M3
★★★ strongInfor M3 Supply Chain
Infor M3 confirms 15 of the 23 supply chain capabilities we track, with a further 6 partially covered. Its deepest coverage is in Supply Chain Planning; it is thinnest on Supply Chain Visibility.
Supply Chain is a core strength for Infor M3 — a primary capability included in standard deployments. The product is best suited to process manufacturers (food, chemicals, pharma) needing batch/formula control.
- 15of 23
- Capabilities confirmed
- 221
- Documented features
- Supply Chain Planning
- Strongest area
- Supply Chain Visibility
- Thinnest area
Capability coverage15 of 23 confirmed
How Infor M3 scores against the 23 supply chain capabilities we track across every ERP in our catalogue.
- Supply Chain Planning7 of 8
- Transportation & Logistics6 of 8
- Supply Chain Visibility2 of 7
Confirmed (15)Partial (6)Not documented (2)
“Not documented” means our research has not confirmed the capability either way — it is not a finding that Infor M3 lacks it. Coverage is scored against one shared capability list, so it is comparable between products.
What’s in it221 documented capabilities
The supply chain scope Infor M3 ships, grouped as the product itself organises it.
Demand Planning7
Covers building and managing sales forecasts and budgets, including closed-loop forecasting that exchanges demand data between M3 Business Engine and M3 Demand Planner.
Highlights
- Calculate Sales ForecastCalculates a sales forecast to estimate demand for a given period, saving the results into a dataset.
- Closed Loop ForecastingIntegrates forecasting between M3 Business Engine and M3 Demand Planner, passing forecasts and demand figures back and forth alongside sales budget information.
- Enable Closed Loop ForecastingConfigures the settings needed for M3 Business Engine and M3 Demand Planner to exchange forecast information.
- Managing Closed Loop ForecastingRuns the ongoing process flow where M3 Business Engine and M3 Demand Planner interact for cyclic forecasting.
- Managing Sales BudgetCreates, monitors, and consolidates a sales budget as part of demand planning.
All 6 capabilities
- Calculate Sales ForecastCalculates a sales forecast to estimate demand for a given period, saving the results into a dataset.
- Closed Loop ForecastingIntegrates forecasting between M3 Business Engine and M3 Demand Planner, passing forecasts and demand figures back and forth alongside sales budget information.
- Enable Closed Loop ForecastingConfigures the settings needed for M3 Business Engine and M3 Demand Planner to exchange forecast information.
- Managing Closed Loop ForecastingRuns the ongoing process flow where M3 Business Engine and M3 Demand Planner interact for cyclic forecasting.
- Managing Sales BudgetCreates, monitors, and consolidates a sales budget as part of demand planning.
- Producing Sales Forecast Using DatasetProduces and monitors a sales forecast using datasets, giving flexibility to choose which dimensions to forecast by.
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Build my requirements →Overview4
Introduces Capacity Planning Workbench as a web application for visualizing capacity and load across manufacturing and distribution operations.
Capabilities
- Purpose of M3 Capacity Planning WorkbenchQuickly spots capacity bottlenecks spanning several work centers and facilities, all from one configurable view.
- Key indicators and measuresHighlights the key exceptions and indicators in a planning process that matter most for decision-making.
- Recommendations and restrictionsRetrieves planning data live from M3 through APIs to give a comprehensive capacity overview for selected facilities.
- Tabs and FavoriteBreaks out work-center-specific and individual-level load details through dedicated tabs.
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Build my requirements →Supply Planning10
Covers modeling how items are supplied across warehouses and suppliers, including sourcing rules, distribution chains, supply models, and availability simulation as part of the capacity-to-promise process.
Highlights
- Simulate Availability (Supply Model Simulate)Simulates supply alternatives to answer customer availability inquiries and find the best way to meet demand.
- Define Distribution ChainSets up the distribution chain used in order promising as part of the global capacity-to-promise concept.
- Define Rules for Planned Distribution Order PriorityDefines logical rules, evaluated one after another, that rank planned distribution orders by priority.
- Define a Sourcing RuleSets manual rules for where a warehouse sources its items from, including splitting demand across different acquisition methods.
- Define Supply ModelSets up a supply model and its related control parameters and lines.
All 9 capabilities
- Simulate Availability (Supply Model Simulate)Simulates supply alternatives to answer customer availability inquiries and find the best way to meet demand.
- Define Distribution ChainSets up the distribution chain used in order promising as part of the global capacity-to-promise concept.
- Define Rules for Planned Distribution Order PriorityDefines logical rules, evaluated one after another, that rank planned distribution orders by priority.
- Define a Sourcing RuleSets manual rules for where a warehouse sources its items from, including splitting demand across different acquisition methods.
- Define Supply ModelSets up a supply model and its related control parameters and lines.
- Distribution ChainExplains the distribution chain concept, which maps out the internal movement of goods, and its role in the global CTP model.
- Manage Active Supply ChainControls and reviews active supply chains from a dedicated monitoring view.
- Sourcing Rules for ItemsDefines how item demand is met, whether through manufacturing, purchasing, or distribution.
