1. Financial Management 2. Manufacturing Operations 3. Enterprise Asset Management 4. Supply Chain Management 5. Customer Sales and Service 6. Application Foundation |
Infor LN vs Infor M3 Feature Comparison
Both platforms offer a plethora of features and functionalities designed to streamline business operations and enhance efficiency. In this feature comparison, we delve into particularly the distinct capabilities of Infor LN vs Infor M3 across various critical dimensions, providing insights to aid businesses in making informed decisions regarding their ERP selection. Thus, this section discusses features under each of the following modules, particularly financial management, supply chain management, and manufacturing management.
Financial Management Comparison
In this section, we are discussing a detailed comparison of the financial management capabilities particularly offered by Infor LN vs Infor M3. By examining their respective strengths and functionalities, particularly in managing financial processes. Businesses can therefore gain valuable insights to determine the best-suited ERP solution for their financial management needs.
| Infor CloudSuite LN | Infor CloudSuite M3 | ||
| Financial Management | General Ledger | The General Ledger is the core component of Infor LN Financials, recording all transactions within the application that affect accounting. | Enables organizations to manage financial transactions, maintain accurate balances, and generate complete financial statements. |
| Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable | AR manages customer invoices and credit, while AP handles supplier invoices and balance management. | Supports analysis across all accounting dimensions, including non-reconciled data for the AP model. | |
| Cash Flow Management | Cash Management handles cash-related transactions, primarily involving payments to and receipts from business partners. | Provides complete control over accounts receivable and cash flow processes, unifying all AR information to monitor cash collection and enhance productivity and efficiency. | |
| Currency Management | The LN multicurrency systems allow a company to conduct accounting in multiple currencies, calculating and registering amounts in up to three currencies. | Enables currency conversion for better monetary analysis, allowing amounts to be expressed in transaction, division, and company currencies, with a default exchange rate type for conversions. | |
| Tax Management | Tax reporting is part of financial accounting and is limited to one country, so LN’s tax handling in a multicompany structure is similar to that in a single company environment. | Ensures accurate VAT calculation and recording for each country, automating tax calculations based on recipient location and country-specific rules, and maintaining financial compliance. |
Supply Chain Management Comparison
In this comparison, we explore and analyze the supply chain management capabilities of Infor LN vs Infor M3, shedding light particularly on their respective strengths and weaknesses.
| Infor CloudSuite LN | Infor CloudSuite M3 | ||
| Supply Chain Management | Warehouse Management | Warehousing focuses on managing and replenishing goods within a warehouse, including tasks to report and analyze inventory movements. | Optimizes operations with inventory management, labor management, 3PL billing, and 3D visualization, enhancing efficiency and interactivity. |
| Service Management | Manages the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of field-based and plant-based products, equipment, and systems. | Offers work order processing, maintenance, material management, and operation reporting, aiding global manufacturers, distributors, and after-sales service providers in managing complex value chains efficiently. | |
| Inventory Management | Can support complex inventory types including dedicated inventory masters for MRO or quality components for added granularity and control. | Provides advanced statistical forecasting and stock recommendations for efficient inventory management, as well as supplier and customer rebate management to maintain high margins. | |
| Purchase Order Management | Can create and modify purchase orders for purchasing goods. | Includes automation, vendor payment tracking, payment scheduling, check printing, open purchase order alerts, document management, direct ACH bill payment, and vendor records | |
| Requisition Management | Specifies nonsystem planned requirements for different types of items, including inventory items, cost items, and service items. | Automates procurement processes from requisition to payment, including supplier selection, purchase order management, and invoice matching. |
Manufacturing Management Comparison
In this comparison, we explore and analyze the manufacturing management capabilities of Infor LN vs Infor M3, shedding light, particularly on their respective strengths and weaknesses.
