Infor M3 is one of the most widely used ERPs in manufacturing and distribution, yet, if you browse Reddit, particularly subreddits like r/ERP and r/FPandA, you’ll find a recurring theme: Users are frustrated.
Comments range from calling the system a ‘dinosaur’ or ‘Windows 95 with extra steps’ to more nuanced takes that recognize its power when implemented correctly. This blog gives insights from two of the most candid Reddit threads on Infor M3, unpacking:
- The most common pain points users face
- The hard-earned lessons shared by experienced M3 users
- How Fortude helps businesses resolve each challenge effectively
It is important to note that most of these comments seem to be from users who are on an older on-prem version of the software that is no longer supported. However, we are still able to provide quick fixes to the common user issues with our experience on the technical platform and extensibility tools.
1. Poor UX and complex navigation
User experience is one of the most common frustrations highlighted across Reddit threads. Users often struggle with long, multi-step workflows for what should be straightforward tasks, like sending purchase orders or generating reports.
Root causes:
- Lack of homepage configuration
- Missing smart shortcuts and user personalization
- Outdated on-prem interfaces
- Poor change management and training during implementation
Fortude’s fix:
At Fortude, we treat user experience as a core pillar of successful ERP adoption. We use M3’s full personalization capabilities, including H5 scripts, smart office homepages, shortcuts, and role-based workspaces, to streamline workflows.
For example:
- We configure automated document output using Output Management (OM) so POs can be emailed directly from the purchase screen.
- Our consultants leverage M3 Smart Office and Infor OS Portals to develop task-focused dashboards, reducing screen-hopping.
- Through targeted user enablement programs, we ensure employees can make the most of features like contextual actions and quick links, reducing time spent navigating the system.
2. Purchasing and supply chain friction
Many users complain about disjointed purchasing flows, complex supplier communication, and rigid approvals.
Fortude’s fix:
We optimize supply chain flows by:
- Streamlining PO approval flows using Infor Workflow and Alerts.
- Configuring auto-email of purchase documents via M3 Output Management.
- Implementing Experience Designer Applications like the Purchase Order Hub and Supplier Overview to centralize decision-making.
We also apply process mining tools from the Infor Velocity Suite to identify bottlenecks and automate them using RPA and Intelligent Document Processing (IDP).
3. Limited excel integration
This myth persists, but it often stems from improper configuration or limited understanding of available integration options.
Fortude’s fix:
Fortude enables robust Excel interactions through:
- Infor ION APIs and ION Connectors for real-time, two-way data flow.
- The Fortude M3 Data Mover, which allows fast, secure Excel-based data uploads and updates across master and transactional data.
- Excel add-ins for power users to pull reports or push updates directly to M3.
We also work with clients to refine their data architecture so that integration isn’t just functional, but aligned with business processes and user habits.
4. Inconsistent implementations across organizations
A major source of frustration is inconsistent implementations, either across departments or across global sites.
Fortude’s fix:
- We follow a configuration-first approach: using standard tools like Infor Process Designer and M3 Workflows to minimize customization.
- Our scoping and discovery workshops define enterprise-wide standards for process flows, interfaces, and integrations.
- We deliver centralized configuration libraries, ensuring that all regions or departments follow the same logic with room for localization.
The result: A scalable, consistent experience across geographies, with documentation and training aligned to each user’s real-world interface.
5. Outdated on-prem versions
Many pain points stem not from M3 itself, but from legacy versions that lack modern cloud features.
Fortude’s fix:
We guide businesses through cloud migration with three flexible models:
- Like-for-like migration: Minimal change, reduced risk, best for lightly customized systems.
- Full reimplementation: Ideal for organizations with complex, outdated, or overly customized environments.
- Hybrid approach: Best for retaining core functionality while modernizing pain points.
Our migration accelerators include:
- The M3 Data Upload Tool for seamless, bulk data migration
- Charlie, Fortude’s AI Agent, which automates release impact analysis and helps manage Infor’s feature updates
- Fortest, our automated regression testing tool to validate business-critical flows before and after migration
6. Difficult data exports and integration
Some Redditors mention difficulties exporting M3 data into other platforms or integrating with modern tools.
Fortude’s fix:
We offer plug-and-play integration capabilities through:
- ION Middleware, enabling API-first connections across ERPs, CRMs, WMSs, and more.
- Pre-built Marketplace Integrations for platforms like Shopify, Zalando, and Farfetch.
- Our Pump-Tank-Tap Framework for near real-time reporting from M3 Cloud.
Using these tools, we enable scalable integration with minimal custom development, reducing costs, risks, and long-term maintenance.