- Supply ModelSets up and applies supply models, a defined set of rules used inside the CTP (capacity-to-promise) framework.
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Build my requirements →Managing DO/RO13
Covers distribution orders and requisition orders used to move stock between warehouses or fill internal shortages, including order entry, allocation, dispatch, and the related settings and lead times.
Highlights
- Distribution CalendarSets which weekdays or calendar dates count as approved shipment days for a distribution relation when orders are generated automatically.
- Handling Requisition OrderCovers how to create requisition order lines, allocate and dispatch them, and release the order once it's ready.
- Display Information about Distribution OrderShows order transactions, available supplying warehouses, and quantity differences for a distribution order.
- Distribution OrderMoves stock between warehouses that may sit under the same legal division or different ones, using a dedicated stock transaction type.
- Distribution Order EntryCreates a distribution order, firm or planned, then moves it through allocation, pre-allocation, dispatch, and cross-docking stages.
All 12 capabilities
- Distribution CalendarSets which weekdays or calendar dates count as approved shipment days for a distribution relation when orders are generated automatically.
- Handling Requisition OrderCovers how to create requisition order lines, allocate and dispatch them, and release the order once it's ready.
- Display Information about Distribution OrderShows order transactions, available supplying warehouses, and quantity differences for a distribution order.
- Distribution OrderMoves stock between warehouses that may sit under the same legal division or different ones, using a dedicated stock transaction type.
- Distribution Order EntryCreates a distribution order, firm or planned, then moves it through allocation, pre-allocation, dispatch, and cross-docking stages.
- Internal Orders including Requisition and Distribution OrdersExplains the routines behind M3's two internal order types, requisition and distribution, both executed from the same order function.
- Mass Change Aggregated Distribution Order LinesAggregates open distribution order lines and updates information across several of them at once in a single operation.
- Requisition OrderFills an internal shortage at a warehouse, or covers put-away and material-issue needs that sit outside the standard order flow.
- Requisition Order FlowDescribes the requisition order flow, recommended whenever a need doesn't fit the standard purchasing, manufacturing, or distribution process.
- Requisition/Distribution Order Quick EntryCreates a requisition or distribution order with head and one order line entered together on a single panel for faster data entry.
- Settings for Distribution OrdersCovers the basic configuration needed to run distribution orders, which are used to move stock between warehouses.
- Transportation Lead Time For Purchasing and DistributionConfigures transportation lead time, the time needed to ship goods from a supplier to the buyer's final delivery address.
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Build my requirements →Basics8
Covers the core interface of Capacity Planning Workbench -- the grid, buckets, controls, and keyboard shortcuts used day to day.
Highlights
- ActionsLists the control buttons available in the Actions tab, such as refreshing data or opening settings.
- ControlsLists the available windows and controls, including options to open related programs for a selected work center.
- GridDisplays capacity, load, and remaining capacity across work centers in the application's primary grid view.
- BucketsPresents the capacity plan in day, week, or multi-week time buckets.
- Related informationShows graphical and related detail for a single selected work center alongside the main grid.
All 7 capabilities
- ActionsLists the control buttons available in the Actions tab, such as refreshing data or opening settings.
- ControlsLists the available windows and controls, including options to open related programs for a selected work center.
- GridDisplays capacity, load, and remaining capacity across work centers in the application's primary grid view.
- BucketsPresents the capacity plan in day, week, or multi-week time buckets.
- Related informationShows graphical and related detail for a single selected work center alongside the main grid.
- Sizing buttonsResizes the Grid and Related Information panels using dedicated sizing controls.
- Keyboard shortcutsProvides keyboard shortcuts for opening settings and resizing the grid.
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Build my requirements →Setting up the application12
Configures Capacity Planning Workbench to match site preferences -- data retrieval, bucket periods, grouping, columns, coloring, and work center filters.
Highlights
- Basic SetupSets core parameters, including a cap of 1,000 on the number of work centers shown at once.
- Data retrievalControls which planning data, including by warehouse group, is retrieved from M3 for display.
- BucketsSets the number, start, and end of the time buckets shown across the grid.
- GroupingGroups data in the grid by up to three selected criteria.
- ColumnsSelects up to seven columns of work-center-level data to display in the grid.
All 11 capabilities
- Basic SetupSets core parameters, including a cap of 1,000 on the number of work centers shown at once.
- Data retrievalControls which planning data, including by warehouse group, is retrieved from M3 for display.
- BucketsSets the number, start, and end of the time buckets shown across the grid.
- GroupingGroups data in the grid by up to three selected criteria.
- ColumnsSelects up to seven columns of work-center-level data to display in the grid.
- Bucket ColumnsSelects up to six data columns per time bucket, each with its own aggregation method.
- Load and CapacityConfigures whether machine load or labor load is displayed, along with which load categories to include.
- ColoringSets color-coding rules for grid cells to make capacity conditions easier to spot at a glance.
- Work Center FilterFilters which work centers appear in the grid using configurable filter lists.
- W/C Bucket FilterFilters the grid to a specific range of time buckets for selected work centers.
- MiscellaneousConfigures miscellaneous export settings, such as the list and decimal separators used for Excel output.
