IFS Cloud ERP vs Infor CloudSuite: Which is the right ERP for you?

When it comes to cloud-based ERP solutions, there are many options to choose from. Two popular systems that have recently emerged as frontrunners in the field are Infor CloudSuite and IFS Cloud ERP. Both offer a full range of features and capabilities that are tailored to meet the needs of modern businesses, including robust reporting tools, extensive customization options, and mobile accessibility.

Keep reading for an in-depth look at Infor CloudSuite and IFS, so you can make an informed decision about which product might be best for your company.

Infor Overview

Infor CloudSuite is the powerful and innovative cloud-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) system developed by Infor, one of the leading providers of ERP systems in the world. 

With its intuitive user interface and comprehensive feature set, Infor has become a popular choice for businesses looking to streamline their operations and improve productivity. 

Thanks to its industry-leading security protocols and robust data management capabilities, Infor Cloud Suite allows businesses to effectively manage all aspects of their operations, from finances and customer relations to HR and supply chain logistics.

Infor's Cloud Suite is built on a modern, microservices-based architecture that enables businesses to quickly deploy new applications and services. The suite includes a wide range of applications for finance, human resources, supply chain management, customer relationship management, and more.

The Infor Cloud Suite has many industry-specific solutions. These include:

• Cloud Suite Distribution - helps distributors increase sales, improve margins, and accelerate cash flow. 
• Cloud Suite Equipment enables users to manage their equipment inventory and maintenance schedules. The application provides a central repository for storing equipment information and maintenance records and allows users to share this information with other members of their organization. CloudSuite Equipment also includes a number of features that help users streamline their equipment management processes, such as the ability to create and manage equipment checklists, generate reports on equipment utilization, and track equipment warranty information.
• Cloud Suite  Healthcare offers a complete set of applications and services to help healthcare organizations improve clinical and financial outcomes. The suite includes an electronic health record (EHR) system, a patient portal, a financial management system, and a population health management system.
• Cloud Suite Aerospace and Defense enables military organizations to manage their operations in the cloud. It includes a suite of applications for mission planning, intelligence, logistics, and more.
• Cloud Suite Fashion helps fashion businesses manage their inventory, orders, and customers. It offers features such as a real-time inventory management system, order management, customer management, and more.
• Cloud Suite Automotive enables automotive dealers to manage their inventory, customers, and sales processes in one place. It offers a suite of tools for dealers to use, including a vehicle inventory management system, a customer relationship management (CRM) system, and a sales management system.
• Cloud Suite Industrial Enterprise provides a complete set of tools for managing industrial operations, including asset management, maintenance, supply chain, quality, and safety. 
• Cloud Suite Public Sector enables government agencies to securely store, share, and manage data and applications. The suite includes a variety of tools for data management, application development, and collaboration. It is designed to meet the specific needs of government agencies, including compliance with government regulations.
• Cloud Suite Fashion helps fashion businesses manage their products, inventory, and operations. It includes features for product design, order management, manufacturing, and logistics.
• Cloud Suite Food & Beverage helps businesses manage food and beverage production, including recipe management, quality control, and inventory management. The software can help businesses automate food and beverage production, improve quality control, and track inventory levels.
• Cloud Suite Retail offers a suite of features including POS, inventory management, customer management, reporting, and more

Infor's Cloud Suite is available in both public and private cloud deployments, giving organizations the flexibility to choose the deployment option that best meets their needs. 

IFS Overview

IFS develops and delivers enterprise software for manufacturing, distribution, service, and project-based organizations. Founded in 1983 and headquartered in Linköping, Sweden. IFS ERP solutions are available in 25 languages and used by more than 8,000 customers globally. 

Innovation has been a key to IFS’ success since the beginning. This dedication to innovation has resulted in multiple awards for IFS products. The company offers comprehensive solutions for a wide range of industries including aerospace & defense, automotive, construction,  mining, high-tech, and more.

There are various IFS modules, but some of the more commonly used ones include: 

