Infor VISUAL Reviews

Infor VISUAL - The best ERP software for small - mid sized Manufacturing Companies

Comments: I have and continue to have an awesome experience with VISUAL. At one time I was the president of the SCVMUG (Southern CA VISUAL Manufacturing User Group) and also sat on the global Infor User Group as a secretary for a few years. I have taught at conferences and still have a few clients to keep my fingers in it. I truly cannot recommend this software enough!

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.

Great Value for Small to Mid Range Companies

Comments: Your success with Visual will be tied both to your employees' willingness to adjust their processes and procedures to being conducive to the system and to how reliable your channel partner is in helping you setup and learn the system.

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.

This product continues to confound me, some things as or better than advertised and many not at all.

Comments: Some days it's hard to say. There is a lot of data stored in the database though, however, the "out of the box" reports stink and nearly everything has to be customized.

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.

Robust But Difficult

Comments: Infor VISUAL is successfully running our manufacturing operations. It handles the entire production life cycle. However, we perform our shipping schedule, capacity planning, and analytics on different software.

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.

Our One-Stop Solution: Infor VISUAL ERP + Synergy Resources

Comments: More than three years ago, our team found ourselves at a crossroads: our mid-1990s ERP system no longer fit our business model, and our recent exponential growth meant we needed a more robust and scalable solution. A partner referred us to Synergy Resources, ensuring us that Infor VISUAL ERP and Synergy Resources made the best team in the business. The Synergy team was hands-on in our implementation, coming onsite to ask questions and learn about our company and then tailoring the new system to our business model. I am certain that this hands-on approach is what made our implementation successful. As part of our agreement, Synergy provides Quarterly Reviews, where a technical specialist reviews our ERP, server infrastructure, and databases and recommends any improvements to ensure the long-term health of our system. This future-looking analysis is a breath of fresh air in a fast-paced manufacturing environment where it's easy to get caught up in the short term. Over time, we have been able to utilize more of VISUAL's features, like the Estimating system and Engineering Change Notice system, to integrate nearly every aspect of our operations into the system. Overall, we have been thrilled with Infor VISUAL ERP and the Synergy team and are confident that both will continue to contribute to our long-term growth and success.

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.

A must have for any business..

Comments: 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:

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!

A Platform we Can Continue to Grow Our Demanding Dynamic Business

Comments: We are a contract manufacturing facility that specializes in precision machined components and complex electro mechanical assembly. Our business has doubled since implementing Visual in 2005.

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.

Synergy's - Soldream implementation success

Comments: The Synergy Resources team assisted Soldream in successfully implementing VISUAL ERP. They provided us with advice on Change Management, presented the obstacles that we would need to overcome and made timely recommendations to support our success. Throughout the implementation process the Synergy Resources team treated our employees with respect, listened to our concerns, and expertly guided us through each step of the process. Each Monday morning we VISUAL ERP and Synergy’s Contract Order & Forecast Import Tool to import our customers’ schedules into our system which allows us to understand the impact, update requirements for all BOM levels, and contact our customers if the changes can’t be supported by each Monday afternoon. This provides valuable information to our customers to allow them time during the week to determine what drove the changes in their ERP systems and make corrections if needed. Since implementing VISUAL ERP, we’re now able to demonstrate to current and future customers that we can manage our supply chain to support their needs. We now have a better understanding our production needs; Capacity, Manpower, Product Flow, Raw Materials, etc. Soldream will have increased opportunities to grow our business as our customers’ confidence in us to support their supply chain needs continues to grow. Quarterly User Group meetings to share working knowledge and best practices

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

Visual ERP Keeps the wheels running

Comments: Visual keeps the wheels running on our business, but it seems the technology lags 10 years behind. It is a LARGE and COMPLEX system and requires extensive training and setup, as would any ERP System)

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

Best Value Manaufacturing ERP

Comments: Overall Visual is a great system and I believe for the cost it can't be beat in its market placement.

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.

Good for a Sophisticated ERP

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.

Awsome Manufacturing System

Comments: As any of infor Systems you need to really search for the Implementation partner that you are going to work with as the System is very complex in Implementation and needs very good analysis and review at the beginning, it will take time to implement so stress on the System Design & Configuration
Documents to be Prepared and signed before starting Execution

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

Simply the best ERP software available.

Comments: Our shop was being run on a very out dated- home grown software that was virtually unusable, and crimped our ability to grow. We selected Visual ERP because its functionality was everything and more we were looking for and it was easy to learn and use. The implementation team at Synergy Resources got our business practices on track and worked with us to go live with the software on time and under budget.

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.

Synergy Resources & VISUAL ERP are a potent combination.

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.

Powerfull enough for fortune 500 and simple enough for small businesses

Comments: Synergy team is paramount: reactive, knowledgable, available, and very human. :o) Great team to support this wonderful tool.

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.

Reliable, Customizable, Continually Improved ERP for Manufacturers

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.

Exceptional Manufacturing software for small to mid-size businesses.

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.

Review

Comments: Would use compared to other manufacturing programs. Easy to learn and teach.

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.

Everyday grind type of ERP

Comments: This software is religion in our business. It is essentially your entire business in one box.

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.

VISUAL ~ Complete end to end solution; Reliable/Customizable Software

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.

Evaluation after one year

Comments: Partially good, partially bad

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.

Visual Infor

Comments: We implemented Lean into our organization and the Visual ERP made a nice transition as visual mirrored our literal visual manufacturing floor

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

Increases the production efficiency with a significant ratio

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.

Visual ERP rocks!

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!!

Great software for manufcactureing companies operating in an actual cost environment

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.