IBM renews services capabilities for manufacturing industry solutions

Infor have announced an agreement with IBM in which the companies will deliver end-to-end business solutions that address the needs of discrete manufacturers worldwide. Through this agreement, IBM will develop, sell and implement solutions specifically designed for mid-sized manufacturers. The IBM offerings, which include the Infor ERP LN Software and IBM Global Business Services, will help clients streamline operations and automate business processes.    

The agreement highlights Infor and IBM’s strengthening relationship and IBM’s focus on mid-market vertical industry solutions in areas such as electronics and transportation equipment manufacturing. Infor ERP LN is the next generation of the Baan family of ERP solutions, of which IBM is a leading systems integrator. IBM’s Infor Consulting Practice provides customers with end-to-end implementation, migration, and development solutions for Infor ERP LN and Baan with a team of functional and technical professionals to support these projects, ongoing operations at the client site, and on-demand capabilities.

IBM will deliver Infor ERP LN solutions initially in North America, with plans for expanding the program to additional geographic regions. Infor and IBM will engage in joint sales to new manufacturing clients in general discrete, electronics and electrical equipment, and transportation equipment, and ease upgrades for existing Infor ERP Baan clients. IBM’s solutions offering will include IBM Global Business Services, and may also include other core competencies such as IBM’s hardware, software, and hosting or application managed services.

“Infor and IBM have a strong and broadening relationship based on common goals and complementary strengths,” said Dennis Michalis, senior vice president, Channels & Alliances for Infor. “This agreement brings LN’s strong heritage and industry specific capabilities for discrete manufacturers together with IBM’s domain expertise in complete solutions integration. We look forward to continued discussions with IBM on future technology.”

LN is a fully-integrated ERP solution that provides business-specific functionality to discrete manufacturers in specific industries. A scalable, open platform solution, LN powers operations for some of the world’s largest manufacturers. Its flexibility, inherent manufacturing functions, and low cost of ownership also make it the solution of choice for mid-sized manufacturers who face complex business challenges.

“Manufacturing is a dynamic and increasingly competitive industry, where IT plays a critical role in helping companies innovate, differentiate and win in their markets,” said Mark Hanny, vice president, ISV Alliances, IBM Software Group. “At the same time, mid-sized manufacturers are seeking total solutions, backed by strategic partners that they know they can trust. Through our LN consulting practice, we’re matching our core competencies with Infor’s to deliver that total solution to discrete manufacturing customers.”