Skip to main content

Develop a Custom ERP Like Infor: Cost & Feature Blueprint

Stop forcing your business into a rigid, off-the-shelf ERP.
Build a flexible, AI-powered platform tailored to your exact workflows, often at a lower total cost of ownership.

Get My Custom ERP Estimate
Abstract ERP System Icon An abstract visualization of interconnected ERP modules, representing finance, operations, and data analytics in a cohesive system.

You're evaluating Infor, which means you're tackling complex operational challenges. But what if the high licensing fees, rigid modules, and vendor lock-in are holding you back? Building a custom, AI-enabled ERP isn't just about replacing a system; it's about creating a strategic asset that adapts to your business, not the other way around. Let's explore the real costs and powerful features of a solution built exclusively for you.

Key Takeaways: Building Your Infor Alternative

  • Control Your TCO: A custom ERP eliminates recurring per-user license fees, often leading to a lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) over 3-5 years compared to Infor.
  • Achieve Perfect Fit: Don't change your winning processes for software. A custom solution is built around your unique workflows, supply chain, and financial models.
  • Own Your Roadmap: Integrate AI, IoT, and advanced analytics on your timeline, based on your business priorities, without waiting for a vendor's release schedule.
  • De-Risk with a Partner: A CMMI Level 5 certified partner with deep industry expertise mitigates the risks of custom development, ensuring on-time, on-budget delivery.

Why Trust CIS to Build Your Mission-Critical ERP?

Building an ERP is a major undertaking. It requires more than just coders; it demands a partner with proven processes, deep industry knowledge, and an unwavering commitment to your business outcomes. Here’s why leading enterprises choose us.

CMMI Level 5 Process Maturity

We operate at the highest level of process optimization, minimizing defects, ensuring predictability, and de-risking your entire project from discovery to deployment.

Ironclad Security & Compliance

With SOC 2 and ISO 27001 certifications, we build your ERP on a foundation of enterprise-grade security, protecting your most sensitive operational and financial data.

AI-Enabled from Day One

We don't just build software; we build intelligent systems. Our AI-enabled developers embed forecasting, automation, and predictive analytics into the core of your ERP.

Deep Domain Expertise

Our business analysts and solution architects have delivered complex solutions for manufacturing, distribution, and retail. We speak your language and understand your challenges.

Transparent TCO

We provide a clear, comprehensive cost breakdown. You invest in a strategic asset you own, free from the escalating annual license fees typical of large vendors like Infor.

Seamless System Integration

Your ERP doesn't live in a silo. We are experts at creating robust integrations with your existing CRM, WMS, marketing automation, and third-party logistics platforms.

Full IP & Source Code Ownership

The final product is 100% yours. You have complete control over the source code and intellectual property, ensuring total freedom and flexibility for the future.

Agile & Phased Delivery

We use an agile, MVP-first approach. This means you get a core, functional system in months, not years, allowing you to generate ROI faster and iterate based on real user feedback.

Dedicated Long-Term Support

Our partnership doesn't end at launch. We offer comprehensive support, maintenance, and enhancement packages to ensure your ERP evolves with your business.

Core Modules of Your Custom ERP Platform

An Infor alternative isn't a single piece of software; it's an integrated suite of modules designed around your core business functions. We develop and seamlessly connect the specific capabilities you need, creating a unified operational hub.

Supply Chain Management (SCM) Module

Gain end-to-end visibility and control over your supply chain, from procurement to final delivery. We build systems that optimize inventory, reduce carrying costs, and improve supplier collaboration.

  • Inventory & Warehouse Management: Real-time tracking across multiple locations, automated reorder points, and barcode/RFID integration.
  • Procurement & Supplier Management: Automate purchase orders, manage supplier contracts, and track vendor performance with custom dashboards.
  • Logistics & Order Fulfillment: Optimize shipping routes, manage fleet operations, and integrate with 3PL providers for seamless fulfillment.

Financial Management Module

Create a single source of truth for your company's finances. Our custom financial modules automate accounting processes, streamline reporting, and provide the real-time data needed for strategic decision-making.

  • General Ledger & Accounts Payable/Receivable: Automate journal entries, manage invoicing and payments, and simplify bank reconciliation.
  • Budgeting & Forecasting: Develop detailed budgets, model financial scenarios, and generate variance reports to track performance against goals.
  • Financial Reporting & Compliance: Generate custom financial statements (P&L, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow) and ensure compliance with industry regulations.

