Infor Visual ERP sees growth beyond manufacturing SMEs

They join more than 600 existing users that have been adding additional licenses, users and modules. Most recent adopters include Cygnus, DFW Test, Frontier Electronics System, John-Richard, Pennant Moldings, RotorWay International and D3. In fact, with an installed base of more than 4,000 manufacturers around the world, Infor claimes that Visual is fast becoming an ERP solution of choice for SMEs wanting rapid implementation, business-specific functionality and ease of use. Underlying Visual’s success is probably its ability to support mixed mode manufacturing, made relatively easy by its ‘visual’ interface. For example, the Visual Manufacturing Window allows users to build queries graphically, identify the actions to complete a work order, and ‘see’ problems or steps in the process that remain outstanding. The interface is also designed for multi-tasking, and it also has useful features such as Microsoft Outlook Task Integration and customisable user interfaces. Interestingly, Visual is also being deployed at manufacturing plants and divisions of some of the world’s larger companies. They appear to use the package to push, for example, lean manufacturing and to provide support for shop floor issues, which larger corporate applications don’t necessarily cover so well – certainly at the price. “There is over 15 years of manufacturing functionality and best practices built into the Visual solution, leading to a low total cost of ownership,” observes Mike Gadow, vice president, channels, North America for Infor. “That experience and value, together with the unequalled domain expertise of our channel partners, is a key reason why Visual continues to have high rates of adoption among enterprising companies of all sizes.”