Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software is an important part of any business. It allows companies to manage and track their resources, including cash flow, inventory, and manufacturing processes. For mid-sized to large organizations looking to implement an ERP system with robust features, SAP and Infor turn out to be ideal solutions, both coming with a rich feature set and experience in the ERP industry.
Both platforms have their pros and cons, but which one is right for your business? This blog compares and contrasts Infor ERP and SAP, to help you make the best decision for your business!
What is Infor ERP?
Infor has been in the tech industry since 2002, but it wasn’t until 2010 that the company started making a name for itself, when it developed cloud-based solutions for various industries. Today, its CloudSuite ERP software options include more than a dozen sub-industry solutions for manufacturing, distribution, field service and consumer packaged goods (CPG), enabling the company to serve companies across multiple industries.
Infor ERP is the perfect software suite for small and midsize businesses that need an all-in-one solution. From financial accounting to sales to manufacturing, Infor ERP leaves no process behind. By linking these various processes into a single system, users get useful analytics and a comprehensive view of their company’s operations.
What is SAP?
SAP stands for System Application and Products is the largest player in the global ERP market with more than 25% of the market share. It is a leader in the ERP technology Value Matrix 2017 by Nucleus Research. SAP offers three distinct products: SAP S/4 HANA, SAP Business One and SAP Business ByDesign.
All three SAP ERP systems offer in-depth solutions to customers with comprehensive functionalities. It has modules for streamlining your various business processes including financial management, human resource management, sales, operations, supply chain management, and customer relationship management.
The software collects and processes data on one platform, from raw material purchasing to production and customer satisfaction. Solutions from SAP can be installed “on premise” at users’ premises or used from the cloud, helping companies to analyse and efficiently design the entire value chain. SAP Solutions can also be used to make forecasts, such as when a machine will need to be repaired or how sales will develop over the next six months.
Infor vs SAP
| Infor | SAP |
| Infor ERP is a more affordable option. | SAP can be quite costly. |
| Infor ERP is more limited in customization area. | SAP offers more customization option. |
| Infor ERP has a simpler and more intuitive design. | The user interface of SAP is more complicated. |
| Infor ERP is less secure than SAP. | SAP is generally considered to be the more secure option. |
| Infor ERP has a longer learning curve. | SAP has easy learning curve. |
| Infor offers more flexibility when it comes to customization, allowing users to tailor the system to their needs. | SAP, on the other hand, has limited customization option. |
Pros of Infor ERP: –
1. Improved efficiency and productivity: Infor ERP can automate many of the manual processes that are typically required to manage a business, such as accounting, inventory management, and payroll. This can help businesses save time and resources, which can lead to increased productivity.
2. Better decision-making: Infor ERP provides businesses with real-time data and analytics, which can help managers make more informed decisions about the direction of their company.
3. Increased visibility and control: Infor ERP gives businesses a comprehensive view of their operations, which can help them identify areas where they can improve and take steps to address them.
4. Better customer service: Infor ERP allows businesses to track customer interactions, which can help them provide more personalized and responsive service.
5. Better scalability: Infor ERP can be customized to meet the specific needs of a business, which allows it to grow and adapt as the business changes over time.
6. Better integration with other systems: Infor ERP is designed to integrate with other systems like CRM, PLM, SCM, making the overall system more comprehensive.
Cons of Infor ERP
1. High cost: Infor ERP can be expensive, particularly for smaller businesses.
2. Complexity: The software is complex and can be difficult to navigate, particularly for users who are not familiar with ERP systems.
3. Customization: Customizing the software to fit the unique needs of a business can be a challenge, and may require the help of a consultant or developer.
4. Integration: Integrating Infor ERP with other systems can be difficult and may require additional time and resources.
5. Support: Some users have reported issues with the level of support provided by Infor.
6. Scalability: Infor ERP is a very robust system, but it may not be the best fit for small or medium-sized business with limited scalability options.
7. Limited Mobile Support: Infor ERP does not have a dedicated mobile app, which can be a limitation for businesses that rely on mobile access to their ERP systems.
Pros of SAP ERP
1. Integrated system: SAP ERP provides a single, integrated system for managing various business functions, such as finance, logistics, and human resources.
2. Scalability: The system can be easily scaled to meet the growing needs of a business.
3. Customizable: SAP ERP can be customized to meet the specific needs of a business.
4. Automation: It automates many business processes, such as financial accounting and procurement, which can save time and reduce errors.
5. Improved visibility: SAP ERP provides real-time visibility into business operations, which can help with decision-making and strategic planning.
6. Strong security: The system has built-in security features to protect sensitive data.
7. Global support: SAP ERP is widely used around the world and has a large user community, which means that there is a wealth of knowledge and support available.
Cons of SAP ERP
Some potential drawbacks of using SAP ERP include:
1. High cost: SAP ERP is known for being a pricey solution, both in terms of initial implementation and ongoing maintenance costs.
2. Complexity: The system can be complex and difficult to navigate, especially for users who are not well-versed in its functionality.
3. Customization limitations: While SAP ERP can be customized to some extent, it may not be able to fully meet the needs of every organization.
4. Integration challenges: Integrating SAP ERP with other systems can be challenging, and may require additional resources and expertise.
5. Long implementation time: The implementation of SAP ERP can take a long time, and can be disruptive to business operations during this period.
6. Limited analytics and reporting capabilities: SAP ERP’s reporting and analytics capabilities are limited, which can make it difficult to gain insights from the data the system collects.
It is always important to remember that the right ERP system should be able to help the company streamline and automate processes, improve efficiency, and take full advantage of its capabilities.
In the end, it all comes down to which solution can offer you the features and functionalities that best suit your business needs. With this information in mind, you should have a better understanding of how Infor ERP and SAP ERP differ, and which one would be the best fit for your organization. For more information, please reach out to us at sales@bafflesol.com