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Build my requirements →Working with CPW6
Covers the M3 backend settings, APIs, and troubleshooting steps needed to run Capacity Planning Workbench in production.
Capabilities
- Settings in M3 Business EngineConfigures the M3 backend security roles and settings required for full Capacity Planning Workbench functionality.
- List of APIs usedDocuments the M3 APIs that Capacity Planning Workbench relies on to retrieve and process data.
- CPW is not available in the H5 menuChecks the required security role and CPW-specific role assignment when the workbench is missing from the menu.
- Exporting to Excel for languages not in englishFixes special-character formatting issues when exporting Capacity Planning Workbench data to Excel in non-English languages.
- Load and capacity not displayed as expectedTroubleshoots unexpected load or capacity figures by comparing them against the underlying source data.
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Build my requirements →Enabling Supply Chain Planning6
Covers the setup steps needed to turn on supply chain planning, including creating and activating datasets, enabling sales forecasting, and configuring action logs for manufacturing.
Capabilities
- Action Logs in ManufacturingRecords decisions and issues from an external planning system that need manual follow-up in manufacturing.
- Create and Activate DatasetCreates and activates a dataset, a user-defined store built from key and accumulator fields that holds budget and statistical values.
- Enabling DatasetTurns on dataset handling so a user-defined dataset can be activated and populated.
- Enabling Sales Forecasting Using DatasetConfigures the basic settings needed to activate a dataset for use in sales forecasting.
- Processing Action LogsProcesses planning decisions from an external system and implements them within M3 Business Engine.
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Build my requirements →Managing Outbound Goods26
Covers the outbound goods flow -- allocation, batch allocation, packing, dispatch policy, delivery confirmation, and transportation documents -- used to prepare and ship customer and other outbound orders.
Highlights
- Allocation and Cross-Docking ConceptsExplains what cross-docking, pre-allocation, and allocation mean, and when each applies to assigning balance IDs to order lines.
- Automatic AllocationAutomates stock allocation across requisition, customer, distribution, and manufacturing order types alike.
- Basic Delivery Value Check SettingsSets up a delivery value check, most useful for sectors that deal with extended lead times, to confirm delivery values before shipment.
- Basic Settings for Dispatch PolicyConfigures dispatch policy parameters, including the delivery number series used to identify outbound shipments.
- Batch Allocation Using Fair Share, Allocation Priority Rules or Allocation priority with Fair ShareReallocates and redistributes current stock allocations across demand order lines using fair share or priority-based rules.
All 25 capabilities
- Allocation and Cross-Docking ConceptsExplains what cross-docking, pre-allocation, and allocation mean, and when each applies to assigning balance IDs to order lines.
- Automatic AllocationAutomates stock allocation across requisition, customer, distribution, and manufacturing order types alike.
- Basic Delivery Value Check SettingsSets up a delivery value check, most useful for sectors that deal with extended lead times, to confirm delivery values before shipment.
- Basic Settings for Dispatch PolicyConfigures dispatch policy parameters, including the delivery number series used to identify outbound shipments.
- Batch Allocation Using Fair Share, Allocation Priority Rules or Allocation priority with Fair ShareReallocates and redistributes current stock allocations across demand order lines using fair share or priority-based rules.
- Create Location Type Table (MMS057)Sets up allocation tables that route stock to particular location types during outbound processing.
- Define Settings for Allocation Priority ModelCreates and maintains the allocation priority model, building on batch allocation settings already in place.
- Create Packaging GroupSets up packaging groups that control which cartons or containers are eligible when packing items into cartons.
- Define Settings for PackingDefines the settings required to pack goods manually or automatically ahead of outbound dispatch.
- Delivery Receipt ConfirmationConfirms delivery receipt either simply, with no date or quantity detail, or in full, depending on the method chosen.
- Delivery Value CheckControls delivery value checks on customer order deliveries, validating shipment value once the feature is active.
- Display and Change Customer Priority RulesShows how the allocation priority calculation came out for a customer and lets that calculated priority value be adjusted.
- Full Balance ID ControlChecks that the complete allocated quantity of a balance ID is reported together when moving stock to pack, dock, or issue.
- How to Use Automatic Allocation with Manual Release and How to Stop AllocationCombines automatic allocation with a manual release step, and covers how to halt allocation when needed.
- How to Use Soft AllocationApplies soft allocation, commonly used when many interchangeable lots are available and the specific lot picked doesn't matter, with or without an added check.
- Managing Delivery ApprovalRoutes deliveries through a governmental approval process before transportation can begin, required in certain countries.
- Managing Pick-up Deliveries for Customer ReturnsCreates a pick-up delivery from a customer return as part of transportation planning.
- Outbound Tracking FunctionalityAssigns a distinct tracking identifier to every unit shipped to a customer, without tagging units while they remain in stock.
- PackingGroups items -- often several lines from a single picking list -- into a package using materials such as boxes.
- Performing Packaging ActionsCovers the packaging steps carried out according to the packaging type in use, including creating customer packages.
- Perform Picking Resource PlanningAssigns picking teams to stock zones, an optional stage within the dispatch flow that directs work to the right resources.
