Infor’s Recent Acquisitions Put a Dimension on Data-Driven Decision-Making

Data-driven decision-making allows companies to personalize their offerings and predict market trends with greater accuracy; without access to this data, cloud and ERP companies risk falling behind competitors. Cloud software solutions company Infor announced the acquisition of data migration partner Albanero and CPG consulting expert Acumen to keep its data capabilities at the cutting edge.

Albanero’s acquisition by Infor delivers significant benefits as customers transition to the cloud and optimize their data solutions. The integration of Albanero’s data mesh platform with Infor OS is designed to provide a consolidated view of enterprise data—a key differentiator in the marketplace. Albanero’s decentralized approach to data management also addresses the challenges associated with centralized data systems, empowering data owners at the source and providing a solid data foundation for leveraging advanced technologies like GenAI.

“Cloud technologies have enabled Albanero to innovate in data management,” explained Manish Sharma, founder and CTO of Albanero. “We are excited to provide Infor customers with a decentralized data mesh solution that brings the power of their data back to their business.

“This leap in technology has solved many of the challenges associated with central data management by giving data owners more authority at the source.”

With the acquisition of Acumen, a specialist consulting and analytics firm that leverages data analytics for consumer packaged goods (CPG) manufacturers, Infor aims to expand its offerings in the industry. Acumen’s expertise in optimizing promotional investments and pricing strategies is essential for managing complex pricing requirements and responding effectively to market changes. By integrating Acumen with Infor CloudSuite Food & Beverage and CloudSuite Fashion, Infor adds critical functionality for Trade Promotion Management. This integration establishes a single source of truth for decision-making, increasing the available industry data for developing new technologies and capabilities.

Nick Ryan, co-founder of Acumen, said: “Joining Infor will allow us to leverage the latest Infor technologies to enhance our platforms and accelerate time-to-market, while also enabling us to continue to grow our customer base and expand our geographic reach.”

Over the past year, Infor has continued its strategy of acquiring companies that enhance its data capabilities through other strategic partnerships and innovations within its industry CloudSuites. For example, the partnership with SourceDay aimed to optimize direct materials purchase order management by integrating deep, bidirectional technology into Infor’s discrete manufacturing and distribution ERP systems, with a focus on proactive data accuracy.

Additionally, in line with last year’s two-year release cycle designed to increase agility in serving customers, Infor has made enhancements to ESG reporting and Infor GenAI, specifically designed to leverage industry-specific data to improve decision-making.

Infor’s competitors are also taking similar steps to boost their data capabilities and cloud offerings. SAP’s acquisition of Signavio was aimed at increasing its process management and data analytics capabilities, enabling better data-driven decision-making. In addition, SAP is focusing on its Data Intelligence solution to help organizations manage complex data landscapes.

Similarly, Microsoft’s acquisition of Nuance was intended to enhance its AI and data capabilities in the healthcare industry, increasing its ability to analyze clinical data. Microsoft also expanded Azure Synapse Analytics, a comprehensive data analytics service that integrates big data and data warehousing.

By improving its data migration, management, and analytics capabilities, Infor keeps pace with its closest competitors and aims to leverage a solid data foundation for its cloud solutions.

“Infor’s strategy remains fiercely focused on helping customers unlock the fundamental value drivers within their industry operations,” said Infor CEO Kevin Samuelson. “The next wave of innovation is completely data-driven, and generating real value from it starts with a secure, data-rich industry foundation.”