2006 Enterprise and Supply Chain Management Solutions Company of the Year Award

Award Recipient: Infor

The recipient of Frost & Sullivans 2006 Company of the Year Award in the enterprise and supply chain space for the automotive industry is Infor.  Infor, the largest global enterprise software provider focused on developing solutions for the manufacturing and distribution industries, has carved a niche for itself in the enterprise and supply chain space by providing unsurpassed range of solutions and services to the automotive and other manufacturing industries.  Customers rate Infor as a company that is very responsive and deeply appreciate its quality of support and feedback.

In an industry challenged by increasing competitive pressures, original equipment manufacturers (OEM) and their suppliers have to drive process optimisation to new levels. Infor with its unique Automotive Essentials Suite provides solutions that help customers optimise the supply chain with rapid deployment and superior application know-how. Its unmatched expertise in the automotive domain has enabled it to provide solutions in line with the customers needs. Its extensive industry experience is reflected in its applications knowledge and the ability to provide innovative solutions. Automotive customers have reiterated their faith in Infors ability to provide solutions that have optimised sourcing, reduced communication costs and re-work. In a highly competitive climate, Infor has continued to grow at a rate higher than the market by providing quality products delivered with superior execution skills.

Infor provides a complete array of solutions for solving all automotive business problems. The high value-to-price ratio of its complete solutions has strengthened its position as an economical and viable partner to the automotive industry. Customers have vouched for the low cost of ownership and high return-on-investment (ROI) associated with Infors solutions. One of the key aspects that customers reiterate is the rapid deployment capability of Infors solutions, which enables them to achieve quick ROI. For example, Infor implemented its SupplyWeb supply chain solution for a leading automotive supplier across a large number of its plants globally within such a short timeframe that the customer was able to achieve payback within just a few months of commissioning of the project.

Infors sound strategy and financial stability has been central to its market acceptance. Primarily operating in the highly competitive manufacturing domain, it is to Infors credit that it has not only been able to generate high volumes of repeat business but also to attract new customers. Evidently, Infor has endeared itself to a wide spectrum of customers ranging from large companies to small and medium enterprises (SME). The fact that a majority of the top 150 automotive suppliers use Infors products is testament to the supreme customer confidence in the companys ability to deliver innovative solutions that satisfy their needs.

Infor has repeatedly managed to develop innovative solutions by quickly identifying current trends and optimisation opportunities. As a company with extraordinary industry focus, it has assembled a world-class solutions toolkit and integrated them into superbreed offerings. Its wide portfolio of products has helped tide over the restraints that niche supply chain providers are facing. Its solutions provide complete visibility into the supply chain thus enabling customers prevent exceptional events from disrupting production. Infors robust solutions also enable smooth functioning of the supply chain and help customers focus their resources on core activities. Despite reduced Information technology (IT) spending by manufacturing companies, the high revenue growth shown by Infor Global underlines its ability to provide solutions that positively impact customer bottom-line. 

Infor with wide language support in its solutions and a globally strong implementation team provides the automotive industry with the flexibility to handle the challenge of global consolidation in the automotive supplier community. Infors continuing investment in customer strategy and constant innovation to leverage its current solutions reinforces its status as an automotive partner for a lifetime of growth and development. In recognition of its ability to consistently provide profit impacting innovative solutions to its customers in the automotive industry, Infor is the worthy recipient of Frost & Sullivans Company of the Year Award, 2006.

Award Description      
Research Methodology   
Measurement Criteria
      
The Frost & Sullivan Award for Company of the Year is presented each year to the company that has demonstrated excellence in all operations. The Award is based on numerous factors including the companys business development, competitive strategy, and leadership within a particular Frost & Sullivan Industry Research Group (IRG).  This company is perceived to exhibit outstanding management, consistent growth, and positive economic impact on customers.  Exceptional customer service has been noted as crucial to success, coupled with the ability to combine technology and successful strategic initiatives. The Award recipient has also demonstrated superior market growth skills through significant gains in the market during the research period. This company has the exceptional know-how to take advantage of market changes through the execution of innovative strategies within the existing competitive landscape.

        In order to select the Award recipient, analysts quantify several market factors for each market participant according to predetermined criteria, paying close attention to their combined operations efforts.  This process includes interviews with all the market participants, customers, and suppliers, along with extensive secondary and technology research.  The companies efforts are then analysed based on the number of new customers, new segments, and commitment to business expansion coupled with market growth.  Industry participants are then ranked based on the predetermined measurement criteria.

        In addition to the methodology described above, there are specific criteria used to determine final competitor rankings in this industry.  The recipient of this Award has excelled based on one or more of the following criteria:

       Market potential
       Proof of success executing marketing strategy, and revenue growth
       Degree of strategy innovation
       Improvement in customer satisfaction level
       Technological innovation and leadership
       Increased name recognition