In an era of rapid digital transformation, having a robust enterprise resource planning (ERP) system like Baan or Infor LN is a solid foundation. These systems are powerful data repositories and transaction engines. However, their true power is often limited when they operate in isolation.

Connecting your core ERP system to other, specialized applications—whether a customer relationship management (CRM) platform, an e-commerce site, a warehouse management system (WMS), or even a specialized QMS—is no longer a luxury; it's a strategic necessity. This integration transforms your ERP from a single source of truth into the central nervous system of your entire operation, enabling seamless data flow, improved decision-making, and enhanced efficiency.

Here’s a breakdown of the advantages, potential disadvantages, and what your business stands to gain.

The Major Advantages of System Integration

Connecting disparate systems offers a wealth of benefits that can fundamentally change how you operate:

1. Enhanced Data Accuracy and Real-Time Visibility...

The Problem: Knowledge Gaps in a Legacy ERP Environment

For organizations running long-established global ERP systems such as Infor Baan or LN, upgrades can be daunting. Over the years, employee turnover, internal role changes, and evolving business structures often erode institutional knowledge of the original ERP setup.

When the time comes to upgrade, teams frequently lack a clear understanding of how the system is currently being used. This knowledge gap leads to inefficient planning, costly rework, and missed opportunities for process optimization.

The Solution: A Blueprint-Based Assessment and Optimization Strategy

To address this challenge for one of our LN customers, we implemented a blueprint-driven assessment designed to provide a clear, data-backed foundation for their ERP upgrade.

Our strategic approach focused on objective comparison and actionable insight, using a step-by-step methodology:

1. Benchmarking Against a Standard Blueprint
   We created a standard LN functionality blueprint representing the ideal model of available processes and best practices.

2. Site-by-Site Analysis
   Each customer site’s configuration and usage were compared to the standard blueprint, identifying gaps, customizations, and inefficiencies.

3. Efficiency and Optimization Reporting
   The comparison highlighted workflow inconsistencies and process variations across sites, enabling targeted optimization and standardization.

4. Budgeting and Roadmap Development
   The results provided a data-driven foundation for budgeting, along with a clear, prioritized roadmap for the upcoming upgrade.

How the Solution Was Implemented...

In today’s fast-paced business environment, maintaining an efficient and responsive ERP system is crucial for success. However, managing ERP support internally can be resource-intensive and distract from your core business objectives. That’s where Crossroads RMC comes in. With our on-demand ERP Expert Help Desk Service, your organization can enhance efficiency, boost customer satisfaction, and allow your team to focus on key business goals.

Key Advantages

• Round-the-Clock Support: Access functional and technical support 24/7, 365 days a year—even on weekends and holidays!
• In-depth Expertise: As an Infor Partner, we offer extensive knowledge across all Infor LN & Baan versions, ensuring you get the best possible support.
• Multiple Communication Channels: Reach out via phone, text, email, online portals, Microsoft Teams, web meetings, or in-person visits.
• Transparent Monitoring: Receive transparent monthly reports to keep track of service utilization.
• Disaster Recovery Solutions: Benefit from comprehensive ERP disaster recovery solutions tailored to safeguard your operations.
• Specialized ION Support: Get expert assistance with your ION workflows for seamless integration and management.

Why Crossroads RMC - Partnering for Success

• Cost Savings: Outsourcing your ERP Help Desk with Crossroads RMC can significantly reduce the overhead costs associated with supporting and maintaining your ERP system.

In light of the recent tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China, effective April 2, 2025, adapting your business operations is crucial to your success. Infor ERP LX offers robust solutions for managing these new trade regulations through its advanced tariff processing functionalities. This system ensures accurate duty calculations and compliance with the latest regulations, helping you streamline operations and maintain competitiveness.

For specialized support and to optimize your ERP system, partner with Crossroads RMC. Our expertise in ERP LX will help you navigate these changes efficiently.

Learn how Infor ERP LX and Crossroads RMC can support your business in these evolving times.

The Future is Here: Are You Ready to Embrace AI?

According to Deloitte's State of AI in the Enterprise Report:

• 94% of business leaders believe AI is critical to their success strategy in the next 5 years.
• 79% of organizations expect Generative AI to transform their operations within 3 years.
• 56% are already leveraging Generative AI to boost efficiency and productivity.

AI isn’t just the future—it’s happening now. Where is your organization on its AI journey? Whether you're just starting or looking to expand, we’re here to help you take the next step, together.

We’re excited to introduce our latest professional service, Implementing Generative AI Using ChatGPT. This new service is designed to help organizations effectively leverage the power of generative AI in their operations

Key Benefits of Implementing Generative AI Using ChatGPT by Department

The calendar is fresh, the resolutions are set, and the opportunities are endless!

But before you dive headfirst into tackling your to-do list, take a moment.

Pause.

Now is the perfect time to reflect and plan your ERP strategy.

What’s an ERP Strategy?

An ERP strategy is a roadmap for the steps you should take before, during, and after implementing an ERP system. It’s designed to ensure your ERP delivers on its promise of functionality and success—the backbone of running your business effectively.

Think of it like planning a road trip:

• Which cities will you visit?
• Where will you stay?
• What landmarks do you want to explore?

Without a plan, you’re winging it. While spontaneity might work for a vacation, it’s risky when it comes to your ERP system.

A poorly executed road trip might waste time or cause frustration, but a poorly executed ERP strategy? That can hinder your business growth, create inefficiencies, and lead to costly mistakes.

What if:

The end of the year is a busy time for everyone, but a little preparation can make the start of the next year smoother and more productive. Here's a checklist broken out by the department to help optimize your ERP system as you wrap up this year.

1. All Departments Checklist
2. Technology Checklist
3. Operations Checklist
4. Finance Checklist

When deciding what items should be MPS (Master Production Schedule) planned and what items should be MRP (Material Requirements Planning) planned, it's crucial to understand the nature of the items and their demand sources. Here's a breakdown:

• Master Scheduled Items:

  • Master Scheduled Items are typically finished goods or service items.
  • These items receive their requirements from both Independent and Dependent demand sources.
     
• Independent Demand:...