• IFS Applications - includes a variety of applications that can be used to help manage a business, such as accounting, manufacturing, human resources, and supply chain management.
• IFS Enterprise Collaboration has features and tools to help promote collaboration within an organization, such as document management, chat, forums, and blogs.
•  IFS Field Service Management - helps manage field service operations, such as scheduling, dispatching, and invoicing. It can also help track field service technicians, equipment, and inventory.
  Learn more: IFS Field Service Management
• IFS Human Resources - has features and tools to help manage and optimize an organization's workforce. Some of the key human capital management HCM and workforce management WFM features include: 
• Employee and manager self-service 
• Employee and manager portals 
• Recruitment and onboarding 
• Time and attendance 
• Training and development 
• Performance management 
• Compensation and benefits administration •
•  Workforce analytics and reporting
• IFS Manufacturing - provides a comprehensive solution for manufacturing companies, covering all aspects of the manufacturing process from planning and scheduling to execution and quality control. It includes features such as production order management, capacity planning, material requirements planning, and machine utilization tracking.
  Learn more: Top ERP Systems for Manufacturers
• IFS Quality Management -helps businesses manage quality across their operations. This includes quality control, quality assurance, and quality management. It also includes tools for root cause analysis, corrective and preventative action, and data analysis.
• IFS Supplier Relationship Management - supports supplier performance management, supplier risk management, and supplier contract management.
• IFS Warehouse Management - has features for managing inventory, warehouse operations, and logistics.

Similarities between Infor and IFS

Both Infor's Cloud Suite and IFS’ user interface are designed for easy usability and can be customized to meet the specific needs of each organization. Both include a number of features that are designed to help businesses save time and money, such as automated data entry and workflow approval. 

Other similar features:

• Both can be deployed on-premise or as a cloud solution
• Both offer comprehensive financial management, supply chain management, and project management modules. 
• Both offer product lifecycle management (PLM) and include a product data management (PDM) module that can be used to track the lifecycle of products, from design and development through manufacturing and distribution.
• Both offer robust security features, allowing businesses to store sensitive information in a safe and secure manner. 
• Both have been named in Gartner's Magic Quadrant for Cloud ERP for Product-Centric Enterprises. To determine placement in the Magic Quadrant, Gartner performs an in-depth evaluation of each vendor’s Cloud ERP offering based on completeness of vision and ability to execute. 
• In 2020, IFS was been named a Visionary in Gartner's Magic Quadrant for Cloud ERP for Product-Centric Enterprises. 
• Infor Positioned as a Leader in the 2021 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Cloud ERP for Product-Centric Enterprise.

Differences Between IFS Cloud ERP and Infor CloudSuite

There are a few key differences between the two ERPs. 

• Cloud Suite offers a broader suite of applications than IFS, and many are industry-specific whereas IFS offers deeper capabilities within certain industries/sectors. Companies that are asset intensive and service based will be hard pressed to find a better, more complete ERP solution than IFS.
• Infor Cloud Suite is licensed on a per module and user basis whereas IFS is a fixed subscription cost including all the features/functionality you need to deploy IFS. CloudSuite ERP deployments generally tend to be more expensive than IFS. IFS is likely to be a better fit and more cost-effective fit for certain types of businesses.
  Learn more: IFS ERP Subscription Pricing
• Both can be deployed in the cloud however Infor CloudSuite must be deployed in AWS datacenters whereas IFS ERP is deployed and managed in IFS data centers.  

When comparing IFS Cloud ERP and Infor CloudSuite, there are a number of factors to consider. On the one hand, Infor CloudSuite offers a modern feature rich cloud-based ERP with industry-specific functionality. However, Infor CloudSuite is also notorious for being complex and difficult to navigate, especially for those new to ERP systems. Also according to online customer reviews implementation are difficult, oftentimes missing the go-live date and causing more than expected disruption to the business.  

On the other hand, IFS offers many of the same advantages as Infor – including powerful reporting tools, robust customization options, and deep integration with third-party applications. What sets it apart, however, is its ease of use and industry specific breadth of functionality. Ultimately, when comparing IFS vs Infor CloudSuite, both systems have their advantages depending on your needs and level of technical expertise. 

Recent Updates

Infor CloudSuite continues to grow as an ERP platform, with more and more customers making the move to the cloud. The latest updates for CloudSuite include new functionality in key areas such as financials, distribution, manufacturing, project management, and human resources. In particular, Infor has been focusing on developing deeper ERP capabilities for customers in the retail and wholesale distribution industries.

In addition to these functional updates, Infor has also been continuing its work on enhancing the user experience for CloudSuite users. This includes enhancements to areas such as navigation, reporting, and dashboarding.

The IFS software suite is also constantly evolving, with new features and functionality being added on a regular basis. Some of the latest updates include several new industry-specific applications that build on the core ERP functionality. These new industry solutions provide added value for companies in specific sectors, such as manufacturing, healthcare, and construction. By leveraging the latest updates and enhancements to IFS software, companies can improve their operational efficiency and competitiveness.

Which is best for your business?

Ultimately, the choice comes down to which system aligns most closely with your individual needs and goals. Whether you choose IFS or Infor CloudSuite, you can be confident in the knowledge that you're getting a high-quality cloud-based ERP solution that will help drive growth and success for your business.