Human Capital Management (HCM) Module

Manage your most valuable asset—your people—more effectively. We build integrated HCM modules that cover the entire employee lifecycle, from recruitment to retirement.

  • Core HR & Payroll: Centralize employee data, manage benefits administration, and process payroll accurately and efficiently.
  • Talent Acquisition & Onboarding: Streamline recruiting workflows, track applicants, and create automated onboarding processes for new hires.
  • Performance & Learning Management: Set goals, conduct performance reviews, and manage employee training and development programs.

Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP) Module

Optimize your entire production process. For manufacturing clients, we build custom MRP modules that manage everything from raw material planning to shop floor control and quality assurance.

  • Bill of Materials (BOM) & Production Planning: Manage complex product structures and create detailed production schedules based on demand forecasts.
  • Shop Floor Control & Execution: Track production orders in real-time, monitor machine efficiency (OEE), and manage labor resources.
  • Quality Management (QM): Define quality standards, conduct inspections, and manage non-conformance and corrective action processes.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) & Sales Module

Integrate your sales and customer service operations directly with your financial and inventory data. A built-in CRM provides a 360-degree view of the customer, from lead to lifetime value.

  • Sales Force Automation: Manage sales pipelines, track leads and opportunities, and automate follow-up tasks for your sales team.
  • Customer Service & Support: Implement a ticketing system, manage service level agreements (SLAs), and build a comprehensive knowledge base.
  • Marketing Automation Integration: Connect your ERP to platforms like HubSpot or Marketo to track campaign ROI and customer engagement.

Business Intelligence (BI) & Analytics Module

Turn your operational data into a strategic advantage. We build powerful, custom BI and analytics dashboards directly within your ERP, providing actionable insights to every department.

  • Custom Dashboards & KPIs: Visualize key performance indicators for every business function, from finance to operations, in real-time.
  • Ad-Hoc Reporting & Data Exploration: Empower your team to build their own reports and drill down into data to answer critical business questions.
  • Predictive Analytics: Go beyond historical reporting. Use your data to forecast sales, predict inventory needs, and identify potential supply chain disruptions.

AI-Powered Automation & Optimization

Infuse intelligence into every module. Our AI capabilities transform your ERP from a system of record into a proactive engine for growth and efficiency.

  • Intelligent Document Processing (IDP): Automate the extraction of data from invoices, purchase orders, and shipping documents, eliminating manual data entry.
  • AI-Driven Demand Forecasting: Utilize machine learning models to analyze historical data and market trends for more accurate sales and inventory forecasting.
  • Agentic AI for Workflow Automation: Deploy AI agents to automate complex, multi-step processes like procure-to-pay or order-to-cash, freeing up your team for strategic work.

Deconstructing the Cost: Custom ERP vs. Infor

The cost of a custom ERP is not a single number; it's an investment in a strategic asset. Unlike Infor's recurring license fees, your investment builds equity in a platform you own. Here are the key factors that shape the budget.

1. Module Complexity

The number and complexity of modules (SCM, Finance, HCM, etc.) are the primary cost drivers. An MVP with core financial and inventory modules will cost less than a full-fledged system with advanced manufacturing and BI.

2. Integration Requirements

The cost will vary based on the number and complexity of integrations with third-party systems like 3PL providers, payment gateways, legacy databases, or marketing automation tools.

3. Data Migration

The volume and complexity of migrating data from your existing systems (spreadsheets, legacy software) into the new ERP is a significant factor that requires careful planning and execution.

4. Customization & Business Logic

The degree to which your business processes require unique rules, workflows, and logic will influence the development timeline and cost. This is where a custom build provides its greatest value.

5. AI & Advanced Features

Incorporating features like AI-powered forecasting, intelligent document processing, or IoT integrations will add to the initial investment but can deliver substantial long-term ROI through automation.

6. Team Composition (POD Model)

We provide dedicated "PODs" (teams) of developers, QAs, a project manager, and a solution architect. The size and duration of this team's engagement will determine the overall cost.

