 
 
NetSuite caters to globally dispersed small to mid-market firms, offering robust financial capabilities and localization across many countries. On the other hand, Infor CloudSuite LN surpasses entry-level ERP systems like Acumatica, Infor CSI, or NetSuite, by delivering mature capabilities for intricate manufacturing intertwined with distribution operations. NetSuite suits diverse businesses, including service-centric, distribution-centric, and B2C organizations. Meanwhile, Infor CloudSuite LN is also successful in the upper mid-market, targeting the $250M – $750M revenue range.
NetSuite targets firms with revenues between $10M and $1B, emphasizing stronger financial capabilities. Whereas, 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. NetSuite supports lighter manufacturing and consumer products, particularly in health, beauty, fashion, and CPG. 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.
Choosing between NetSuite vs Infor CloudSuite LN requires a detailed examination, and thus, this comparison offers valuable insights for ERP selection projects. Therefore, let’s explore further.
The 2024 Digital Transformation Report
Thinking of embarking on a ERP journey and looking for a digital transformation report? Want to learn the best practices of digital transformation? Then, you have come to the right place.
| NetSuite | Infor CloudSuite LN | |
| Started in | 1998 | 2006 (when Infor acquired BaaN) |
| Ownership by | Oracle in 2016 | Koch Industries |
| No. of customers | 37,000+ | 1000+ |
What is NetSuite?
NetSuite stands out as the leading ERP solution, driven by its success for diverse industries particularly seeking stronger financial capabilities over the operational, robust ecosystem, credible marketplace add-ons, and comprehensive functionality. Although not as complex as some competitors like SAP S/4 HANA and Microsoft F&O, NetSuite excels in supporting diverse business models, including omnichannel architecture, matrix/dimensional inventory, and subscription-based models.
While NetSuite excels across industries, it may not be the ideal choice for industrial distributors and manufacturers due to limitations in pricing and item master capabilities. Its strength lies in supporting lighter manufacturing and consumerized products particularly health and beauty, fashion, apparel, and CPG. With robust financial capabilities and an integrated HCM solution, NetSuite is well-suited for service-centric industries, including smaller banks, credit unions, financial services, non-profit organizations, as well as the technology and media sectors.
While NetSuite remains the top-ranked solution due to its product quality, there might be challenges with over-customization and integration issues, leading to implementation failures. Thus, working with NetSuite demands thorough vetting of their solution and architecture.
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 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.
NetSuite vs Infor CloudSuite LN Comparison
Navigating the choice between NetSuite vs Infor CloudSuite LN is a significant decision for businesses particularly looking for operational efficiency and strategic alignment. Thus, this section delves into the comprehensive comparison of NetSuite vs Infor CloudSuite LN across various critical dimensions.
| NetSuite | Infor CloudSuite LN | |
| Global Operational Capabilities | Handles global multi-entity operations but not suitable for enterprise workloads. | Has sufficient layers of financial hierarchies and global trade compliance functionality pre-baked with products. |
| Diverse Capabilities | Favors B2C, hospitality, and service-centric industries. | Limited focus on certain business models. |
| Best-of-breed Capabilities | Contains pre-integrated HCM and FP&A components with varying maturity. | HCM, PLM, data lake, ERP, WMS, TMS, and advanced supply chain planning, are all pre-integrated with LN. |
| Last-mile Capabilities | Limited last-mile capabilities, especially for manufacturing. | Last-mile capabilities along with breadth of capabilities for diversified manufacturing business models. |
| Operational Functionalities | Richer financial capabilities over operational features. | Infor LN is a legacy solution with limited cloud-native capabilities such as universal search, mobile experience, etc. |
| Integration Capabilities | Offers several pre-integrated solutions with more options from Celigo. | 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. |
| Manufacturing Capabilities | Limited BOM layers for assembly-centric operations, requiring additional add-ons. | This solution delivers mature capabilities for intricate manufacturing and distribution operations. |
| Pricing Model | Named-user based with inflexible long-term contracts. | Subscription-based |
| Key Modules | 1. Financial Management 2. Accounting 3. Global Business Management 4. Inventory Management 5. Order Management 6. Supply Chain Management 7. Warehouse Management 8. Procurement 9. Customer Relationship Management | 1. Financials 2. Human Resources 3. Manufacturing Management 4. Inventory Management 5. Purchasing Management 6. Quality Management 7. Sales Management 8. Product Technology |
NetSuite vs Infor CloudSuite LN 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 NetSuite vs Infor CloudSuite LN 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 and supply chain management.
