Infor, the industry cloud company, today announced that Vari-Form has selected Infor CloudSuite^TM Automotive to improve business processes and streamline product innovation. As a global provider of structural automotive hydroforming, Vari-Form sought to implement technology that would make the company more dynamic in creating more than 7 million parts each year. Infor CloudSuite Automotive provides the company with reliable access to a flexible technology platform that will help reduce customizations, lower risk and increase overall productivity.

Vari-Form is currently undergoing a companywide expansion, which includes creating new facilities in European and Asian markets. Infor solutions will provide key language components that enable Vari-Form to utilize local language options when communicating within the enterprise. The company also determined that a switch to a cloud environment would be both practical and economical in servicing its growth initiative. Before selecting Infor, the company relied heavily on older technology to perform operational tasks. Many of these technologies included complex modifications and customizations, which can be costly, difficult to maintain and add significant risk to business continuity. By implementing Infor CloudSuite Automotive, Vari-Form gains a modern toolset that creates flexibility and greater access to the global workforce. Infor's strategic partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS) will also provide Vari-Form with a high quality, secure hosting environment that promotes a modest total cost of ownership.

Infor CloudSuite Automotive is not the first Infor implementation for Vari-Form. The company currently uses Infor EAM and Infor Supplier Exchange to help manage operations and drive innovation. Infor's targeted approach in servicing customers with right-sized technology helped lead Vari-Form to opt for the cloud expansion. Unlike competing vendors, Infor was able to service the goals-oriented approach of the company, allowing decision-makers to expand the technology portfolio using only the pieces they needed to be successful. Infor also helped automate key processes to ease the IT workload, allowing the company to reallocate resources to areas of product innovation rather than software maintenance.

Infor has also provided Vari-Form with an economical implementation strategy, not unlike the right-sized approach of the technology itself. Vari-Form has opted to manage the primary technology deployment in-house, only relying on Infor for technical support. This tailored approach to the implementation provided the company with an individualized experience to help save money while boosting efficiency throughout the organization.

As part of the CloudSuite implementation, Vari-Form will also gain access to Infor ION®, a purpose-built middleware, and Infor Ming.le^TM, the social collaboration engine. Infor ION will serve as a key element for global expansion, by allowing the company to connect various systems and create uniform data that is easily shared across the enterprise.

"Our company is in the midst of a major global expansion, so it is more important than ever before for us to use a modern technology portfolio that can help us seamlessly transition without sacrificing our existing business continuity. Infor CloudSuite Automotive provides us with a competitive edge by granting us a flexible product solution that is both innovative and affordable," said Gabriël Dikkes, information technology manager, Vari-Form. "Beyond the solutions themselves, Infor offers a holistic approach to servicing customers. They enabled us to choose the precise products and implementation strategies we needed without having to purchase elements that did not directly service our business goals."

"The highly competitive nature of the industry can drive companies such as Vari-Form to seek out innovative ways to enhance their technology footprint without breaking their budget. By selecting Infor CloudSuite Automotive, they gain access to an advanced business solution that meets their unique needs and ensures business continuity throughout the implementation," said Jeff Nedwick, industry solution & strategy director, Infor Automotive. "We look forward to expanding our relationship with Vari-Form in the years ahead and hope to continue to provide them with cutting-edge technology that helps them standout in the industry."

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