“It’s done automagically!” said Jean Desbiens, CSI Solution Designer at NOVIPRO three times during the presentation of the latest additions to the manufacturing business solution. A reiteration that speaks volumes about the ease of use the new version will offer industry professionals.
For example, in the home portal, users can now open several tabs at once and pin them so they don't have to search for those. The interface then gives the user the freedom to add or set aside workspaces as needed.
Infor has also added a progress bar to its platform, enabling users to track the status of their transaction cycles in real time. "It gives you a visual marker of where you are" explains Marin Haning, Product Director at Infor. "If you'd like more information on what's been achieved or what's still pending, all you have to do is click on the bar: it tells your story."
Want to compare Infor CSI (SyteLine) updates with those of last year? Read our article
1. Greater Efficiency to Maximize Productivity
A hyperlink has been cleverly placed in the side menu of the ERP so that users can view the new functionalities in their entirety.
These include a pick-up dashboard for fabrication, facilitating the visualization, selection and combination of materials.
Factory Track Shop Floor's redesigned user interface will modernize the production operator's experience. "It will be possible to generate dispatch lists and intuitively assign labels or equipment using these lists," explains Marin Haning.
You will also be able to add photos taken by your camera directly to Factory Track Warehouse Mobility. Identifying products or documenting faulty items has never been easier.
Corporate communications with suppliers and customers will be simplified thanks to technology, notably to create formatted messages tailored to each individual. The NOVIPRO expert explained: "On each customer or supplier file, there's a button to specify how you want to send them documents, and an e-mail template to use.”
2. Simplifying Forms for Better Tool Management
Efficiency is a key factor for Infor. They have therefore taken the opportunity to redesign their forms. Several have been merged, and it is now possible to further customize them using the functionalities that customers use most.
The April update led to the simplification of CloudSuite Industrial's 30 most frequently used forms so that users see all the information in a transaction (header, lines, details) without having to scroll through multiple forms. “The aim is to enable you to intuitively find what you need" summarized Marin Haning. "Merging the different forms allows them to be used in a really useful and optimal way."
New transactional forms that can be searched by transaction number, item or customer/supplier have also been introduced. "We no longer have to put asterisks to find them!" announced Mr. Desbiens.
The multiple existing forms related to planning have also been grouped together in a single screen to avoid users having to switch from one table to another.
CSI also features a new dashboard for production orders pick-up. This paves the way for real-time tracking of processes and order status. The CSI Solution Designer adds: "We'll be able to specify what we want on our pickup order to prepare the production order."
3. Rating Suppliers for Better Follow-Up
NOVIPRO’s Infor expert was quick to point out a new feature offered: supplier evaluation.
"You'll be able to define and manage certification information, as well as analyze their performance" mentioned the NOVIPRO expert.
Users will also be able to add comments and rank suppliers according to qualitative criteria they can determine themselves. "It will help you evaluate how many points you give each supplier for quality, quantity or other criteria you deem relevant," added Jean Desbiens.
A new report can then be produced: the Vendor Scorecard, displaying the score obtained by the selected supplier.
4. A Long-Awaited Return: Popular Features for Improved Agility
Infor has taken advantage of its most recent update to bring back features appreciated by its users but withdrawn in the past.
These include the exploded view of the bill of materials (BOM), i.e. the parts and assemblies that make up the item, directly on the item's product sheet. "Before, you had to go to the engineering office form to get a graphical view, which is no longer necessary" specified Mr. Desbiens. "The tab is back to show you the information..."
Infor has also reintroduced the financial report generator so that finance teams can generate key reports directly in the application. "You'll be able to create, edit or copy a financial statement, print it and even anonymize certain data to avoid sharing sensitive information with third parties," added the CSI expert.
5. Turning to Artificial Intelligence for Greater Flexibility
Infor is making no secret of the fact that the company will be integrating more and more AI-powered functionalities into its upcoming updates. This year's 8th edition of IT Trends (Source: NOVIPRO Group and Léger) reveals that a growing number of Canadian companies are looking to artificial intelligence to reduce operational costs (11%), improve customer experience (12%) and automate processes (13%).
To discover more data on AI and advanced analytics solutions, download your free copy of IT Trends!
"We're moving towards a new application, Infor RPA (Robotic Process Automation). Imagine a robot that could perform repetitive, lower-value tasks for workers, who could concentrate on rewarding tasks" summarized the CSI Solution Designer, giving the example of receiving invoices from suppliers.
The October update will include the addition of a multilingual translation tool, facilitating communications with international stakeholders.
Artificial intelligence will also be used to draw comparisons between different bids or contracts. "This will enable you to make more informed decisions, and to make these comparisons according to the criteria that seem most relevant to you," notes Marin Haning.
"Infor is investing in artificial intelligence. You may not see today how it will serve you tomorrow, but it will, and faster than you think."
− Jean Desbiens, CSI Solution Designer at NOVIPRO
In summary, here are the Top 5 new features:
- Streamlined home portal: open multiple tabs, add or set aside workspaces, progress bar...
- Simplified forms: search by order number, items or client, also customization of the form, etc
- Supplier evaluation: qualify each supplier based on your quality criteria
- Reintroduction of old features: exploded view of the bill of materials and financial report writer, for example.
- Infor RPA: added AI-powered features for increased productivity
To find out more about the 4th edition of NOVIForum, our event about Infor CloudSuite Industrial (CSI), consult our dedicated page.