- Pre-allocation settingsSets basic pre-allocation configuration per order type and warehouse, including notification settings.
- Settings for Event Based Document ControlConfigures Event Based Document Control, which governs how transportation documents are triggered by events.
- Settings for System-Guided Pick and PackSets up guided pick, pack, move-to-packing, move-to-docking, and issue steps for the picking list.
- Transportation DocumentsProduces the paperwork needed to ship goods, whether it travels with the shipment or is forwarded to authorities or consignees.
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Build my requirements →Supply Chain Planning Concepts11
Covers core planning concepts including macro orders that group materials and operations for large order volumes, macro order policies, dataset transaction types, and the basic data setup behind M3 Planning Workbench.
Highlights
- Activate Macro Order Functionality and Define Time FramesActivates macro order functionality and defines the time frames used to group orders into macro orders.
- Aggregate Macro Order Details ManuallyManually reruns the process that rolls materials and operations up into a macro order.
- Connect Items to a Macro Order PolicyAssigns a macro order policy to items through item-specific control objects.
- Dataset Transaction Type UpdateClassifies and updates the transaction types that feed data into a user-defined dataset.
- Define a Macro Order PolicyDefines how orders and supply chains get aggregated into macro orders through a macro order policy.
All 10 capabilities
- Activate Macro Order Functionality and Define Time FramesActivates macro order functionality and defines the time frames used to group orders into macro orders.
- Aggregate Macro Order Details ManuallyManually reruns the process that rolls materials and operations up into a macro order.
- Connect Items to a Macro Order PolicyAssigns a macro order policy to items through item-specific control objects.
- Dataset Transaction Type UpdateClassifies and updates the transaction types that feed data into a user-defined dataset.
- Define a Macro Order PolicyDefines how orders and supply chains get aggregated into macro orders through a macro order policy.
- Enabling Macro OrdersEnables macro orders across supply chain planning and manufacturing to simplify planning for high order volumes.
- Establishing Basic Data PlanningSets up the basic data required to plan with M3 Planning Workbench and weigh near- and mid-term consequences.
- Macro OrdersGroups materials and operations from multiple orders into a single macro order to simplify planning at volume.
- Planning and SchedulingCovers planning and scheduling as part of the broader maintenance management process, evaluating long-term impact.
- Re-Create Connections to a Macro OrderRebuilds the link between orders or supply chains and their macro order, recreating the macro order if needed.
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Build my requirements →Warehouse Management Interfaces13
Covers the interfaces that connect M3 warehouse operations to external warehouse and material handling systems, including data downloads, uploads, and the transactions used to synchronize stock and order activity.
Highlights
- Item OverviewGives supply chain planners, product managers, and other relevant roles a single application for viewing item information at a glance.
- M3 Business Engine Administrator's Guide for Warehouse Management InterfacesProvides background for consultants and administrators setting up Warehouse Management Interfaces, building on general M3 experience.
- Supported Processes for Warehouse Management InterfacesLists the processes the warehouse interface supports, including basic data downloads such as item, alias, and supplier information.
- Download processesSends basic data such as items, aliases, and suppliers from M3 to an external warehouse system whenever that data changes.
- Supported processesCovers warehouse receipt handling, downloading an expected receipt whenever a purchase, distribution, requisition, manufacturing, or return order is released.
All 12 capabilities
- Item OverviewGives supply chain planners, product managers, and other relevant roles a single application for viewing item information at a glance.
- M3 Business Engine Administrator's Guide for Warehouse Management InterfacesProvides background for consultants and administrators setting up Warehouse Management Interfaces, building on general M3 experience.
- Supported Processes for Warehouse Management InterfacesLists the processes the warehouse interface supports, including basic data downloads such as item, alias, and supplier information.
- Download processesSends basic data such as items, aliases, and suppliers from M3 to an external warehouse system whenever that data changes.
- Supported processesCovers warehouse receipt handling, downloading an expected receipt whenever a purchase, distribution, requisition, manufacturing, or return order is released.
- Upload processesCovers the transactions used to upload order and inventory activity from an external warehouse system back into M3, all following a shared message-based process.
- Download and Upload to an External SystemCovers integration with an external system such as a warehouse management system, including how M3 downloads and uploads warehouse data.
- Settings for Integration to an External SystemSets up M3 Warehouse Integration, using a warehouse management system as the example integrated system.
- Scenarios for Using Warehouse Management Interfaces (WHI)Describes when the warehouse interface applies, depending on whether M3 or an external system runs the warehouse, spanning both integration and interface scenarios.
- Deletion of Warehouse Interface MessagesRemoves warehouse interface messages once they reach status 90 or higher, controlled per partner setup.
- Delete Archived Warehouse Interface MessagesDeletes previously archived warehouse interface messages, reached via a dedicated function key on the archive display.
- Warehouse Management DeskGives warehouse managers and staff a single application for efficiently overseeing inbound and outbound flows.
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Build my requirements →Resource and Material Planning26
Covers material and resource planning across items and warehouses, including forecasting methods, safety stock and reorder points, available-to-promise checks, service levels, and capacity and load reporting.
