The Future of Infor XA: A 10-Year Vision

Infor XA continues to evolve—stronger, smarter, and more secure than ever. With a clear long-term vision and a roadmap stretching to 2035, Infor is reaffirming its deep commitment to discrete manufacturing customers. This next decade is about more than just software updates; it’s about predictable progress, customer-driven innovation, and lasting value.

1️⃣ Vision and Guiding Principles

Infor’s focus remains steady: deliver high-value, high-quality enhancements that help manufacturers thrive in a fast-changing world.

Long-term commitment: Continuous investment in Infor XA for discrete manufacturers.

• Simplified upgrades and transparent release cycles
• Incremental adoption with independent, easy-to-deploy releases
• Strong emphasis on security, privacy, reliability, and sustainable staffing
• Deep utilization of Infor technologies: IDF, Infor OS, Infor AI, Infor Extend, and the Infor Cloud

Goal: Deliver predictable, customer-requested enhancements that align with business goals and drive measurable ROI.

2️⃣ The 10-Year Plan: 2025 – 2035

Infor XA’s roadmap is clear, structured, and designed for long-term stability.

• Foundation Phase (2025–2026): Releases 11.0–11.3 + 10.1 enhancements with an emphasis on reliability and ease of adoption.
• Enhancement Phase (2027–2030): Faster delivery of customer-driven features and simplified upgrades.
• Customer Phase (2030–2035): Ongoing compliance, regulatory, and innovation-based updates.

Core priority across all phases: Quality, predictability, and responsiveness to customer feedback.

3️⃣ Foundation Releases: From 9.2 to 11.3

Each XA release builds on a legacy of stability while integrating cutting-edge technology.

• 9.2: Focused on Financials, Cloud enablement, Infor OS integration, and GDPR compliance.
• 10: Introduced Net-Link UI, AI integration, and NIS2 security compliance.
• 11.0 (Now Available):  Enhanced Employee, Shop Floor, QC, Labor, Financial, and EDI modules. New Help videos, IDF updates, and Host-Link replacement
• Upcoming: REST API, Output Management, Java 17
• Future (11.1–11.3): Pick/Pack/Ship, Packing, Financial & IDF enhancements, plus expanded automation and training resources.

4️⃣ A Modern User Experience

XA’s user interface continues to evolve with Net-Link leading the way as the go-forward UI.

• Split-screen views, freeze columns, Excel exports, embedded graphs, and sidebar apps
• Host-Link replaces HPS and integrates seamlessly with Power-Link
• SmartHelp delivers modernized, responsive assistance with customizable company content

All help tools are now IDF-based and available at no additional cost

5️⃣ Technology, Cloud, and Integration

Infor XA Cloud is hosted on Infor’s dedicated IBM i Cloud (AWS) and seamlessly connects the entire ecosystem:

• Infor OS: Portal, Workflow, SSO, DataLake, Extensibility
• Financials: d/EPM, F9, Infinium, XM
• Analytics: Birst
• Productivity: E-Commerce, Learning Mgmt, Interform Output Mgmt, MES, Field Service
• Customer Experience: CPQ, CRM, Auto Release, Customer Portal
• Supply Chain: WMS, Supplier Exchange, Freight Rate, Material Logistics

Interform Output Management now supports XML outputs stored in IDM, making document handling (POs, invoices, packing lists, etc.) more flexible than ever.

6️⃣ AI & Machine Learning: Smarter Manufacturing Decisions

Infor XA is embracing AI through Infor Augmented Intelligence Solutions (AIS), with 50+ active use cases and 25+ live customers already seeing real results.

Key Domains

• Process Intelligence: Automates workflows and triggers actions
• Asset Intelligence: Predictive maintenance and cost reduction
• Forecast Intelligence: Demand forecasting & inventory optimization
• Customer Intelligence: Sales insights and retention analytics
• Pricing Intelligence: Market-driven pricing strategies
• People Intelligence: Labor optimization and retention
• Measured results: 90% manual-effort reduction, 10–14% scrap reduction, 5% lower finished-goods inventory.

7️⃣ Enterprise Financials & Compliance

The upcoming Intercompany Module brings new flexibility for global operations.

• Dual ledger support for GAAP and IFRS with multi-currency options (USD, EUR, MXP)
• Support for 12- and 13-period fiscal calendars
• Separate Corporate and Sales ledgers for regulatory compliance
• Integration with Output Management and IDM for 1099s, collection letters, invoices, and credit memos

8️⃣ Quality Management & Manufacturing Enhancements

Infor XA continues to invest in quality and shop floor process improvements to drive operational excellence.

• Infor Quality Management (Release 10+): Covers Preventive Maintenance, Calibration, APQP, PPAP, Non-Conformance, Corrective Actions, and Cost of Quality tracking—all integrated with Purchasing and Production.
• Shop Floor Enhancements (Release 11): Real-time updates, approvals, expanded labor tracking, and historical data retention.
• Pick/Pack/Ship (R11.1–11.3): Unified pick lists, allocations, returns, and WMS integration for streamlined operations.

9️⃣ Education, Training & Support

Infor is making it easier than ever for XA users to stay current and skilled.

• Infor U Courses: Free, on-demand training covering Release 11.0 Materials & Labor, plus IDF customization and developer foundations.
• Help Video Library: 80+ videos on customization, integration, and everyday use.
• Live Workshops: Instructor-led sessions with hands-on practice offered in multiple time zones.
• Documentation: Continuously updated at docs.infor.com.

🔟 Future Direction & Customer Involvement

Infor believes the best ideas come from its users. Customers are encouraged to get involved:

• Submit feature requests via concierge.infor.com
• Provide feedback to Ross Freeman (ross.freeman@infor.com) or Hariharan Mangalam (hariharan.mangalam@infor.com)
• Participate in the IBM i Marketplace Survey and user groups (inPOWER, XA, LX, System 21) through WorkOutLoud
• Future focus areas include AI-driven innovation, core functionality enhancements, and continuous investment in Infor’s talent and support ecosystem.

🌟 The Bottom Line

Infor XA is not just being maintained—it’s being modernized for the next decade and beyond. With a strong foundation in security, AI, and cloud technology, Infor is ensuring that XA remains a reliable and innovative ERP solution for manufacturers worldwide.

The future of Infor XA is bright—and built to last.