Decision Resources, Inc. (DRI) is not only a Gold Certified partner of Infor, but they’re also one of the largest members in the Infor Partner Network. The company has over 30 years of experience as an Infor CloudSuite and SyteLine service provider, boasting over 400 completed CloudSuite and SyteLine implementations across their current territory, which includes 20 North American states. DRI currently employs 60 people and is looking to expand their reach to a national level. The company works best with discrete and process manufacturing clients grossing $15-$150 million in annual revenue, who have about 25-50 system users. However, they have experience with larger clients as well.
Decision Resources, Inc. Technology – Mongoose, BI, ION, and More
With about half of their clients on or interested in Cloud ERP, Decision Resources, Inc. offers mostly web-based software, but has the ability to provide on-premise, Cloud SaaS, and Cloud Hosted services. Within their offering, each client who licenses the product has access to the Infor Mongoose developmental toolset, allowing them to write or edit the software for personalization.
One key takeaway on this subject is that all personalization of the look and functionality of the application is maintained via a database instead of source code, meaning you will not have to recode the application every time Infor upgrades the software. This way, you won’t be stuck on an old version due to the fear of losing any personalization.
The Decision Resources, Inc. offering also includes a lite version of the Business Intelligence (BI) toolset. The BI tools offered can work with data from multiple data sources, as it utilizes the Intelligent Open Network (ION) tool, allowing the user to move data from flat files, xtml files, or databases. This functionality is key when implementing a new ERP and retiring older systems.
Functionality – CloudSuite Options
Functionally, DRI has three main CloudSuite options. These include CloudSuite Industrial, CloudSuite Business, and CloudSuite Process. The CloudSuite Industrial solution is Infor’s flagship ERP product that is offered to mid-size manufacturing clients. This system is an evolution of SyteLine, with the added critical functionality from Infor’s VISUAL solution. This offering is very strong for core, discrete, and process manufacturing, as it contains exceptional planning and scheduling tools. It is also highly integrated with other products from Infor, including configuration and field service CRM tools.
The CloudSuite Business solution is DRI’s competitive cloud offering for clients with a non-core manufacturing focus. Best suited for real estate and services, this solution provides a general business package without the advanced manufacturing functionality.
Lastly, the CloudSuite Process solution includes the industrial package and additional capabilities around process manufacturing. This solution works with an underlying discrete manufacturing functionality with advanced capabilities for batch processing, recalls, recipe handling, and more. Each of these solutions are further supplemented by DRI developed products.
DRI Products – SyteLEAN and SPS EDI Integration
DRI has developed products that supplement the CloudSuite and SyteLine solutions, including SyteLEAN, an electronic Kanban system designed to help a company that operates according to lean management processes. This solution allows users to optimize how they handle their Kanban systems. One of the system’s key features is the ability to calculate average daily usage of the various Kanban systems.
SPS EDI Integration is another product that involves a network of trading partners focused on retailers and manufactures who sell to retailers. This system electronically transforms data from CloudSuite to the SPS platform, and vice versa. Once the data is in the SPS platform, the system uses the Integral Enterprise DataBridge technology to map all EDI transference. This DataBridge technology is also used for integration projects for companies who need to integrate data.
Ecosystem – Implementation Structure and User Network
Decision Resources, Inc. is well positioned to ensure implementations are completed smoothly, as they have a Project Manager assigned to almost all of the projects they’re involved in, and do not utilize third parties. DRI is able to maintain a focus on PMI best practices to manage implementations and risk. The company offers flexible CloudSuite Implementation options, which come with a heavily managed Comprehensive Methodology, a preconfigured Quick Start Methodology, and a lightly managed Client Directed Methodology. They use implementation tools including MS Project, SharePoint, pre-defined piloting scripts, monthly Project Status Reports, and more to effectively manage the implementation.
One unique aspect of DRI is the SyteLine User Network (SUN), a user community ran entirely by a volunteer user board. The SyteLine User Network has over 3,000 members, and serves as a platform where users can ask questions, solve problems, and share experiences with the products. DRI also hosts user events, including frequent customer webinars and in-person company meetings in their various cities of operation.
Investment – Low Total Cost of Ownership (LTCO)
Some solutions can come at a hefty price, but Decision Resources, Inc. maintains their focus on offering a Low Total Cost of Ownership (LTCO) to their solutions. This is achieved by offering monthly SaaS subscriptions hosted by Amazon Web Services, and by keeping their ERP implementation costs low. Currently they are sitting on an average implementation fee of .90 to 1.25x the software values, which is competitive. However, the company stated this price can be expected to go down in the future with more cloud conformance. They also keep costs low for the user by giving the application the ability to run on minimal hardware, and by offering very competitive hosting fees.
To learn more about Decision Resources, Inc. and their Infor ERP software, visit their website.
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