For Infor XA manufacturers, selecting a Manufacturing Execution System is not jusFor Infor XA manufacturers, selecting a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) is not simply a technology decision. It is an operational strategy that impacts production accuracy, data integrity, and shop floor performance every day.
The most important question is not:
“Does it connect to Infor XA?”
The real question is:
Is it truly integrated with XA — or simply interfaced?
That distinction can determine whether your MES strengthens your ERP environment or creates long-term operational friction.
Integration vs. Interface: What Infor XA Manufacturers Need to Understand
Many MES vendors claim their solution “connects” to Infor XA. However, there is a critical difference between a basic interface and a robust, bi-directional integration.
A simple interface is merely a data handoff between systems. Information is passed from one application to another, often in unedited form. While this may appear sufficient during the sales process, it frequently results in:
- Manual validation and reconciliation work
- Error correction and reprocessing
- Configuration conflicts within XA
- Extended implementation timelines
- Additional costs after go-live
These shortcomings often surface after implementation has already begun, when budgets and timelines are committed.
By contrast, a true integration is a powerful, integrated communication link that respects Infor XA’s configuration settings and validation rules.
This means every system handshake accounts for:
- Location quantity parameters
- Batch and lot control requirements
- FIFO requirements
- Inspection requirements
- Allowable work center reporting methods
When these rules are honored, the MES works within your XA architecture, not against it.
Why Infor XA Customers Choose MV2 MES
MV2 MES was built specifically for Infor XA. It was not retrofitted or adapted after the fact.
As detailed in the PDF Resource, MV2 is prebuilt for XA and respects its configuration and validation requirements. The integration is bi-directional and accomplished without customizations to XA.
Real-Time, Bi-Directional Data Exchange
MV2 automatically manages real-time updates to and from the XA database, including:
- Manufacturing Orders
- Purchase Orders
- Bills of Material (BOMs)
- Routings
- Employees
- Operations
This architecture strengthens both systems rather than introducing dependency risks or data inconsistencies.
ISE is also an Infor Solutions Partner supporting current and future XA releases, ensuring long-term compatibility and platform stability.
How MV2 Improves the Shop Floor — and Infor XA
An effective MES does more than collect production data. It improves how your shop floor operates while enhancing ERP accuracy.
MV2 enhances shop floor performance through:
- Backflushing material by operation
- Creating multiple transactions from a single event
- Genealogy (parent/child) traceability
- Discrete batch and lot traceability
At the same time, it improves the integrity of Infor XA by delivering cleaner transactions and more accurate production reporting.
Because of its architecture, MV2:
- Supports 24x7x365 plant operations
- Continues operating even if XA or the iSeries is temporarily unavailable
- Enables a true management-by-exception environment
Production continues. Data remains accurate. Leadership gains visibility between ERP and the shop floor.
Built for Modern Manufacturing Environments
Manufacturers running Infor XA today require more than legacy bolt-on software. They need scalability, flexibility, and support for Industry 4.0 initiatives.
MV2 delivers:
- Hybrid cloud capability
- Machine integration and IIoT readiness
- Modular system design
- ERP portability
Built using Microsoft SQL and .NET technology, MV2 supports deployment across touchscreen, tablet, and mobile interfaces, aligning with modern production environments and digital transformation initiatives.
The Hidden Risk of a “Simple” MES Interface
Choosing an MES that is only interfaced to Infor XA may seem simpler initially. However, manufacturers frequently encounter:
- Configuration mismatches
- Validation conflicts
- Unexpected rework
- Increased implementation time
- Greater support burden on internal IT
The cost is not only financial.
It is an operational strain placed on supervisors, planners, and production teams who rely on accurate, real-time data.
A Strategic Decision for Infor XA Manufacturers
For Infor XA manufacturers, the decision becomes clear:
You can implement a basic interface and accept the long-term risks.
Or you can choose a powerful, bi-directional MES integration built specifically for XA.
MV2 was engineered to operate within the XA architecture, respecting its validation logic, configuration rules, and operational requirements.
Because ultimately, this decision is not about connecting software.
It is about:
- Protecting your operational stability
- Strengthening data integrity
- Empowering your production teams
- Ensuring your factory runs the way it was designed to run
Evaluating an MES for Your Infor XA Environment?
Before selecting a Manufacturing Execution System, ask one critical question:
Is it truly integrated with Infor XA — or simply interfaced?
If your team would like a compatibility review of your current XA configuration and MES strategy, ISE can provide a detailed evaluation to ensure your investment strengthens both your shop floor and your ERP environment.