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Essential Software Solutions

ERP Software for the Manufacturing Industry

Choosing the right ERP software for the manufacturing industry is one of the most critical decisions your business will make. Whether you operate in discrete manufacturing, process manufacturing, or engineer-to-order (ETO) environments, your ERP system must support accurate MRP, production planning, inventory control, and shop floor visibility. Yet the selection process is often clouded by flashy promises and generalized claims that fail to address the operational realities manufacturers face.


At Essential Software Solutions, we have seen how overwhelming ERP selection can be. That is why we provide clarity, actionable insights, and hands-on expertise to help manufacturers align their ERP investment with real production workflows — from materials planning and scheduling to quality control and traceability.


As outlined in our policy and vision, we are not here simply to sell software. We are here to ensure your ERP strategy supports your long-term manufacturing growth, operational efficiency, and scalability.

Meet Infor ERP Solutions for Industrial Manufacturing

Infor CloudSuite Industrial and VISUAL ERP are both robust ERP systems for manufacturers. They are designed to streamline mixed-mode, engineer-to-order (ETO), make-to-order (MTO), assemble-to-order (ATO), custom and configure to order manufacturers utilizing manufacturing best practices refined over decades. 


What makes Infor stand out from its competitors?


  • Built for manufacturers by manufacturers
  • Manage planning and scheduling with mixed mode support for ETO, MTO, MTS, repetitive, and process manufacturing (without necessity of 3rd party applications)
  • Infor prioritizes user experience with intuitive, easy-to-navigate interfaces. The system is designed to reduce the complexity that typically comes with ERP systems.
  • Infor ERP systems integrate well with other software tools and technologies, including IoT, AI, and analytics. 
  • Infor embeds advanced analytics and artificial intelligence directly into its ERP systems, offering predictive capabilities, smarter decision-making tools, and more accurate forecasts that help companies stay competitive.
  • Businesses can deploy Infor’s ERP solutions on-premise, in the cloud, or in hybrid environments, offering greater flexibility in meeting their unique operational requirements.
Execute Mixed Manufacturing models; 
  • Assembly to Order (ATO) for sequenced based components,
  • Make to Order (MTO) for components to be assembled in just in time (JIT/Lean),
  • Make to Stock (MTS) for components to be produced in lots,
  • Engineering to Order (ETO) to coordinate the tasks and components throughout the project structure
  • Repetitive for high volume/low mix production parts.

Flexibility and Control of Complex Supply Chain Processes

Applying the best strategy for unique situations allows manufacturers to be proactive to ever changing requirements, even if Clients are expanding operations to new countries, and to take on new customers with seamless confidence.

Every business operation within every manufacturing model, continuously improving processes to run with less costs and waste.

“Out-of-the-box” capabilities provide global supply chain planning and transparency across your extended supply chain. Infor cloud based ERP systems for manufacturing and assembly supports multiple manufacturing strategies (ETO, CTO, BTO, MTS, etc.) to ensure maximum process efficiencies.

Asset Performance and Regulatory Compliance

Syteline provides a powerful solution for keeping your equipment, facilities, and vehicle assets in tip-top shape. You will reduce purchasing costs, inventory levels, and inventory carrying costs, while empowering increased productivity from your staff.

New Product Design, Innovation & Production

Speed is always a competitive advantage. Manufacturers that introduce new products to market quicker will gain market share. In today's economy Manufacturers need to quickly create quotes, accurately submit bids, and launch new products just for survival let alone thrive. With Infor ERP, time to submit initial quotes are compressed, production volumes are increased, resulting in on time deliveries in the 95+ percentile.

Infor ERP Products for Manufacturers

Infor CloudSuite/Syteline

Cloud-based ERP designed for industry-specific needs, enhancing scalability and flexibility.

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Infor VISUAL

ERP solution for manufacturers, offering real-time insights and streamlined operations.

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Infor CPQ

Configure, price, and quote solution that streamlines the sales process with accuracy.

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Infor Generative AI

AI-powered solution that creates data-driven insights and automates decision-making processes. Now integrated to Infor CloudSuite.

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Infor Machine Learning

Leverages AI and machine learning to enhance predictions, automation, and business decisions. 


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Infor Robotic Process Automation (RPA)

Automates repetitive tasks with intelligent robots, improving efficiency and reducing errors.

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All functions are built-in for seamless manufacturing operation

Stop managing your financials in spreadsheets and disconnected systems. With integrated budgeting, multi-entity reporting, intercompany trade automation, tax management, and ESG tracking, you can see exactly where your money is going across plants, divisions, and regions.


You’ll be able to close books faster, reduce compliance risk, compare margins by product line, and make confident investment decisions based on real-time financial visibility.


  • Stronger margins
  • Clear financial control
  • Fewer regulatory surprises

Gain control over your entire supply chain from procurement to delivery. With built-in demand forecasting, supplier collaboration tools, scheduling, and automated pre-shipping checks, you can prevent bottlenecks before they disrupt production.


