Industry Insight: Why ERP Data Stays Siloed, and What to Do About It

Most manufacturers don't have a data problem. They have a connection problem.

Production data lives in one system. Sales and customer data lives in another. Finance runs somewhere else entirely. Each system does its job well on its own, but without a way to connect them, the organization never gets the full picture, and neither do the people trying to run the business.

Why This Happens
ERP systems are often the core of a manufacturer's operations, but they rarely operate alone. Over time, businesses add third-party software for CRM, e-commerce, warehouse management, EDI, and more. Each addition solves an immediate need, but without integration, it also creates another silo.

The result is familiar across manufacturing: teams end up manually re-entering data between systems, waiting on reports that should be immediate, and making decisions without visibility into what's happening elsewhere in the business.

Integration vs. Enhancement
There are two ways to close this gap, and they solve different problems:

1. ERP Integration connects your ERP to the third-party software you use every day, creating a single source of data instead of several disconnected ones. Whether it's a one-way, two-way, or complex systems integration, the goal is the same: eliminate errors, reduce manual entry, and give everyone access to the same real-time information.
2. ERP Enhancement goes a step further, creating new functionality or modifying existing functionality within the ERP itself, so the system matches how your business actually operates rather than forcing your business to adapt to the system's limitations. Done right, enhancements use parameter-co

inPOWER 2026: Join Us in September!

📅 Event Dates: September 14-17 📍 Location: Ingleside Hotel, Pewaukee, WI

Join us at the highly anticipated inPOWER 2026 conference, where LX and BPCS customers connect to solve real problems and shape what's next for their ERP environment.

Stop by the Crossroads RMC booth

Crossroads RMC is proud to return this year as a Platinum Sponsor of inPOWER. As the trusted Infor partner with the largest Infor LX and BPCS practice in the United States, we've spent 40+ years helping manufacturers like you get the most from your ERP investment.

Whether you're planning a move to the cloud or looking to extend what you already have, our proven add-on solutions, deep consulting expertise, and growing network of partner integrations are designed to reduce costs, improve quality, and drive growth across your entire operation.

• LX/BPCS/IBM i Support Services – Scale your business with expert ERP assistance.
• Cloud Migrations and Upgrades – Learn best practices for smooth transitions.
• Infor OS Consulting – Unlock the full potential of your Infor OS environment.
• Paperless Shop Floor Solutions – Streamline and digitize your shop floor.
• Real-Time Dashboards – Gain clear visibility into your operations.
• Inventory Tracking – Take control with cutting-edge tracking solutions.
• AI Readiness – Prepare your organization for the future with AI strategies.

We bring everything you need under one roof, because we focus on you so you can focus on what you do best.

See you at inPOWER!

👉 Register today!

Is your current Infor LX or BPCS system holding back your growth? It doesn't have to.

In 2026, staying competitive means moving beyond manual workflows and data silos. Crossroads RMC has partnered with Aleran and Avalara to provide an integrated, end-to-end solution designed specifically for manufacturers and distributors in the Infor LX and BPCS market.

Transform Your Operations from Quote to Cash

This powerful partnership enables you to maximize your existing ERP investment without the need for a total overhaul.

• Aleran: Modern B2B eCommerce
  • 24/7 Digital Catalog: Provide a fully branded shopping experience that connects directly to your LX/BPCS data.
  • Self-Service Portals: Empower customers and dealers with real-time access to inventory, quotes, and order history.
  • Streamlined CPQ: Simplify complex product configurations and pricing to accelerate sales cycles.
• Avalara: Automated Tax Compliance

INFOR LX Bolt Ons

WEBINAR: Thursday, November 20th, 2025 from 1:00 to 2:00 (US/Eastern)

Register Here

Crossroads RMC is excited to participate in this WorkOutLoud webinar, where we’ll showcase eight bolt-on products that extend the power of Infor ERP LX. Each solution is designed for seamless integration, adding valuable features and functions that improve efficiency, automation, and reporting. 

We’ll provide a brief overview of each product, highlighting how they help organizations maximize the value of their ERP investment.

Join us to see how Crossroads can help you strengthen and streamline your ERP LX system.

Presenters:

• Frank Petrasio, Director IBM i Group
• Anthony Etzel, Solutions Executive
• Nick Olson, Systems Consultant

We’re thrilled to invite you to inPower 2025, taking place September 22 to 25, 2025!

This annual conference is the premier event for the LX/BPCS community, bringing together users, experts, and partners to explore the latest advancements, share best practices, and connect with peers who understand your ERP challenges and goals.

👉 Get all the event details here

Why You Should Attend

inPower 2025 is your chance to:

• Learn from Infor experts and industry leaders.

• Explore real-world success stories and new strategies.

• Connect with peers in the LX/BPCS community.

• Discover solutions that can transform your business operations.

Stop by the Crossroads RMC Booth!

Transcepta helps companies eliminate inefficiencies and gain control over their operations. We know that teams are under constant pressure to reduce costs, improve cash flow, and increase visibility, without adding more complexity. Transcepta's AI-driven AP automation platform eliminates manual processes, empowering businesses to increase profitability and make faster, more data-driven decisions.

NOW, this rich functionality is available to Infor LX users!...

Discover how Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) can elevate your manufacturing operations and give you a competitive edge. Join Sarah Butler, UniLink's Director of Professional Services, and a panel of ERP and EDI experts as they demystify EDI for Infor XA, LN, and LX users and share actionable strategies for successful implementation. You’ll learn how EDI simplifies document exchange to boost efficiency and eliminate errors while adapting to diverse customer requirements for seamless adoption. Discover best practices for onboarding trading partners, mapping, testing, and maintaining EDI integrations to ensure compliance with major distributors and retailers. By the end of the discussion, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to streamline your operations, improve communication, foster stronger trading partnerships, and position your business for long-term success. Panel will include:

• Randy Kenney, Product Manager | Guide Technologies
• Frank Petrasio, Director, IBMi Group | Crossroads RMC
• Phil Harley, CTO and General Manager | UniLink
• Mitch Copman, Director of Sales & Marketing | UniLink
• Sarah Butler, Director of Professional Services | UniLink

[Watch Video]

Are you up to speed on Infor’s Product Lifecycle Policy for your version of BPCS/LX? Review this document from Infor, and contact Frank Petrasio at Crossroads RMC with any questions about how this may impact your organization.