Part 1: inPOWER 2025 Highlights
Hosted by ISE’s Tony Fleishman, the first half of the webinar recapped the major updates, announcements, and trends discussed at inPOWER 2025 and the Manufacturing Optimization Forum (MOF).
Key takeaways included:
- Infor XA and IBM i Modernization: Infor’s ongoing commitment to supporting IBM-based ERP platforms, with modernization paths to XA 10 and 11, expanded Netlink capabilities, and REST API enablement.
- Infor OS Integration: Increased adoption of Infor OS and AI-driven functionality, enabling stronger connectivity between ERP systems and business processes.
- Cloud Readiness: IBM Power 11 and IBM i 7.6 releases now support cloud migration options for XA users looking to move from on-premise to hosted models.
- Education and Enablement: New content available through Infor University, helping customers adopt PowerLink and Netlink, and better utilize Enterprise Financials and shop floor tools.
- AI and Data Readiness: Sessions addressed the hype versus the reality of AI in manufacturing, underscoring the need for clean, connected data before AI adoption can deliver value.
- Looking Ahead: inPOWER 2026 is expected in September 2026, featuring more sessions on AI, Infor OS, and customer success stories, along with a continued focus on executive engagement and user education.
Part 2: Manufacturing Optimization Forum (MOF) and MV2 MES
Ryan Freitag led the second half of the webinar, summarizing the Manufacturing Optimization Forum—ISE’s event focused on MV2 MES (formerly Paperless MES).
This year’s forum centered on collaboration and real-world insights from manufacturers using MV2 to drive shop floor visibility, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
Key takeaways included:
- Customer Collaboration and Roundtables: 30 manufacturing companies participated in small-group discussions about what’s working with MV2, what features they value most, and where new functionality could enhance operations. Common themes were improved reporting, training opportunities, and better dashboards for visibility.
- Customer Success Panel: Companies like Western States, Elderlee, Wausau Tile, and EnTrans shared their digital transformation journeys, emphasizing the importance of starting small, identifying internal digital champions, and scaling from there.
- AI and the Shop Floor: Industry analyst Rick Franzosa from Tech Clarity presented “Preparing Your Shop Floor for AI.” His message: AI success begins with accurate data, strong machine integration, and alignment between MES and ERP systems.
- MV2 in Action: Demonstrations showed how MV2 improves real-time production visibility, integrates with machines and ERP systems, and eliminates manual data entry. Modules such as mobile inventory, pick-to-ship, and real-time KPIs and dashboards empower manufacturers to be proactive instead of reactive.
- Continuous Improvement: Attendees were encouraged to never stop implementing continuously expanding MV2 usage across inventory, quality, and Kanban to maximize ROI and operational performance.
Ryan concluded by inviting both existing and prospective MV2 users to connect with the ISE team to discuss optimization assessments, training opportunities, or full MES implementations.