| Infor CloudSuite LN | Infor CloudSuite M3 | ||
| Manufacturing Management | Production Planning | One of the most robust production planning capabilities including advanced planning and scheduling capabilities for diverse manufacturing operations. | Supports planning in both multi-facility and single-facility production environments, managing critical materials at the facility level. |
| BOM and Routing | It is stored as general item data for LN in Item Production Data (IPD). | Defines the product structure and assembly sequence, listing components and specifying the operations, work centers, and machines required for manufacturing. | |
| Advanced Planning and Scheduling | Stores scheduling information for projects, allowing you to define project plans along with associated activities and milestones. | Generates real-time projections by comparing demands against a long-term plan, optimizing production resources, reducing costs, improving performance, and synchronizing supply chain operations. |
Pros of Infor LN vs Infor M3
When evaluating ERP solutions, understanding the distinct advantages of Infor LN vs Infor M3 is crucial. In this section, we are particularly exploring the strengths of Infor LN vs Infor M3 across various dimensions. Thus, shedding light on their respective capabilities and functionalities.
| Infor CloudSuite LN | Infor CloudSuite M3 |
| Ideal for upper mid-market companies or as subsidiary solutions in a two-tier setting for private equity-owned or holding companies. | Ideal for upper mid-market companies or as subsidiary solutions in a two-tier setting for private equity-owned or holding companies. |
| It can support the most complex manufacturing business models, WBS-centric manufacturing, or support for attributes with MRP planning. | It can support the most complex manufacturing business models, WBS-centric manufacturing, or support for attributes with MRP planning. |
| Most tools that make-to manufacturer would require, such as HCM, PLM, data lake, ERP, WMS, TMS, and advanced supply chain planning, are all pre-integrated with LN. | Most tools that make-to manufacturer would require, such as HCM, PLM, data lake, ERP, WMS, TMS, and advanced supply chain planning, are all pre-integrated with Infor CloudSuite M3. |
| While most smaller solutions might require ad-hoc arrangements for global financial operations, Infor CloudSuite LN has them natively built. | While most smaller solutions might require ad-hoc arrangements for global financial operations, Infor CloudSuite M3 has them natively built. |
Cons of Infor LN vs Infor M3
Just like recognizing strengths is important, it’s also crucial to weigh the specific drawbacks of Infor LN vs Infor M3. Therefore, in this section, we will delve into the limitations and challenges associated with Infor LN vs Infor M3 across various operational and financial dimensions.
| Infor CloudSuite LN | Infor CloudSuite M3 |
| The limited focus on certain business models poses the risk of requiring other ERP systems to support complex and diverse business operations such as process manufacturing or metal-centric A&D companies. | The limited focus on certain business models poses the risk of requiring other ERP systems to support complex and diverse business operations. |
| Private equity and holding companies requiring global solutions with a tier-2 solution at the subsidiary level might not be the best use of Infor LN’s strengths. | Private equity and holding companies requiring global solutions with a tier-2 solution at the subsidiary level might not be the best use of Infor CloudSuite M3’s strengths. |
| Infor LN is a legacy solution with limited cloud-native capabilities such as universal search, mobile experience, etc. | Infor CloudSuite M3 is a legacy solution with limited cloud-native capabilities such as universal search, mobile experience, etc |
| The consulting base and marketplaces are virtually non-existent for Infor LN. | The consulting base and marketplaces are virtually non-existent for Infor CloudSuite M3. |
| The integration of Infor LN with MES enhances its capabilities, particularly in complex manufacturing processes. | Verticals such as apparel manufacturing demand deeper integration of PLM, vendor portals, and merchandising solutions to effectively manage their unique processes. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, both Infor CloudSuite LN and Infor CloudSuite M3 are robust ERP solutions designed for the upper mid-market, offering specialized functionalities that cater to distinct industries and business needs. Infor LN stands out for its comprehensive support for complex discrete manufacturing models, also including intricate production planning and scheduling, which are crucial for sectors like automotive and aerospace.
On the other hand, Infor M3 excels in process and apparel manufacturing, providing a suite of features tailored for industries such as fashion, food and beverage, and chemicals. Both solutions offer a rich array of best-of-breed capabilities, including advanced financial management, supply chain management, and manufacturing management modules, making them viable options for companies seeking to enhance their operational efficiency and global reach.
Ultimately, the choice between Infor LN vs Infor M3 particularly depends on the specific requirements and strategic goals of the organization. Companies with a strong focus on discrete manufacturing may find Infor LN’s capabilities more aligned with their needs, while those involved in process or apparel manufacturing might benefit from Infor M3’s specialized features. Also, seeking assistance from an independent ERP consultant can significantly aid the decision-making process, offering specialized advice and direction tailored to the specific needs of the business.
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