You’ll be able to anticipate shortages, negotiate smarter with suppliers, reduce excess inventory, and maintain trade compliance without manual intervention.


  • Fewer disruptions
  • Lower your supply chain costs
  • Predictable material flow
  • Visibility across suppliers

Manufacturing projects involve contracts, deadlines, compliance requirements, and tight margins. With integrated contract management, manufacturing KPIs, and real-time project visibility, you can track costs, milestones, and performance in one place.


You’ll be able to spot overruns early, allocate resources efficiently, cascade compliance requirements to certified suppliers, and deliver complex programs on time and within budget.


  • Controlled project execution
  • Cost tracking
  • Spotting inefficiencies

Eliminate guesswork in your warehouses. With real-time tracking, multi-warehouse visibility, barcode-enabled workflows, and automated fulfillment processes, you always know what you have and where it is.


You’ll be able to reduce picking errors, minimize stockouts, speed up order fulfillment, and improve inventory accuracy across locations.


  • Faster fulfillment
  • Fewer delays
  • Improved inventory accuracy

Align production with actual demand using manufacturing-specific capacity planning and scheduling tools. Whether you operate in ETO, MTO, MTS, or mixed-mode environments, you can balance workloads, avoid overloading machines, and respond quickly to changes.


You’ll be able to simulate production scenarios, optimize capacity, meet delivery promises, and manage high-mix, variable-volume production without chaos.


  • On-time delivery with optimized resource utilization.

Manufacturing success depends on skilled people. With integrated workforce planning, recruiting, training, and performance tracking, you can align your team with production goals.


You’ll be able to forecast labor needs, identify skill gaps, track certifications, and ensure the right people are in the right roles at the right time.


  • A prepared workforce that supports production efficiency, growth while being future-proof.

Protect your reputation and maintain regulatory compliance with built-in inspection management, audit tracking, and corrective action workflows.


You’ll be able to enforce quality standards across production cycles, proactively address issues before they escalate, and maintain documented compliance with industry regulations.


  • Consistent product quality with reduced compliance risk.

Make decisions based on facts — not assumptions. With real-time dashboards, industry KPIs, process mining, and customizable reports, you gain full visibility into operational performance.


You’ll be able to monitor production efficiency, identify cost drivers, analyze trends, and adjust strategies immediately when performance shifts.


  • Faster data-driven decisions
  • Improved operational control
IMPLEMENT INFOR WITH ESSENTIAL SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS

You Need More Than Software. You Need a Partner Who Knows It.

Infor ERP is purpose-built for industrial manufacturers and this depth is exactly what makes implementation matter.


ESS has been helping Canadian manufacturers get this right since 1974. As an Infor Gold Channel Partner, we bring over five decades of hands-on industry experience to every deployment - so your teams can use Infor the way it was designed to be used, and your investment delivers what it should.

50+ years serving Canadian manufacturers

ESS has been providing service to industrial manufacturers all around Canada since 1974, with deep roots in the sectors Infor is built for.

Gold Channel Partner expertise

Infor's highest partner tier, earned through verified implementation experience across manufacturing, distribution, and service industries.

End-to-end delivery

From scoping and configuration to training and go-live support, with a local team in Vancouver, BC that stays engaged after launch.

Industry-first configuration

We tailor Infor ERP to how your business actually runs, not how a default setup assumes it does.

Local support, long-term partnership

Your team works with Canadian consultants who know your regulatory environment, your industry, and your business over time.

I was very impressed with the ESS team's responsiveness when we lost our existing ERP system. We quickly jumped on a call with the entire ESS crew who have been involved in our project and made a game plan of what we needed to get done to emergency go-live.

Daniel M.

Vice President at Whittier Wood Manufacturing

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ESS Services for Manufacturers

ERP Evaluation

ESS specializes in objectively identifying the best ERP for manufacturers, given your specific needs and budget! Let us help you take the guesswork out of one of the most important investments a business can make.

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ERP Implementation

Utilizing ESS’ proven ERP implementation methodology honed over half a century, leveraging various educational approaches which align to your unique requirements.  ESS also leverages all-encompassing project management to shepherd change management and ensure constant bidirectional communication.

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Industry 4.0

Adopting Industry 4.0 practices can be a true game changer for manufacturers. Access advanced data insights and measure your performance while stay proactive against potential problems. 

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What is your industry?


Aerospace & Defense

A&D is one of the highly complex and regulated industry, which it needs a robust ERP software

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Medical Device Manufacturing

Regulatory compliance, traceability, efficiency, cost control, and quality assurance demands

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Windows and Doors Manufacturing

Streamlines operations, inventory management, scheduling, cost control, and customer service

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High Tech & Electronic Manufacturing

Enhances supply chain visibility, production efficiency, inventory accuracy, and cost management

Read More

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Talk with an ERP advisor

Do you have questions about ERP selection, ERP implementation, ERP trainings or any other issues with digital transformation? Talk with one of our advisor, we'd be glad to help you.


Don't hesitate to contact. Our client policy is 'no string attached'.