Manufacturers Gain Better Data Intelligence with Integrated ERP Platform from IBM and Infor

Optimized combination of hardware and software speeds decision making and reduces administration costs


ARMONK, N.Y. & ATLANTA - IBM (NYSE: IBM) and Infor today announced an integrated hardware and software solution designed to improve the profitability and responsiveness of manufacturers. Based on IBM’s market-leading POWER7® family of systems and the IBM i operating system, the optimized platform with Infor’s ERP LX, ERP XA and ERP System21 Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software is an easy to install system that streamlines manufacturing processes through automated planning, scheduling and fulfillment. It also yields new data intelligence that quickens decision making and reduces administration costs.

The integrated system is the second set of industry-specific workload-optimized systems delivered by IBM and Infor to save companies money in the manufacturing, distribution and services sectors. The first system, which featured Infor ERP Distribution Enterprise (A+), enabled Puerto Rico Supplies Group, one of the largest distribution companies in Puerto Rico, to boost its gross revenues by 10 percent over one year and improved on-time/in-full deliveries by 23 percent. Productivity of warehouse workers rose by 44 percent for packaging refrigerated products (measured in cases per hour) and 85 percent for dry products.

“A+ is the backbone and facilitator of everything that goes on in the warehouse. We register every transaction in it to maintain full control,” said Carlos Falcon, IT director at PRSG. “And we’re also happy with the IBM i For Power Systems (iSeries) platform that we’ve used with A+. It’s stable, long-lasting, and it basically runs on its own.”

“Manufacturing is a process and each step can dramatically affect profitability. Gaining more visibility into processes and optimizing each step efficiently is crucial for any company wanting to compete globally,” said Charles Germano, Global Alliance Executive, IBM Sales & Distribution. “By offering an integrated hardware and software solution that is already tuned to the specific tasks of manufacturers, we are simplifying the IT environment to make this transformation possible.”

The new Infor Manufacturing Solution Built with IBM Power Systems package includes three years of premium support, implementation and migration services, and customizable software and service options such as Infor CRM for System i and cloud-based data recovery services. Customers can choose either IBM Power 720 Express or IBM Power 740 Express servers as the base of their high-performance IT environment with the IBM i operating system, which integrates key middleware such as IBM DB2® database software.

“Infor continues to demonstrate its commitment to our more than 15,000 customers running on IBM systems by enhancing and innovating our ERP solutions to bring greater efficiency and improved performance,” said Jack Bullock, Vice President and General Manager, System i, Infor. “Partnering with IBM to deliver this integrated solution to help manufacturers achieve greater profitability and improved business decision making is the latest innovation that Infor is bringing to our IBM i-based customers.”

More information about IBM i Solution Editions for Infor ERP is available at www.infor.com/systemi/.

About IBM

For more information on IBM i Solution Editions, see www.ibm.com/systems/power/hardware/editions/solutions.html.

For more information on IBM Smarter Computing, please visit www.ibm.com/smartercomputing.

About Infor

Infor is a leading provider of business software and services, helping more than 70,000 customers in 164 countries improve operations and drive growth. To learn more about Infor, please visit www.infor.com.

IBM, DB2, POWER and Power Systems are registered trademarks of IBM Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All other company/product names and service marks may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.