Many manufacturers invest in a powerful ERP like Infor CloudSuite Industrial (CSI/SyteLine) to improve operations, increase visibility, and support growth. Yet even with a modern ERP, many day-to-day business processes still depend on employees manually entering data, moving information between systems, or completing repetitive administrative tasks.
That's where Robotic Process Automation (RPA) comes in.
RPA uses software bots to perform repetitive, rule-based tasks the same way a person would, but faster, more consistently, and without manual intervention. Rather than replacing your ERP, RPA extends its value by automating the work that happens around it.
In this article, we'll explain how Robotic Process Automation (RPA) works alongside Infor CloudSuite Industrial ERP.
Your ERP is the system of record, but business processes rarely begin and end inside a single application.
RPA bridges these gaps by connecting Infor CloudSuite Industrial with the other applications your business depends on. Software bots can capture information, validate it, enter it into the ERP, trigger workflows, and send notifications.
The result is fewer manual touchpoints, improved consistency, and more time for employees to focus on higher-value work.
See Also: Infor Value+ AI & Automation Within CloudSuite Industrial
One of the most common uses for RPA is sales order processing. Instead of rekeying customer orders received by email or spreadsheet, bots can automatically create sales orders in CloudSuite Industrial while validating customer information, pricing, and inventory availability before the transaction is completed.
Other common automation opportunities include:
Because these processes are repetitive and rule-based, they're ideal candidates for automation.
Manual data entry doesn't just consume valuable time; it also creates opportunities for errors. Duplicate keystrokes, missed fields, and inconsistent processes can lead to delays, customer issues, and unnecessary rework.
RPA helps improve data accuracy by performing tasks consistently every time. Bots can operate 24/7, helping organizations process transactions faster while creating detailed audit trails that support compliance and governance initiatives.
For manufacturers and distributors, this means improved order fulfillment, better production planning, and more responsive supply chain operations.
See Also: Infor Velocity Suite Overview For Manufactures
One of the biggest misconceptions about Robotic Process Automation is that it's designed to replace employees. In reality, the goal is the opposite.
RPA removes the repetitive, low-value work that keeps skilled employees from focusing on activities that require judgment, collaboration, and problem-solving.
When teams spend less time entering data and chasing paperwork, they can spend more time serving customers, improving operations, and supporting business growth.
Unlike large ERP customizations or system replacements, RPA can often be implemented quickly while delivering measurable returns in a relatively short period of time. It works alongside your existing Infor CloudSuite Industrial investment, extending its capabilities without disrupting core business processes.
It also lays the foundation for future innovation. As organizations adopt artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, and intelligent document processing, RPA becomes an important building block for broader digital transformation initiatives.
If your team still spends hours every week entering orders, updating spreadsheets, processing invoices, or moving data between systems, the opportunity isn't whether Infor CloudSuite Industrial can support automation.
Here's the real question: How much manual work still exists around your ERP, and what would your business gain by automating it?
Every organization has opportunities to eliminate manual work and improve efficiency—it's simply a matter of identifying where automation will deliver the greatest impact. If you're an Infor CloudSuite Industrial customer and would like to learn how Robotic Process Automation can streamline your business processes, book a free consultation meeting here.. Our team can help you identify high-value automation opportunities and develop a practical roadmap for extending the value of your ERP investment.