Highlights
- Action MessagesFlags a recommended planning action automatically whenever a date changes or an item's material plan shifts.
- Available-to-promise (ATP)Calculates the uncommitted inventory and planned production available to promise against new customer orders.
- Competing ForecastsRuns several forecast methods side by side so planners can choose the one that fits best.
- Create Automatic ForecastAutomatically generates a period-by-period forecast for each item at each warehouse.
- Create Forecast Family StructureBuilds and maintains forecast family structures that group related products for shared forecasting.
All 25 capabilities
- Action MessagesFlags a recommended planning action automatically whenever a date changes or an item's material plan shifts.
- Available-to-promise (ATP)Calculates the uncommitted inventory and planned production available to promise against new customer orders.
- Competing ForecastsRuns several forecast methods side by side so planners can choose the one that fits best.
- Create Automatic ForecastAutomatically generates a period-by-period forecast for each item at each warehouse.
- Create Forecast Family StructureBuilds and maintains forecast family structures that group related products for shared forecasting.
- Create Forecast SimulationEnters and updates simulated forecast methods for testing at the item and warehouse level.
- Create Service LevelMaintains the service level table that links target service levels to the safety factor used for safety stock.
- Demand TypeDistinguishes where an item's demand originates and controls which sources feed into forecast calculations.
- Dynamic Planning Value UpdateUpdates planning values dynamically through templates, easing item maintenance across the product life cycle.
- Entering Planning Rules and DefinitionsEnters basic and advanced rules that govern master planning.
- Forecast AlarmsFlags forecast values that fall outside acceptable ranges as an ongoing check on forecast quality.
- Forecast FamilyGroups similar items by demand pattern so they can be forecast together as a family.
- Forecast MADMeasures forecast accuracy as the mean absolute deviation between forecasted and actual demand across periods.
- ForecastingProduces demand forecasts either manually or through mathematical calculation, across two different M3 components.
- Inventory SharingShares surplus inventory of selected items with outside parties beyond the company, based on defined rules.
- Master Demand ScheduleHolds the planned delivery quantities, timing, and supplying warehouse for items across the master demand schedule.
- Material PlanningPlans item supply across existing warehouses, with processes that can run manually or fully automatically.
- Mathematical Forecast with Seasonal InfluenceApplies a mathematical forecast model that accounts for seasonal demand swings, such as those seen in clothing.
- Multiple SupplySupports items with more than one supply source, whether multiple warehouses or multiple suppliers.
- Planning EntitySupports forecasting and forecast consumption for sales items oriented at the highest planning level.
- Point of Time TableDefines planning points down to the day, hour, and minute, used to group orders based on the table type.
- Print Capacity and LoadPrints reports for reviewing and analyzing capacity and projected load.
- Reorder PointTriggers stock replenishment once inventory falls to a calculated threshold based on safety stock and lead time.
- Seasonal IndexExpresses seasonal demand variation for an item by comparing a period's normal demand to the overall mean.
- Smoothing ConstantSets how heavily historical values are weighted in exponential smoothing forecast calculations.
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Build my requirements →Managing Transportation Planning26
Covers transportation planning -- routes, freight cost, transportation equipment and resources, and shipment management -- used to plan and execute deliveries.
Highlights
- Additional Transportation InformationAdds extra logistics details onto a shipment record or delivery record, for example a booking reference, vessel name, or ocean bill of lading.
- Basic Settings for Freight Cost and Freight Cost CalculationConfigures whether and how freight cost is calculated, controlled through the freight cost management parameter.
- Create Transportation EquipmentSets up and maintains transportation equipment records that represent a particular mode of transport.
- Create Transportation ResourceSets up and maintains transportation resource records; shift planning for these resources is not supported.
- Define Settings for Transportation ManagementDefines the settings that drive the transportation management workflow, covering customer order type and related configuration areas.
All 25 capabilities
- Additional Transportation InformationAdds extra logistics details onto a shipment record or delivery record, for example a booking reference, vessel name, or ocean bill of lading.
- Basic Settings for Freight Cost and Freight Cost CalculationConfigures whether and how freight cost is calculated, controlled through the freight cost management parameter.
- Create Transportation EquipmentSets up and maintains transportation equipment records that represent a particular mode of transport.
- Create Transportation ResourceSets up and maintains transportation resource records; shift planning for these resources is not supported.
- Define Settings for Transportation ManagementDefines the settings that drive the transportation management workflow, covering customer order type and related configuration areas.
- Delivery Stop Based on Freight Cost ControlSets up a checkpoint that can hold a delivery pending freight cost control conditions.
- Delivery Stop Based on Transportation InterfaceSets up a checkpoint that can halt a delivery based on transportation interface control conditions.
- Freight AccessorialsAdds extra data relevant to a shipment, a delivery, or a delivery line, covering transportation details beyond the core record.
- Freight ChargeGenerates and maintains freight charges, driven by configuration set on the freight agreement's header record and its cost elements.
- Freight Cost ManagementGives a summary of freight cost functionality, with links to more detailed workflow documentation.
- Freight DetentionMeasures how much time a carrier or forwarding agent stays at a loading point, so that time can feed into a cost element within the freight costing model.
