What does AI mean for your ERP environment? Do you need to move to the cloud to benefit from new capabilities? And how can you start using AI if your ERP system is still running on-premises?
AI offers manufacturers new opportunities to improve processes, make faster decisions and reduce manual work. At the same time, these developments raise questions, particularly for organizations that have relied on their existing Infor environment for many years.
In this blog, we answer five frequently asked questions about AI, ERP and Infor CloudSuite.
1. What is a system of action in ERP?
Traditionally, ERP has primarily served as a system of record: a system that records transactions and provides a central source of business information. A system of action takes this one step further. By combining AI, Process Mining and automation, ERP can help identify deviations, support decision-making and recommend or execute appropriate next steps. For example, it can help identify potential delivery delays at an early stage or automatically highlight bottlenecks in production planning. This transforms ERP from a system that primarily records information into an environment that helps employees take faster, more informed action.
2. Do I need to replace my existing Infor environment to use AI?
No. Even with an existing on-premises Infor environment, you can start preparing for and implementing AI. By optimizing processes, improving master data quality and making business information available for analysis, you create a valuable foundation for new applications. For organizations looking to benefit from more integrated innovations, Infor CloudSuite Industrial Enterprise, combined with Infor Velocity Suite, offers additional capabilities.
Cloud migration is therefore not necessarily the first step. The right approach depends on your current environment, business objectives and digital ambitions.
3. Can I start using AI with an on-premises Infor environment?
Yes. A data platform can be a practical first step towards enabling AI applications without immediately migrating your entire ERP environment.
It allows you to access data from your ERP system and combine it with information from MES, PLM, CRM and other data sources.
This creates opportunities for:
- Forecasting demand and improving inventory management.
- Identifying potential delivery risks at an early stage.
- Analyzing deviations in production processes.
- Answering questions about orders and deliveries more efficiently.
Which applications are feasible depends on the quality and availability of your data and the technology you choose.
4. What is Infor Velocity Suite?
Infor Velocity Suite brings together technologies that help organizations analyze, automate and improve their business processes.
The solution works with Infor CloudSuite and includes:
- Process Mining: provides insight into how processes actually operate and identifies opportunities for improvement.
- Generative AI: helps employees find, interpret and summarize information.
- Value+ Automations: helps automate repetitive tasks and improve operational efficiency.
- Industry AI Agents: support specific business processes through intelligent analysis, recommendations and actions.
Infor Velocity Suite helps manufacturers turn business information into meaningful operational improvements.
5. Where should I start with AI in ERP?
The best starting point is not choosing an AI solution, but identifying the business problem you want to solve. Do you want to improve on-time delivery performance, reduce inventory levels or eliminate repetitive manual tasks? Start with one clearly defined challenge. Next, ensure your data is reliable and your processes are well structured. Select the technology that best fits your situation and establish measurable objectives.
AI is not a goal in itself. It is a way to make your business operations smarter and more efficient.
From AI Ambition to Measurable Business Improvement
AI capabilities are evolving rapidly, but not every organization needs to follow the same path. For some manufacturers, innovation starts with process optimization or implementing a data platform. For others, migrating to Infor CloudSuite is the logical next step.
Xibis helps manufacturing companies make the right decisions. Drawing on our extensive Infor expertise, we connect technology with clear business objectives while maintaining a strong focus on business continuity and long-term value.
Interested in discovering which AI opportunities are right for your Infor environment?
Contact Xibis to explore the next steps towards smarter, more efficient and future-ready business operations.