At a Glance: Custom ERP vs. Infor Licensing

Factor Custom AI-Enabled ERP (with CIS) Infor CloudSuite (Licensing)
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Higher upfront investment, but significantly lower long-term costs with no recurring per-user license fees. Lower initial cost, but high, perpetually escalating annual subscription and per-user fees.
Process Fit & Customization 100% tailored to your exact business processes and workflows. The software adapts to you. Limited customization. You often have to adapt your processes to the software's constraints.
Scalability & Flexibility Built on a modern, scalable architecture. Add features and users as you grow without penalty. Scalable, but often at a significant cost increase per user or transaction tier.
Competitive Advantage Creates a unique operational asset that competitors cannot replicate. Uses the same off-the-shelf tools as your competitors.
AI & Innovation Roadmap You control the roadmap. Integrate cutting-edge AI and automation based on your specific business needs. Dependent on Infor's development schedule and product roadmap.
Vendor Lock-In None. You own the source code and the intellectual property completely. High dependency on the vendor for support, updates, and pricing.

Real-World Custom ERP Implementations

We've helped businesses break free from rigid systems and build powerful, custom operational platforms. See how we've delivered measurable results.

Case Study: Manufacturing Process Overhaul

Industry: Industrial Machinery Manufacturing

Client Overview: A mid-sized manufacturer of custom industrial components was struggling with a disjointed system of spreadsheets and legacy software. This led to inaccurate inventory counts, production delays, and an inability to accurately cost jobs, hurting profitability.

Key Challenges:

  • No real-time visibility into raw material inventory.
  • Difficulty scheduling production runs efficiently.
  • Inaccurate job costing leading to poor quoting.
  • Lack of traceability for quality control purposes.

Our Solution:

We developed a custom, AI-enabled ERP focused on manufacturing operations. The solution included:

  • A centralized MRP module with real-time inventory tracking and automated reordering.
  • A dynamic production scheduling system that optimized machine and labor allocation.
  • An integrated job costing feature that tracked actual material and labor costs against estimates.
  • A quality management module with full lot traceability from raw material to finished product.

"The custom ERP system CIS built for us is the brain of our operation. For the first time, we have complete confidence in our data, from inventory to job costing. It's been a game-changer for our profitability."

- Warren Doyle, COO, Industrial Manufacturing Co.

Positive Outcomes:

25%
Reduction in Inventory Carrying Costs
15%
Improvement in On-Time Delivery Rate
99.8%
Inventory Record Accuracy

Case Study: Logistics & Distribution Optimization

Industry: Third-Party Logistics (3PL)

Client Overview: A regional 3PL provider was managing its warehousing and distribution operations with an outdated, on-premise system that couldn't integrate with modern e-commerce platforms. This created manual work, shipping errors, and an inability to provide clients with real-time visibility.

Key Challenges:

  • Manual order entry from multiple client channels (Shopify, Amazon).
  • Inefficient warehouse picking and packing processes.
  • No real-time shipment tracking for clients.
  • Complex and error-prone billing processes.

Our Solution:

We built a cloud-native Warehouse Management System (WMS) with integrated ERP functionalities. The platform featured:

  • Pre-built API connectors for major e-commerce platforms to automate order ingestion.
  • A mobile app for warehouse staff that optimized picking routes and enabled barcode scanning.
  • A client portal providing real-time inventory levels and shipment tracking information.
  • An automated billing module that generated accurate invoices based on storage, picking, and shipping activities.

"Our custom WMS/ERP platform has become our biggest competitive advantage. We can now onboard new e-commerce clients in days instead of weeks, and the visibility we provide has been a huge selling point. CIS delivered exactly what we needed."

- Jenna Raynor, VP of Operations, Logistics & Distribution Firm

Positive Outcomes:

40%
Reduction in Order Processing Time
99.9%
Order Accuracy Rate Achieved
30%
Increase in Client Retention

Case Study: Unified Retail Commerce Platform

Industry: Multi-channel Retail

Client Overview: An enterprise retailer with both physical stores and a growing e-commerce presence was operating with separate systems for POS, e-commerce, and inventory. This led to stockouts, poor customer experiences, and an inability to implement modern retail strategies like "buy online, pick up in-store."

Key Challenges:

  • Inaccurate inventory levels between online and physical stores.
  • No single view of customer purchase history.
  • Inability to manage promotions and pricing consistently across channels.
  • High costs from managing multiple disparate software licenses.

Our Solution:

We engineered a "headless" commerce platform with a custom ERP at its core. This unified system provided:

  • A central inventory module that served as the single source of truth for all channels.
  • A unified customer profile, tracking all interactions and purchases, online and in-store.
  • A promotions engine to manage complex pricing rules across the entire business.
  • Seamless integration with their existing POS systems and a new, modern e-commerce front-end.