- Freight Purchase OrdersGenerates and maintains freight purchase orders for freight shopping, kicked off from the freight cost model.
- Internal Accounting for Freight CostHandles internal accounting entries for freight cost once that cost has been distributed.
- Manage Freight Cost CalculationManages the freight cost calculation process, building on the underlying freight cost settings.
- Manage Freight Cost DistributionDistributes calculated freight costs, building on the freight cost calculation and management settings already configured.
- RouteDefines a route by its loading point and one or more unloading points, which can span a geographic area or region.
- Route HubGives logistics coordinators a centralized application to review and manage route structures.
- Route PlanningGroups transport needs into shared route departures, planned ahead around defined load and unload points.
- RoutingLists the operations needed to manufacture a product, including which work center handles each step.
- Settings for Freight Cost DistributionConfigures the settings that control how freight cost is distributed across orders or shipments.
- Settings for Transportation ManagementSets up the transportation management workflow, covering configuration for customer order types and related areas.
- Shipment HubGives users one application for handling shipments, deliveries, documents, and picking lists, with shipment information laid out in a primary list view.
- Simulate Route Pre-Selection (MTS028)Tests route pre-selection logic and underlying data, giving users a tool to verify configuration before it runs live.
- Unloading ZoneSplits an unload point into separate zones so loading can follow the correct unloading sequence.
- Working with Transportation ManagementCarries a shipment through creation, allocation, picking, packing, reporting, and shipping, storing shipment records in the underlying table.
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Build my requirements →Transportation Management Interfaces12
Covers the Transportation Execution Interface, which exchanges transportation and customs information with third-party logistics systems, including its architecture, triggers, and transfer processes.
Highlights
- M3 Business Engine Administrator's Guide for Transportation Execution Interface (TEI)Explains the purpose of the Transportation Execution Interface, which lets transportation and customs information be exchanged with third-party logistics systems.
- Business Requirements and Solutions for M3 Transportation Execution InterfaceOutlines the functional requirements and concepts behind the transportation interface, giving an overview of how it can be applied.
- Scenarios for Using M3 Transportation Execution InterfaceDescribes the inbound and outbound logistics scenarios the interface supports, going beyond what typical ERP systems offer out of the box.
- Settings for Transportation Execution Interface (TEI)Configures the Transportation Execution Interface, which exchanges transportation and customs information between M3 and outside systems.
- Overview of TEI ArchitectureDetails the current architecture behind the transportation interface solution and how its components fit together.
All 11 capabilities
- M3 Business Engine Administrator's Guide for Transportation Execution Interface (TEI)Explains the purpose of the Transportation Execution Interface, which lets transportation and customs information be exchanged with third-party logistics systems.
- Business Requirements and Solutions for M3 Transportation Execution InterfaceOutlines the functional requirements and concepts behind the transportation interface, giving an overview of how it can be applied.
- Scenarios for Using M3 Transportation Execution InterfaceDescribes the inbound and outbound logistics scenarios the interface supports, going beyond what typical ERP systems offer out of the box.
- Settings for Transportation Execution Interface (TEI)Configures the Transportation Execution Interface, which exchanges transportation and customs information between M3 and outside systems.
- Overview of TEI ArchitectureDetails the current architecture behind the transportation interface solution and how its components fit together.
- API Overview of M3 Transportation Execution InterfaceLists the API transactions the transportation interface offers, pointing to more detail on each interface program.
- M3 TEI Transfer TriggersCovers the cases and settings that trigger a transportation interface transfer, both automatically and manually.
- Manually Create TEI Transfers without EventsCreates one or more transportation interface transfers manually, covering outbound or inbound distribution deliveries, without waiting for an automatic event trigger.
- Manually Create TEI Transfer with Event and Manage Created TEI TransfersCreates a transportation interface transfer by hand, tied to an event, and manages the resulting transfers afterward.
- Transportation Operational Planning - Download and Upload DeliveriesDownloads, uploads, and displays operational planning data, creating and updating deliveries as part of the exchange.
- Transportation Operational Planning - DeleteDeletes transport operation interface records once they reach a final status and no longer need updating.
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Build my requirements →Supply Chain Order11
Covers supply chain orders, which link related orders across levels of the material flow, including their setup, allocation, and the rules that govern changes as they move through the chain.
Highlights
- Changing, Deleting and Releasing the Supply ChainRemoves every level below a deleted supply chain, leaving any already-released orders in place but disconnected from the chain.
- Linking Supply OrdersManually connects subordinate supply orders into a supply chain, according to configured link and explosion-stop settings.
- Order Environment ExamplesIllustrates how to configure supply chain order functionality across different environments, such as pure make-to-order.
- Supply Chain Rules IntroductionIntroduces the rules governing a supply chain, which generally re-evaluate the chain whenever quantity, release, or allocation changes.
- Pre-allocation and Allocation of the Supply ChainManually pre-allocates supply order proposals within a chain, then confirms or releases the resulting supply order.
All 10 capabilities
- Changing, Deleting and Releasing the Supply ChainRemoves every level below a deleted supply chain, leaving any already-released orders in place but disconnected from the chain.