Financial Management Comparison
In this section, we are discussing a detailed comparison of the financial management capabilities particularly offered by NetSuite vs Infor CloudSuite LN. 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.
| NetSuite | Infor CloudSuite LN | ||
| Financial Management | General Ledger | Supports complex general ledgers including public reporting requirements of several countries | The General Ledger is the core component of Infor LN Financials, recording all transactions within the application that affect accounting. |
| Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable | Automates and streamlines invoice delivery, payment processing, and collections management as well as accounts payable processes. | AR manages customer invoices and credit, while AP handles supplier invoices and balance management. | |
| Cash Flow Management | Provides visibility to optimize cash flows, monitor bank accounts, and manage liquidity. | Provides comprehensive forecasting, analysis, and Azure ML-based prediction of cash inflows and outflows. | |
| Tax Management | Manages domestic and global tax, generates detailed reports, and analyzes transactions real-time. | 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. |
Supply Chain Management Comparison
In this comparison, we explore and analyze the supply chain management capabilities of NetSuite vs Infor CloudSuite LN, shedding light particularly on their respective strengths and weaknesses.
| NetSuite | Infor CloudSuite LN | ||
| Supply Chain Management | Warehouse Management | Provides the ability to optimize day-to-day warehouse operations, eliminate manual processes and minimize handling costs. | Warehousing focuses on managing and replenishing goods within a warehouse, including tasks to report and analyze inventory movements. |
| Inventory Management | Automates inventory management processes with multi-location fulfilment, cycle counting, replenishment, traceability and item visibility. | Can support complex inventory types including dedicated inventory masters for MRO or quality components for added granularity and control. | |
| Procurement | Streamlines procurement processes with source management, purchase management, vendor management and invoice processing. | Manages purchase activities and maintains the resulting data. | |
| Supply Chain Planning | Provides the ability to analyze demand, determine replenishment requirements, add stock and create orders according to an up-to-date supply plan. | Supplies planning capabilities are one of the robust for global manufacturing operations including most of the Supply Chain suite components pre-integrated as part of the suite. | |
| Supply Chain Execution | Optimizes all supply chain assets, controls costs at each step. | Supplies execution capabilities are one of the robust for global manufacturing operations including most of the Supply Chain execution components pre-integrated as part of the suite. |
Pros of NetSuite vs Infor CloudSuite LN
When evaluating ERP solutions, understanding the distinct advantages of NetSuite vs Infor CloudSuite LN is crucial. In this section, we are particularly exploring the strengths of NetSuite vs Infor CloudSuite LN across various dimensions. Thus, shedding light on their respective capabilities and functionalities.
| NetSuite | Infor CloudSuite LN |
| Provides richer financial capabilities over operational, with leaner operational layers built with the product. | Ideal for upper mid-market companies or as subsidiary solutions in a two-tier setting for private equity-owned or holding companies. |
| Ideal for SMBs operating in different countries. | It can support the most complex manufacturing business models, WBS-centric manufacturing, or support for attributes with MRP planning. |
| The data model is B2C friendly, supporting integration with B2C channels. | 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. |
| Ideal for eCommerce-centric SMBs because of the ecosystem and the integration operations available for eCommerce-centric companies. | While most smaller solutions might require ad-hoc arrangements for global financial operations, Infor CloudSuite LN has them natively built. |
Cons of NetSuite vs Infor CloudSuite LN
Just like recognizing strengths is important, it’s also crucial to weigh the specific drawbacks of NetSuite vs. Infor CloudSuite LN. Therefore, in this section, we will delve into the limitations and challenges associated with NetSuite vs. Infor CloudSuite LN across various operational and financial dimensions.
| NetSuite | Infor CloudSuite LN |
| Not a great value for companies operating only in a few countries. | 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. |
| May struggle with transactional workload requirements of companies over $1B and the ones that might be acquiring 10-20 entities every year. | 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. |
| Not ideal for startups with simpler operating models. | Infor LN is a legacy solution with limited cloud-native capabilities such as universal search, mobile experience, etc |
| Named-user-based pricing requires allocating fixed costs, even for seasonal workers or external users accessing the subset of data such as customer or vendor portals. | The consulting base and marketplaces are virtually non-existent for Infor LN. |
| Not fit for companies seeking OEM-owned integration with core operational systems such as CAD or PLM. | The integration of Infor LN with MES enhances its capabilities, particularly in complex manufacturing processes. |
| The last-mile capabilities required for manufacturing or industrial distribution are extremely limited. | Verticals such as automotive manufacturing demand deeper integration of PLM, CAD, and vendor portals to effectively manage their unique processes. |
Conclusion
​​In conclusion, choosing between NetSuite vs Infor CloudSuite LN depends significantly on a company’s specific needs and operational focus. NetSuite excels for small to mid-market firms with global operations, offering strong financial capabilities and localization features that suit diverse industries, including service-centric, distribution-centric, and B2C organizations. Its strengths lie in supporting lighter manufacturing and consumer products, particularly in sectors like health, beauty, fashion, and CPG. However, NetSuite may not be ideal for industrial distributors and manufacturers due to its limitations in pricing and item master capabilities. Despite its robust financial management, the complexity of implementation and potential over-customization issues necessitate careful consideration.
On the other hand, Infor CloudSuite LN is tailored for more intricate manufacturing and distribution operations, making it a superior choice for upper mid-market companies with revenues ranging from $250M to $750M. It offers a comprehensive suite experience similar to SAP and Oracle, featuring enterprise-grade functionalities including PLM, WMS, WFM, BI, and a supply chain collaboration platform. While Infor LN is excellent for discrete manufacturing, it faces challenges with process-centric operations and may not be the best fit for companies requiring extensive global capabilities or those in process manufacturing. Thus, further exploration and evaluation are essential to determine the best-fit ERP solution for a company’s unique needs. 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.
+ 
ERP Implementation Failure Recovery
Learn how Frederick Wildman struggled with Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP implementation failure even after spending over $5M and what options they had for recovery.
FAQs
Related Posts:
