Infor VISUAL

Pros

I am 30+ year user, trainer, implementer, consultant of this product. I have seen many other ERP software products and in my experience there is NONE that can compare with this one. It has it ALL! It can not only take you from thought to getting paid, but it can handle any and all clients demands (traceability, certifications, quality requirements, etc). It can handle all internal needs as well (MRP, Production Control, Manufacturing Floor, Scheduling your factory, Maintenance, etc.) To all the reporting capabilities!!! Not to mention their exceptional support staff!

Cons

WOW, this is a hard one for me. There is not much I do not like about VISUAL, I guess my only piece of advice would be if you are looking to implement this for the first time and are making a change from an existing ERP system, take is slow. I get that they want to see you everything at once, but start with the base model. Get it up and running and everyone trained before taking on another module. It is a marathon not a race. Master one before starting another. Remember this is an asset you should get an ROI every year. Make another model one its ROI's. Keep the system current and healthy and it will do the same for you.

Pros

Visual offers many different configuration options to help customize the software to your company.

Visual is comparatively easy to learn when compared to other major ERP systems (e.g. SAP or Oracle). It's also much easier to administer. The database tables are logically named and relatively easy to figure out for troubleshooting, reporting, and tieing systems together.

Visual offers a lot of features that can be setup and used quickly when working with a reliable channel partner. Since signing on with Synergy Resources, we've been introduced to a wide range of applications (e.g. SmartViews reporting, quoting through Configurator, etc.) that have created easy wins for helping our company to get the maximum amount of value out of Visual.

Cons

When first starting out with Visual, it's not always easy to recognize red flags in the system that should tell you stop and look into something, or to know what reports the system gives you that will help you see problems and fix user issues.

For a manufacturing company that wants to be able to drill down on what's happening on the shop floor, Visual's labor capture system that comes out of the box has some major shortcomings. Users can only enter one defect code per transaction into the system, requiring them to enter multiple transactions to record their scrap. The new Shop Floor Mobile app offers better features, but doesn't address this issue. We had to write our own labor capture program to meet our business needs.

After using and administering Visual at our company for 7+ years, I still have a lot to learn about the system. The amount of options available for configuring Visual is a strength of the system, but also requires a strong knowledge of what each option offers and how the system works. Our original channel partner for implementing the system had a very knowledgeable consultant who offered us hope for how the system could work, but the consultants that primarily dealt with our account were far from experts. Implementing Visual with a bad group of consultants created many issues for us within the system. Since switching our channel partner to Synergy Resources, we've had much better success in cleaning up the problems and utilizing Visual more effectively.

Alternatives Considered

Reasons for Choosing Infor VISUAL

Switched From

Reasons for Switching to Infor VISUAL

Pros

It's a fairly comprehensive software package that covers many features in the base product. It's fairly easy to teach new users and users of other ERP systems.

Cons

First & foremost, part revisions. This product does not handle part revisions in manner that is consistent with accepted engineering practices. It's almost like it was an after thought and even though these short comings have been pointed out to them for years there appears to have been no attempt to fix it. VERY frustrating to deal with.

Pros

Infor VISUAL is essentially a barebones GUI built upon a robust database made up of many different tables for manufacturing operations. It has all of the tools and functionality needed to run an operation. Actually, it has much more than most companies probably need for their purposes.

Cons

While this software "gets the job done", it doesn't make it easy. The interface is not intuitive, so a lot of training is required for new users. In addition, it lacks useful analytics and is difficult to gain insights into your process.

Pros

Many ERP systems are similar, but Infor VISUAL ERP makes it simple for the user to access the data they are seeking and then presents it in a visual format that is easy to understand. Seasoned ERP users might not need a visual representation of the data, but the straightforward process flow of Infor VISUAL ERP positions all of your users for success. Because Infor VISUAL ERP is SQL Server-based, it is simple to manage and easily compatible with BI programs like Synergy's SmartViews software and Microsoft's Power BI. Rather than the "quick fix" approach, Infor VISUAL ERP and the Synergy Resources team are focused on a long-term solution that will drive your organization forward.

Cons

As a few other reviewers said, Infor VISUAL ERP comes with a breadth of "bells and whistles" that can be beyond the scope of what a small organization might need. At implementation time, this can feel overwhelming. Synergy Resources helped us identify the features we needed and configure them. Once things settled down post-implementation, we began to test some of the other features. In the three years since, several of what we considered "extra features" have become integral to our daily operations.

Pros

Accu-Fab, Inc. has used Infor’s Visual ERP system for serval years as its forefront in a software management tool that has pushed our industry forward. When we decided to upgrade our system to the next level, we used a third party company that gave us less than stellar results, leaving us potentially behind our deadline to launching the new version based on testing and implementation. During that time we found Synergy Resources, and almost instantly we were surrounded with a team of knowledgeable members that had a plan of action for our project from the word “go”. We were introduced to engineers that knew every aspect of the software and how to make quick modifications and pull in our own modifications from the previous version making getting off the ground seamless and quick.

The efficiency at which were we operational with our newly upgraded ERP system was outstanding and it couldn’t have been achieved without our new partners at Synergy Resources! We look forward to working with them even further on future projects. Thanks Synergy!

Pros

First and foremost this platform is very easy to use. The intuitive nature of the system allows for new users to rapidly pick up the software and be productive. We have a dynamic business that requires great flexibility and balance of both job tracking on machined components as well as driving MRP on complex bills of materials many which are 7 levels deep. Other platforms we researched either couldn't do both or were not flexible enough to meet our demands. The adaptability of Visual has aided in our continuous improvement process. We feel very strongly during our customer and ISO audits that we have a strong, integrated, streamlined system of which Visual is the foundation.

Cons

I can think of one con and that would be the quality of the "canned" reports that come with Visual. We struggled for years with trying to extrapolate the vast data that was contained inside of Visual. We did recently purchase the Smart Views reporting suite and have been pleasantly surprised with its standard reports as well as the simplicity and intuitive nature of creating new reports. I will say the Pros of this platform far outweigh the Cons and i feel our business would be lost without this integrated business tool.

Pros

Easy to learn and use
Integration of finance, scheduling, engineering,
Ability to easily upload changes in customer demand
Synergy's implementation support
Easy access to information to support better business decisions
Quarterly User group meetings

Cons

Limited ability to sort information in the purchasing planning data table. Quantity for operation deviations does not automatically create replacement demand

Pros

Visual's Accounting modules seem to work the best of all its features. If set up correctly, the Manufacturing modules can really streamline the company, but it does take a ton of setup (as you would imagine with any ERP System)

Cons

The Estimating and Customer Order Windows can work fine unless a lot of configuration is needed - we decided to create our own modules to integrate with Visual for Configurators and Order Entry

Pros

Great scheduling system. Very easy to use. Lots of hidden functionality. Been around for many years and plenty of consultants and users out there for support in addition to Infor.

Cons

New releases tend to be buggier than past releases. Some issues have been around for many years and Infor refuses to fix.

Pros

The amount of features this software has is incredible. There are many functionalities that we have yet to take advantage of. From importing customer orders and demand forecasts, to machine/resource management, it really can be a full solution for a manufacturing facility. The channel partners/support is very good as well. Synergy Resources is our support company for the software and are extremely helpful. Not only are they great with the technical support but can advise on the business functions/best practices to help become a more efficient company.

Cons

Not very intuitive. It is extremely important to make sure you have "super users". (People who are well educated in the software and understand how it works/all ties together.) We find it is difficult to implement new features because it is very involved to change the business processes to fit the software. This usually requires additional support from an integrator/partner such as Synergy.

Pros

the System is trust worthy and has a lot of features and customization tools, the Reporting Generator is very good and it's a system that you buy for the years to come, the System has all what is needed for any manufacturing company, Such as Production management, configuration management, Shop floor Automation, Quality Management, Engineering Master and change control.
the System has Configurable workflows and Activities as required by the Business Model you have

Cons

System is not easy to use or configure and the implementation Takes some time to complete
Some of Infor Implementation Partners not Qualified enough for this implementation which Cause problems after finishing.
No Training Tools available

Pros

Infor Visual runs my entire shop from Accounting, to shop floor, to shipping. I know real time the status of all jobs and how well they are doing. The ability to schedule the whole shop has been phenomenal.

Cons

I have nothing negative to say about Visual.

