Exploring Enterprise Automation Enhancements in Infor’s October 2024 Update

I recently had the opportunity to delve into the latest enhancements in Infor’s Enterprise Automation, which are part of the upcoming October 2024 release. This update is packed with innovative features designed to improve business processes, enhance productivity, and leverage advanced technologies such as AI and robotic process automation (RPA). Here, I share the key highlights and technical details from this update.

Key Enhancements and Functionalities

1. C Models for Industry Process Modeling One of the standout features in this release is the introduction of C Models, which are designed to create and tailor industry process models. This capability allows businesses to gain complete insights into how their industry operates and to model these processes to the highest level of detail. The initial models provided by Infor can be customized within the LN environment to fit the specific needs of each business. This functionality not only guides users through processes but also generates comprehensive documentation, making it easier to regulate and follow business processes.
2. Process Mining and Benchmarking Another significant enhancement is the application of process mining to LN Cloud Suites. This allows customers to assess the performance of their business processes and benchmark them against industry standards or competitors. The process mining solution includes process mapping capabilities, enabling businesses to remodel their enterprise architecture diagrams. For the October release, Infor is delivering end-to-end processes such as order to cash, procure to pay, plan to deliver, record to report, and issue to resolution. This comprehensive process analysis helps businesses identify performance gaps and areas for improvement.
3. Conversational AI for Project Management Infor continues to advance its AI capabilities with the introduction of conversational AI for projects and quality management. This feature allows users to interact with AI chatbots to manage projects more effectively. For instance, users can inquire about active projects managed by specific individuals and receive detailed, interactive responses. The AI can provide project summaries, generate checklists, and assist with finding key performance indicators (KPIs). This interactive engagement model enhances project management by making relevant information easily accessible through conversational interfaces.
4. Robotic Process Automation (RPA) for Invoice Matching To enhance organizational productivity, Infor is applying RPA to streamline processes like invoice matching. This feature automates the intake and matching of invoices, transforming these processes into data-driven activities. By implementing RPA, businesses gain insights into how work is performed, allowing for continuous improvement of these processes. The automation reduces human errors, increases the quality of financial processes, and boosts overall productivity and throughput. This is particularly beneficial for high-volume transaction environments where accuracy and efficiency are paramount.

Technical Deep Dive

Let’s explore some of the technical aspects of these enhancements:

1. C Models Technical Details The C Models feature uses advanced modeling techniques to create detailed industry process models. These models are integrated into the LN environment, allowing businesses to customize them according to their specific requirements. The models provide step-by-step guidance and generate visual process documentation, which is crucial for regulatory compliance and process standardization.
2. Process Mining and Benchmarking Technical Details Process mining involves extracting data from business processes and analyzing it to identify performance trends and benchmarks. This capability is built on a robust data analytics platform that integrates seamlessly with LN Cloud Suites. By mapping out processes and comparing them to industry standards, businesses can pinpoint inefficiencies and optimize their operations.
3. Conversational AI Technical Details The conversational AI feature leverages natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning algorithms to interact with users. The AI chatbot is designed to understand user queries and provide relevant information in an interactive format. This technology is integrated with project management tools, enabling real-time data retrieval and interaction. The AI’s ability to generate project summaries and checklists showcases its advanced capabilities in managing complex data sets.
4. RPA for Invoice Matching Technical Details The RPA solution for invoice matching automates repetitive tasks by mimicking human actions. This technology uses predefined rules and machine learning to process invoices, match them with corresponding purchase orders, and flag discrepancies. By automating these processes, RPA reduces the likelihood of errors and speeds up transaction processing times. The data-driven nature of RPA provides valuable insights into process performance, facilitating continuous improvement.

Conclusion

The October 2024 update for Infor’s Enterprise Automation brings a host of innovative features designed to enhance business processes, improve productivity, and leverage advanced technologies. These enhancements underscore Infor’s commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of its customers.

For those interested in a deeper dive into these updates, I encourage you to review the full feature list and reach out with any questions. This release promises to bring substantial value to users, enhancing both functionality and user experience.

Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn for more insights and updates on Infor’s latest developments.

By David Cervelli