- Linking Supply OrdersManually connects subordinate supply orders into a supply chain, according to configured link and explosion-stop settings.
- Order Environment ExamplesIllustrates how to configure supply chain order functionality across different environments, such as pure make-to-order.
- Supply Chain Rules IntroductionIntroduces the rules governing a supply chain, which generally re-evaluate the chain whenever quantity, release, or allocation changes.
- Pre-allocation and Allocation of the Supply ChainManually pre-allocates supply order proposals within a chain, then confirms or releases the resulting supply order.
- Receiving a Supply Chain OrderConverts a pre-allocation into a full allocation once a supply chain order comes in, based on the configured allocation type.
- Supply Chain HeaderProvides a header view for supply chain functionality, from which multiple chain-related options are available to run.
- Supply Chain PolicyConfigures the policy governing a supply chain, controlling how it behaves as its orders are created and changed.
- APS Decision Tolerance in Supply ChainCombines a re-explosion setting with Advanced Production Scheduler logic to add decision tolerance to supply chain order handling.
- Upstream Rules in Supply ChainDefines upstream rules that govern how changes ripple upward through a supply chain.
Will Infor M3 meet your supply chain order needs? Build your requirements and perform a full analysis.
Build my requirements →Defining Basic Settings26
Covers foundational master data and configuration -- items, facilities, warehouses, locations, lead times, and user authorization -- required before supply chain execution processes can run.
Highlights
- Administration Lead TimeSets the time reserved for required activities ahead of releasing a planned order.
- Company Structure OverviewGives a single view for managing company setup across divisions, facilities, and warehouses.
- Connect Item to WarehouseConnects an item with one or several warehouses, a step required before it can be used in production or inventory.
- Create and Apply User Authorization to Different ObjectsSets up user authorization so only permitted users can view or maintain particular data, using object access groups to control it.
- Copy Items in Different WaysCopies an item in one of two ways, either duplicating all related data or only a defined subset.
All 25 capabilities
- Administration Lead TimeSets the time reserved for required activities ahead of releasing a planned order.
- Company Structure OverviewGives a single view for managing company setup across divisions, facilities, and warehouses.
- Connect Item to WarehouseConnects an item with one or several warehouses, a step required before it can be used in production or inventory.
- Create and Apply User Authorization to Different ObjectsSets up user authorization so only permitted users can view or maintain particular data, using object access groups to control it.
- Copy Items in Different WaysCopies an item in one of two ways, either duplicating all related data or only a defined subset.
- Create FacilityCreates a facility shell, then completes it by linking it to one or more warehouses, used to set time-based authorization.
- Create ItemCreates an item along with its foundational, sales, and purchasing details, covering item type, inventory accounting, and lot handling.
- Creating Items in Different WaysSupports four ways to create items, from manual number entry with a forced panel sequence to templated or copied setups.
- Create an Item Numbering Rule and Connect It to an Item TypeSets a numbering rule controlling which item numbers can be registered, then links that rule to an item type.
- Create Location in WarehouseCreates a storage location, typically a shelf, and attaches it within a stock zone in the warehouse.
- Create Stock Location Zone in a WarehouseCreates a stock zone used to group locations within a warehouse for organizational purposes.
- Create Style and Stock Keeping UnitsCreates style and SKU master data, the setup commonly relied on in apparel and fashion operations.
- Create and Use Item Hierarchy StructureBuilds an item hierarchy structure that supports both vertical and horizontal searches across related items.
- Create Warehouse SubtypeDefines a new warehouse subtype nested beneath an existing warehouse type, used purely for informational grouping.
- Create Warehouse TypeDefines a warehouse type, which determines whether balances for that warehouse roll up to facility level.
- Define Hazardous Material TableSets up the settings used to manage hazardous material information for items.
- Define Item-related DataAttaches supporting data to an item, such as alternate units of measure, substitute items, and languages for external documents.
- FacilityDefines an organizational level, often synonymous with a physical site, positioned above department but below division.
- Geographic LocationsGroups shipment data by geographic location, covering place of load and one or more places of unload.
- Inspection Lead Time For PurchasingSets the typical time needed to complete receiving, quality checks, and put-away once goods arrive from a purchase.
- Lead Time in Manufacturing, Purchasing and DistributionExplains how lead time is handled across the buying, production, and distribution flow; customer order lead time falls outside this scope.
- Place of UnloadDefines a geographic unload point that can be tied to a customer's delivery addresses and applied to deliveries automatically.
- PriorityIndicates how important a position, item of equipment, or job is to operations, production, or safety.
- Supply Lead TimeSets the supply lead time based on the item's acquisition code, whether manufactured or otherwise sourced.
- Time Zone, Entry Date and Transaction Date when Creating Stock TransactionsSets up time zones and clarifies the way entry and transaction dates get recorded for stock transactions.
Will Infor M3 meet your defining basic settings needs? Build your requirements and perform a full analysis.
Build my requirements →Other capabilities4
Capabilities
- Managing Territorial Roll-upRolls up demand by territory for businesses that cannot rely on distribution order demand recorded in item statistics.