Pros

VISUAL ERP is just as the name implies, whatever critical bit of information that you need at any moment is concisely displayed for your review. The very heart of the metaphor is the Manufacturing Window. With one glace a user can see the precise state of any work order that is in progress. I am particularly fond of the Material Planning Window. One screen, one part with all supply & demand shown in chronological order. It doesn't get any simpler than that.

VISUAL is a dynamic and growing product. Infor is extremely receptive to current users input for product enhancements. The user base has actual & direct influence over what features are added in future releases. I doubt other products can make this same claim.

Synergy Resources are a collection of very experienced and talented consultants. Many are past users, many with roots to the origin of the VISUAL product. You can't go wrong following their advice.

Cons

VISUAL is a complete ERP, it is not easy for any company to fully utilize the depth & breadth of it's functions. Fortunately, you can generally pick & choose what feature to tackle at your own speed.

Pros

We've been using Visual for 15 years now and with expansion we are realizing how perfect this will follow along with us. The power available is flexible for any size company. Easy to learn, simple to navigate. Very strong and very powerful tool. They truly captured the needs from an Operations point of view rather than the adapted financial-based ERPs out there.

Cons

Reporting is weak, but the more recent ability to export to Excel makes things so much more flexible. Latest version's dashboard-style are more informative, flexible, and simple to use allowing for much improved KPI review. Smartviews add-on is even more adaptable for reporting if needed.

Pros

Infor Visual Manufacturing has been a stable, reliable product for us for several years. It's continually updated and improved, with an ear towards the user community through Regional User Groups. Support is quick and responsive, and it's valuable to be able to communicate concerns and requests directly up to the Product Manager and Infor executives. The support site (inforxtreme.com) is useful for Knowledgebase searches and issue reporting.

As with any software you'll have some hiccups along the way and a learning curve if you haven't used a modern ERP or database, but vendor partners like Synergy will help train you and pilot the system, and any other process / technical needs such as data migration, custom code, add-ons, etc.

Cons

Infor can be slow to produce enhancements, and minor bugs can be typical (though most are cleared up fairly quickly). Software costs for add-ons can be prohibitive for smaller companies compared to low-cost vendors, but the wealth of resources available between users, vendor partners (such as Synergy Resources and Visual South) and Infor's support website make the $$ easier to justify.

Pros

The manufacturing window combines your Routings and BOL's on one screen. Costing is exceptional. Data entry is very easy. Process flow is easy to follow.

Cons

The shipping functionality is a little weak and doesn't directly interface with carriers without a 3rd party application. Scheduling where data changes rapidly and a quick turn around time from build to ship has it's challenges.

Pros

Easy to use. Can go from one screen to another through their history. Can review/fix things even once posted.

Cons

Glitches in system quite frequently. Can only be on one screen at a time.

Pros

Infor VISUAL allows us to run our daily operations, supply chain, accounting, and administrative tasks all from the same place. It deposits all the data onto SQL which we're very familiar with.

Cons

I dislike that for all engineering support outside the scope of their pricey support requires a channel partner and there are only a handful.

Pros

Great product; user friendly and intuitive. VISUAL continues to make improvements, expand on the current functionality and add many enhancements from the recommendations and requests of the users. VISUAL is very easy to manage VISUAL from IT perspective, both data wise and connectivity wise; to perform maintenance, upgrades, updates, connections from middle-ware, data analysis and customizations.

INFOR and Synergy Resources both supply excellent service and support; all their employees are very well rounded, there is a high level of product knowledge and experience. The roadmap is always clearly defined and outlined; leaving no surprises for the future.

Cons

Over the past years we have found that the upgrades to higher versions were a tad unstable; in the sense of bugs which had to be iron out, for this reason we have always given the software upgrades at least a year out in the stream; prior to upgrading our own in-house versions.

Pros

Our manufacturing support people like its ease of use.

Cons

Cost reports are poorly structured. We are having to pay extra to get decent reports, but still do not have them. We cannot use labor scanning which was supposed to be a feature. We will have to get an upgrade to accomplish this.

Pros

I like that there are many add ons that are offered

Cons

Training was not organized enough on our end to communicate the level of attention we really need as the end user

Pros

Infor VISUAL helps us to keep the product and market match of our products and makes us sure that we are in line with customer demand.

