Infor EAM (Enterprise Asset Management) is a powerful tool for businesses looking to streamline their asset management processes, optimize equipment usage, and reduce operational costs. As organizations increasingly focus on enhancing their asset lifecycle, the role of an Infor EAM functional consultant becomes crucial. These professionals bridge the gap between business requirements and the technical capabilities of the Infor EAM system, ensuring smooth implementation and long-term success. At Sama, we understand the importance of these consultants in driving efficiency and value from the system, which is why we focus on providing exceptional guidance and expertise throughout the process.

Understanding the Role of an Infor EAM Functional Consultant

The role of an Infor EAM functional consultant is multifaceted, as it requires both a deep understanding of the software and the specific needs of the organization. In short, they act as intermediaries between the IT team and business users, ensuring that the EAM system is tailored to meet the operational needs of the organization. Their primary responsibility is to configure, implement, and support the software, enabling businesses to maximize the value of their assets.

Key Responsibilities

• System Configuration: The consultant must ensure that the system configuration aligns with the company’s specific requirements. This includes setting up asset management structures, defining workflows, and integrating other business systems.

• Requirements Gathering and Analysis: The consultant works closely with stakeholders to gather business requirements, ensuring that the Infor EAM system meets the organization's needs, whether it's for maintenance, procurement, or compliance.

• Testing and Quality Assurance: It is essential to test the system before full deployment. Consultants ensure that the system works as expected and delivers the desired results.

• Training and Support: Consultants provide user training, ensuring that employees understand how to use the system effectively. Post-implementation support is also a key function, helping users troubleshoot issues and maintain the system.

Core Skills of an Infor EAM Functional Consultant

An Infor EAM functional consultant needs a wide range of skills to ensure a successful implementation and long-term success. These skills include both technical and soft skills.

1. Strong Knowledge of Infor EAM Features and Modules

A functional consultant must have in-depth knowledge of the various modules of Infor EAM, including preventive maintenance, work order management, asset tracking, inventory management, procurement, and compliance management. A deep understanding of how these modules work together is crucial for tailoring the system to the company’s specific needs.

2. Excellent Communication Skills

Communication is key to the role of an Infor EAM functional consultant. They need to effectively interact with various stakeholders, including technical teams, project managers, and business users. Clear communication helps to ensure that business requirements are accurately captured, and the system’s configuration aligns with those needs.

3. Problem-Solving Abilities

Given the complexity of Infor EAM implementations, consultants must be skilled in problem-solving. Whether it’s addressing technical challenges, optimizing workflows, or finding solutions for specific user needs, the ability to think critically and creatively is essential.

4. Project Management Skills

Although functional consultants are not always responsible for overseeing the entire project, having strong project management skills is an asset. This includes managing timelines, coordinating with multiple teams, and ensuring the project stays within scope and on schedule.

The Infor EAM Implementation Process

Implementing Infor EAM is a complex and time-consuming process that requires careful planning and execution. Here, we break down the key stages involved in a typical Infor EAM implementation, and how the functional consultant contributes to each phase.

1. Project Planning and Kickoff

The first stage involves defining the scope of the project, identifying key stakeholders, and establishing a project timeline. At this point, the functional consultant plays a critical role in understanding the business’s asset management needs and aligning them with the capabilities of Infor EAM.

2. System Configuration and Customization

Once the business requirements are clearly defined, the consultant moves to configure the system. This involves setting up asset types, defining workflows, and configuring work orders. The consultant may also customize the system to meet specific business needs, ensuring that the system provides maximum value.

3. Data Migration and Integration

An important part of the implementation process is migrating data from legacy systems into Infor EAM. This may include asset data, maintenance history, and inventory details. The functional consultant ensures that data is accurately migrated and that integration with other systems (e.g., ERP, procurement systems) is seamless.

4. Testing and Validation

Before the system goes live, the functional consultant conducts rigorous testing to ensure that all components work as expected. This includes unit testing, system integration testing, and user acceptance testing (UAT). The consultant coordinates with business users to ensure the system meets their needs and that any issues are addressed before the full deployment.

5. Training and Go-Live Support

Once the system is ready for deployment, the consultant provides training to ensure that users are comfortable navigating and utilizing Infor EAM. This training covers everything from asset management to reporting and analysis tools. During the go-live phase, the consultant provides ongoing support, helping to resolve any issues that arise.

6. Post-Implementation Support and Continuous Improvement

After the system has been fully implemented, the consultant's role shifts to providing ongoing support and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement. This may include fine-tuning system configurations, providing additional training, and ensuring that the system evolves alongside business requirements.

Benefits of Hiring an Infor EAM Functional Consultant

Organizations stand to gain numerous benefits by hiring an Infor EAM functional consultant, including:

1. Improved Asset Management Efficiency

An experienced consultant ensures that your business processes align perfectly with the Infor EAM system, resulting in more efficient asset tracking, maintenance scheduling, and compliance monitoring.

2. Reduced Downtime and Operational Costs

By optimizing asset management workflows and ensuring that the system is correctly configured, businesses can reduce asset downtime, which directly impacts operational costs. Infor EAM helps with predictive maintenance, ensuring assets are serviced at the right time and reducing unexpected failures.

3. Maximized Return on Investment (ROI)

When implemented correctly, Infor EAM delivers exceptional ROI. A functional consultant helps businesses leverage the full capabilities of the system, ensuring that assets are used effectively and efficiently throughout their lifecycle.

4. Enhanced Reporting and Decision Making

Infor EAM offers a wide range of reporting and analytics tools that enable businesses to track key performance indicators (KPIs) and make data-driven decisions. Consultants help customize these reports to meet the specific needs of the business, improving visibility and decision-making processes.

Why Choose Sama for Infor EAM Consulting?

At Sama, we provide end-to-end Infor EAM consulting services that ensure businesses maximize their investment in the system. Our team of expert consultants has extensive experience with Infor EAM, and we work closely with your organization to understand its unique needs. Whether you're looking for a full implementation, system optimization, or ongoing support, Sama’s consultants are committed to delivering exceptional value and results.

Our consultants are not just technical experts; they are trusted partners who understand the challenges you face in asset management. With Sama’s expertise, you can streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve asset performance.

Conclusion

The role of an Infor EAM functional consultant is crucial to the success of any implementation. Their expertise ensures that the system is tailored to meet the specific needs of the business, leading to improved asset management, reduced costs, and enhanced operational efficiency. Whether you’re just starting with Infor EAM or looking to optimize your existing system, working with a skilled consultant is key to unlocking the full potential of the software. At Sama, we are dedicated to helping businesses achieve these goals through expert consulting services.