IFS Applications vs Infor M3
Side-by-side comparison of IFS Applications and Infor M3 — features, pricing, modules, and deployment options.
IFS Applications vs Infor M3 at a Glance
| Criteria | IFS Applications | Infor M3 |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Asset-intensive industries needing ERP, EAM, and field service in one platform | Process manufacturers (food, chemicals, pharma) needing batch/formula control |
| Starting Price | $110/user/mo | Custom quote |
| Pricing Model | per-user | custom |
| Deployment | cloud, on-premise, hybrid | cloud, on-premise |
| Company Size | 251-1000, 1001-5000, 5000+ | 251-1000, 1001-5000, 5000+ |
| Implementation | 6–14 months | 8–15 months |
| Typical Cost | $200K–$1M+ | $250K–$1.5M |
Module Comparison
| Module | IFS Applications | Infor M3 |
|---|---|---|
| Finance & Accounting | ★★★ Strong | ★★★ Strong |
| Manufacturing | ★★★ Strong | ★★★ Strong |
| Supply Chain | ★★★ Strong | ★★★ Strong |
| CRM | ★★ Moderate | ★ Basic |
| HR & Payroll | ★★ Moderate | ★★ Moderate |
| Project Management | ★★★ Strong | ★ Basic |
| Inventory Management | ★★★ Strong | ★★★ Strong |
| Procurement | ★★★ Strong | ★★★ Strong |
| Warehouse Management | ★★ Moderate | ★★★ Strong |
| Ecommerce | — N/A | ★ Basic |
| Business Intelligence | ★★ Moderate | ★★ Moderate |
| Quality Management | ★★★ Strong | ★★★ Strong |
| Field Service | ★★★ Strong | — N/A |
| Asset Management | ★★★ Strong | ★★★ Strong |
Pros & Cons
IFS Applications
Pros
- +Best-in-class field service management (FSM)
- +Integrated enterprise asset management (EAM)
- +Excellent for project-based and engineer-to-order manufacturing
- +Strong MRO (maintenance, repair, overhaul) capabilities
Cons
- -No ecommerce module
- -Smaller partner ecosystem than SAP/Oracle/Microsoft
- -Less known in North America (strong in Europe)
- -Reporting/BI relies on third-party tools
Infor M3
Pros
- +Excellent batch management, formula control, and traceability
- +Strong fit for food & beverage with FDA/HACCP compliance
- +Deep warehouse management and supply chain planning
- +Proven scalability for multi-plant operations
Cons
- -CRM is very basic — most companies integrate externally
- -No field service module
- -Steep learning curve and complex configuration
- -Fewer implementation partners than tier-1 ERPs
When to Choose IFS Applications
- You need an ERP best suited for asset-intensive industries needing erp, eam, and field service in one platform
- Your company has 251-1000 or 1001-5000 or 5000+ employees
- You operate in Aerospace & Defense, Construction, Oil & Gas
- You prefer cloud / on-premise / hybrid deployment
- Your budget aligns with $110/user/mo starting price
When to Choose Infor M3
- You need an ERP best suited for process manufacturers (food, chemicals, pharma) needing batch/formula control
- Your company has 251-1000 or 1001-5000 or 5000+ employees
- You operate in Food & Beverage, Pharmaceuticals, Manufacturing
- You prefer cloud / on-premise deployment
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IFS Applications better than Infor M3?
It depends on your business needs. IFS Applications is best for asset-intensive industries needing erp, eam, and field service in one platform, while Infor M3 is best for process manufacturers (food, chemicals, pharma) needing batch/formula control. IFS Applications starts at $110/user/mo and Infor M3 starts at custom pricing.
How does IFS Applications pricing compare to Infor M3?
IFS Applications uses a per-user pricing model starting at $110/user/mo, while Infor M3 uses a custom model. IFS Applications typical total cost is $200K–$1M+ vs $250K–$1.5M for Infor M3.
Which is better for manufacturing: IFS Applications or Infor M3?
Both vendors serve manufacturing companies. IFS Applications is typically chosen by 251-1000, 1001-5000, 5000+ employee organizations, while Infor M3 targets 251-1000, 1001-5000, 5000+ employee companies. Consider your company size and specific module needs to decide.
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