Cons

Our overall experience with Infor VISUAL is highly positive so far except some minor issues which are not worth to write here.

Pros

There is so much you can do with this software. We use it to quote, plan, cost, ship and invoice.

Cons

there is so much to learn - wish I had more time to learn it all!!

Pros

Very flexible software with many robust features. Good scheduling tools and a tightly integrated general ledger. Slid drill down features within many modules.

Cons

Primarily functions in an actual cost environment. Does not report scrap as a defined cost, hard to get to PPV information.

Pros

It has all of the features that a mid-level manufacturing company needs.
The feature that bests fits our needs is the manufacturing window

Cons

The learning curve is a little steep. Once the concepts are grasped then it works well.

Pros

The software has evolved with changes in manufacturing methods and culture. Synergy is the most experienced of the VISUAL providers. VISUAL is the core of our business operations - all our procedures mesh with the product - so we have a very efficient use of this ERP. As we have been using this since 1999, we have a huge amount of process and financial data available to analyze. We do this with Synergy's SmartViews BI package. Very slick and easy to use.

Cons

Rev changes can be a little clunky. We generally stay a little behind the most recent rev levels to make sure everything is stable before we upgrade.

Pros

We deal in three currencies, Visual handles foreign exchange automatically and retroactively - never have to worry about the currency impact. Also like the easily customisable financial reports - now I get whatever I need quickly.

Cons

Was disappointed that the quoting product that comes standard with Visual is too basic. Doesn't support detailed quotes, comments and formulas.

Pros

VISUAL is flexible enough to allow vastly different manufacturers to accurately model how they each conduct business. It takes care of all the background operations (inventory transactions, labor tickets, etc.) with ease and simplicity. It provides real time information directly to users so that informed decisions can be made at all levels of the company. It is intuitive to operate; it takes only hours (or minutes) to train new personnel on applications. The custom report writing options, which every company needs, are numerous, varied, and powerful.

Synergy Resources is eminently qualified to train, consult, and develop solutions for your staff. They are a truly professional organization and certainly the caliber of consultants that you would hope to work with.

Cons

New releases continue to be an issue for Infor. Experienced users typically wait 3 – 6 months before implementing a new version. The patches come quick enough; just give them time to appear before you take the leap to the next version.

Pros

I used that for a short time as a user and found Infor VISUAL kind of a industry specific, felt like it is designed to provide service to a specific type of industry and specific type of users. Overall inside functions works fine and helpful once you are used to it as it provides all the basic needs as well as progress and report.

Cons

Interface is complicated and takes time to get used to it. Also requires knowledge of the system to manage.

Pros

Frankly, I have tried to find an ERP solution with a more modern interface (preferably browser-based). After a detailed search, even considering a customizable open-source approach, we simply found Infor VISUAL to work best for our business.

Cons

I would really like to see more development done to make this browser-based.

Pros

VISUAL easily incorporates all aspects of our business: production, scheduling, engineering, sales, financials. After 15 years, it is central to our operations. We run a tight operation by using the vast amount of data we collect via VISUAL to guide all aspects of our company. Our vendor, Synergy Resources, has been with us through all the transitions, upgrades, and improvements, providing support and training.

Cons

Customized reporting within VISUAL is cumbersome for a non-software person. We went to a bolt-on report writer, Crystal Reports, to get by this. Recently, Synergy Resources developed a business intelligence system, SmartViews, which makes data analysis and report writing much more powerful.

Pros

Not much to say. It powers and and works. Doesn't crash. Wouldn't call it entirely ground breaking.

Cons

Every module is pay to play. For the buy-in price you get an incredibly gimped system.

Pros

The product does a great job handling custom products in our made-to-order environment. Synergy Resources has excellent consultants who are readily accessible with strong knowledge of not only the product but its real world applications and best practices.

Cons

Like all off-the-shelf software solutions, it isn't always a perfect fit for what we think our business needs. We have, however, been able to utilize custom user-defined fields, macros, workflows, etc. to meet our needs. Sometimes, we have found changing our processes to fit the software was actually a better solution!

Pros

How the modules work together is great - each of the modules ties together nicely with the next.

Cons

The setup & training -not great - cost a lot of money and we are still paying for every little thing