- Implementing Action Logs and Correcting Possible ErrorsApplies planning decisions made in an external system back into M3 Business Engine and corrects any resulting errors.
Will Infor M3 meet your other capabilities needs? Build your requirements and perform a full analysis.
Build my requirements →Free PDF · Vendor-neutral · No sales calls
The Infor M3 Evaluation Kit
An independent assessment of Infor M3 — strengths, gaps and real pricing — plus a requirements template you can score its supply chain against alongside every other system on your shortlist.
Infor M3 Evaluation Kit
2026 Edition · PDF guide + XLSX template
ERP Research
- Buyer's guide (PDF): Infor M3 independently assessed — where it is strong, where it is not, and what it actually costs
- Requirements template (XLSX): weight your requirements and score vendors side by side
- Built to work with the 23 supply chain capabilities scored on this page
- The questions to put to the vendor and to implementation partners
Free Download
Infor M3 Evaluation Kit
Infor M3 add-ons & integrations
Extend Infor M3 with best-of-breed software that integrates with it:
Transportation management systemCarrier management, freight rating and shipping for your ERP.+12 more →
Warehouse management systemReceiving, picking and packing integrated with your ERP.
Acumatica Warehouse Management
Blue Yonder Warehouse Management
Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management Warehouse Management+12 more →
Supplier management softwareSupplier onboarding, qualification and risk synced to your ERP vendor master.+10 more →
Inventory optimization softwareSafety stock, reorder points and replenishment tuned to ERP inventory data.+10 more →
Distribution ERP add-onsRebates, pricing, counter sales and replenishment for your distribution ERP.+11 more →
Highlighted product links go straight to the vendor and are affiliate links — we may earn a commission if you sign up. This never affects which products we list or how we rank them.
How it compares
Supply Chain coverage across the systems most often shortlisted alongside it, scored against the same capability list.
| Area |  |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supply Chain Planning | 7+1/8 | 1+2/8 | 5+3/8 | 0+1/8 |
| Transportation & Logistics | 6+2/8 | 2+2/8 | 6+2/8 | 0+1/8 |
| Supply Chain Visibility | 2+3/7 | — | — | 1+1/7 |
ConfirmedPartialNot documented— not scored in this area
Each cell reads confirmed+partial/scored. Grey reflects capabilities our research has not confirmed either way — it is not a finding that a product lacks them.
Supply Chain — strength by vendor
| Vendor | Strength | Best for | Starting price | Implementation | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ★★★ strong | Large, complex enterprises needing deep customisation and controlled upgrades | Custom | 6–18 months | |
 | ★★★ strong | Fast-growing mid-market companies wanting unified cloud ERP | $99/user/mo | 4–9 months | |
 | ★★★ strong | Large enterprises moving from on-premise Oracle to cloud | Custom | 9–18 months | |
| ★★★ strong | Mid-to-large companies in the Microsoft ecosystem | $50/user/mo | 6–14 months | |
 | ★★★ strong | Discrete and mixed-mode manufacturers | $100/user/mo | 5–10 months | |
| ★★★ strong | Midsize process manufacturers and distributors | $100/user/mo | 4–9 months | |
| ★★★ strong | Large enterprises wanting industry-specific cloud ERP | Custom | 9–18 months | |
| ★★★ strong | Process manufacturers (food, chemicals, pharma) needing batch/formula control | Custom | 8–15 months |
Evaluating supply chain on Infor M3
What to put in front of the vendor before you commit.
- 1Demand forecasting accuracy and methods
- 2Multi-site planning capabilities
- 3Supplier collaboration and portal features
- 4Integration with logistics and 3PL providers
- 5Real-time supply chain visibility
Infor M3 starts at a custom quote with a typical total cost of $250K–$1.5M and a 8–15 months implementation.
Full Infor M3 pricing breakdown →Need help evaluating Infor M3 supply chain?
Tell us what you need it to do and we'll help you work out whether Infor M3 is the right fit — and which partners have done it before.
Infor M3 Supply Chain FAQ
What supply chain planning capabilities does Infor M3 offer?
M3 covers demand planning, supply planning, and balancing supply and demand across multiple plants, along with transportation management interfaces for coordinating outbound shipments — built for the multi-plant process manufacturers M3 primarily serves.
Does Infor M3 support demand forecasting?
Yes, Demand Planning generates forecasts that feed into Supply Planning, letting planners balance production and procurement against expected demand across multiple facilities rather than planning each plant in isolation.
Can Infor M3 manage transportation planning for outbound shipments?
Yes, Managing Transportation Planning and Transportation Management Interfaces coordinate outbound shipments and carrier assignment, though companies with complex logistics networks often integrate a dedicated TMS alongside M3 for advanced routing.
Does Infor M3 support supply chain visibility across multiple plants?
Yes, Supply Chain Order and Supply Chain Planning Concepts give planners visibility into orders and supply positions across the network of facilities, which is central to M3's multi-plant scalability.
Does Infor M3 support electronic data interchange (EDI) for supply chain partners?
Yes, Data Interface for Electronic Data Interchange lets M3 exchange orders and shipment data electronically with trading partners, standard functionality for the distribution-heavy supply chains M3 customers run.
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