"CIS helped us transition from a collection of siloed apps to a true unified commerce platform. Our inventory is now accurate, our customer experience is seamless, and we've been able to launch new initiatives that were impossible before. The investment paid for itself within 18 months."

- Patrick Benson, CTO, Enterprise Retail Group

Positive Outcomes:

95%
Reduction in "Out of Stock" Online Orders
20%
Increase in Average Customer Lifetime Value
50%
Lower Software Licensing Costs Annually

Technology Stack for Enterprise-Grade ERPs

We build robust, scalable, and secure ERP systems using a modern, best-in-class technology stack. We select the right tools to ensure performance, scalability, and ease of maintenance.

What Our Enterprise Clients Say

We build long-term partnerships founded on trust, transparency, and tangible results. Here’s what leaders from companies like yours have to say about their experience with CIS.

"The custom ERP system CIS built for us is the brain of our operation. For the first time, we have complete confidence in our data, from inventory to job costing. It's been a game-changer for our profitability."

Avatar for Warren Doyle

Warren Doyle

COO, Industrial Manufacturing Co.

"Our custom WMS/ERP platform has become our biggest competitive advantage. We can now onboard new e-commerce clients in days instead of weeks, and the visibility we provide has been a huge selling point. CIS delivered exactly what we needed."

Avatar for Jenna Raynor

Jenna Raynor

VP of Operations, Logistics & Distribution Firm

"CIS helped us transition from a collection of siloed apps to a true unified commerce platform. Our inventory is now accurate, our customer experience is seamless, and we've been able to launch new initiatives that were impossible before. The investment paid for itself within 18 months."

Avatar for Patrick Benson

Patrick Benson

CTO, Enterprise Retail Group

"We were hesitant about building a custom ERP due to the perceived risk. The CMMI Level 5 process at CIS gave us the confidence to move forward. Their project management was flawless, and the final product exceeded our expectations. It was far smoother than our previous off-the-shelf implementation."

Avatar for Samuel Jenkins

Samuel Jenkins

Director of IT, Food & Beverage Distribution

"The AI-powered forecasting module they built into our ERP has been incredibly accurate. It's helped us reduce stockouts by over 60% while simultaneously lowering our safety stock levels. The team's expertise in both supply chain and machine learning was evident from day one."

Avatar for Lauren Gentry

Lauren Gentry

CFO, Consumer Packaged Goods

"The ability to get a single, unified view of our global operations was critical. CIS built a multi-currency, multi-language financial module that consolidated data from all our subsidiaries. The transparency and control we've gained is invaluable."

Avatar for Marcus Dyer

Marcus Dyer

VP Finance, Global Services Corporation

Frequently Asked Questions

Exploring a custom ERP solution brings up important questions. Here are answers to some of the most common ones we receive from technology and business leaders.

The timeline varies based on complexity. A foundational MVP (Minimum Viable Product) with core modules can often be delivered in 4-6 months. A comprehensive, enterprise-wide system with numerous integrations and advanced features can take 12-18 months or more. We use a phased approach to deliver value quickly and build upon the core system iteratively.

The upfront investment for a custom build can be comparable to the initial implementation costs of Infor. However, the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) over 3-5 years is often significantly lower because you eliminate perpetual, per-user licensing fees. You are investing in an asset you own, not renting software.

Integration is a core competency. Our process begins with a thorough discovery of your existing tech stack. We build robust, secure APIs to connect your new ERP with CRMs (like Salesforce), accounting software (like QuickBooks), 3PLs, payment gateways, and any other mission-critical systems, ensuring seamless data flow across your organization.

We offer flexible, comprehensive support and maintenance packages. This includes 24/7 monitoring, bug fixes, performance optimization, security updates, and a dedicated team for ongoing feature enhancements. Our goal is to be your long-term technology partner, ensuring the ERP evolves with your business needs.

Our CMMI Level 5 certified processes are designed for predictability and risk mitigation. We use a combination of detailed project scoping, agile development methodologies with regular sprint reviews, transparent project management tools, and constant communication to ensure there are no surprises. You have full visibility into progress and budget burn-rate at all times.

Ready to Build an ERP That's a Strategic Advantage?

Let's move beyond the limitations of off-the-shelf software. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our ERP solution architects. We'll help you map your processes, define an MVP, and provide a detailed cost-benefit analysis for a custom solution.

Request My Free Consultation

reviewed by the Experts team · Verified by the CIS SEO Team ·

Continue with the relevant service and supporting resources.