Industrial ERP

Comparing Distribution Software Solutions

Blue Link ERP vs. Infor M3

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ERP for Growing Industrial Distributors

ERP Software Comparison for Growing Distribution Businesses

When evaluating enterprise resource planning software (ERP), it’s important to choose a system that fits your business size and goals. Both Blue Link ERP and Infor M3 are recognized ERP solutions for distributors, but they serve very different needs.

Many family-run and mid-sized distributors outgrow simple accounting systems like QuickBooks, yet don’t need the scale and cost of a global enterprise resource planning system. This is where the difference is clear:

  • Blue Link ERP: Purpose-built for small to mid-sized distributors, offering the right balance of functionality and ease of use.
  • Infor M3: Designed for large-scale manufacturers, distributors and multinational enterprises, often adding unnecessary complexity for growing distributors.

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Read the full comparison to explore the pros and cons of Blue Link ERP and Infor, compare the different pricing structures and monthly costs, and see how real customers rate and compare the two systems.

ERP Software Comparison: Blue Link ERP vs. Infor M3

When comparing enterprise resource planning systems, it’s important to recognize that not every ERP solution is designed for the same type of business. Here’s how Blue Link ERP and Infor M3 stack up at a glance.

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Blue Link ERP is a fully integrated, cloud-based ERP solution designed for small-to mid-sized wholesale and distribution businesses. It offers the functionality growing distributors need without the complexity of enterprise systems.

  • Active Since: 1992
  • Pricing System: Monthly subscription
  • Technical Support: Personalized ERP support from in-house experts

 

Strengths:

  • Customizable solution
  • Focus on growing distributors and SMBs
  • ERP and WMS features integrated in one platform
  • Competitive, transparent pricing tailored for SMBs
  • User-friendly interface
  • Strong customer support
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Infor M3 was initially launched as an ERP solution for the food and beverage industry. Over time, it expanded through acquisitions into an enterprise-level solution for global manufacturers, distributors and multinational corporations.

  • Active Since: 2002
  • Pricing System: Monthly subscription
  • Technical Support: Online concierge

 

Strengths:

  • Industry-specific functionality across multiple business types
  • HCM – Human Capital Management
  • Ideal for global enterprises
American Piping Supply Yard

Blue Link ERP - Distribution Inventory and Accounting ERP

What truly sets Blue Link apart is flexibility. Unlike many larger ERP systems that force businesses to conform to rigid workflows, the software adapts to your business, empowering growing companies to personalize and fine-tune their processes. This allows them to operate in a way that makes sense for their team, their customers, and their growth goals. In an environment where bigger competitors are constantly raising the bar, Blue Link gives mid-sized distributors the agility and sophistication they need to not just survive – but thrive.

Infor for Large Global Industrial Distributors & Manufacturing

Infor M3 - Manufacturing & Distribution

Infor’s solutions are built to deliver robust functionality across every critical business operation including human resources, payroll, finance, supply chain, and more –  empowering enterprises to efficiently manage vast workforces that often span thousands of employees. Today, Infor supports customers in more than 175 countries and is engineered to handle the demands of global enterprises, with the scalability to host millions of users simultaneously.

Similarities Between Blue Link ERP & Infor M3

Blue Link ERP and Infor M3 both offer core functionality tailored for distribution businesses, so you can expect significant overlap in essential features such as inventory management, order processing, accounting, and customer relationship management. However, the key differences lie not in what the systems can do, but in how they do it—and more importantly, who they are designed for.

Functions

Blue Link ERP

Infor M3

Multi-Channel Sales Order Management image image
Inventory and Warehouse Management image image
Global Supply Chain Management image image
Role-Based User Experience image image
Integration image image
Customization image image
Configuration image image

Blue Link ERP vs Infor M3

Discover which software is best for your business. Download our full comparison PDF and review pricing, functionality, customer reviews and more.

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Beyond Features: Key ERP Considerations

Choosing an enterprise resource planning software isn’t only about features. The right ERP solution must also fit your business size, workflows, and long-term goals. Here’s how Blue Link and Infor M3 compare in areas that matter most to distributors. The distinctions highlighted below may not be technical requirements of an ERP system.

Implementation

A dedicated team of implementation experts from Blue Link ERP oversees the transition, ensuring efficient and effective integration.

Blue Link logo

Implementation typically requires adapting to Infor’s established processes. Customizations can be costly and time-consuming.

Infor ERP

Data Migration

Data migration is personalized and hands-on, guided by a team of in-house experts who work closely with your business to ensure a smooth and accurate transition.

Blue Link logo

Infor M3 has been reported to encounter challenges when handling large or complex data migrations, often requiring additional resources and time to resolve issues.

Infor ERP

Customer Profile

Ideal for small to mid-sized, often family-owned distribution businesses that have outgrown entry-level software like QuickBooks or are using outdated systems. Focused on North America and the Caribbean, with strong inventory, operations, and accounting features.

Blue Link logo

Designed for large, global enterprises, supporting multiple languages, currencies, and enterprise-level HR and payroll needs.

Infor ERP

Partnership Style

Blue Link ERP focuses on a personalized approach and building strong relationships with customers, positioning itself as a long-term technology partner. This commitment goes beyond a typical vendor-customer relationship, creating a unique experience for each customer both before and after implementation.

Blue Link logo

Infor M3’s partnership approach is structured to support a large, global customer base, which can make the experience feel more standardized. With a focus on scalability and formal processes, support and onboarding may feel less personalized compared to smaller, more hands-on vendor relationships.

Infor ERP

Industries

Built for wholesalers and distributors, expanded to support eCommerce and retail operations, Blue Link is a versatile solution for businesses looking to sell across multiple channels.

Blue Link logo

Strong manufacturing foundation, with distribution features that may need extra configuration.

Infor ERP

What Our Customers Say

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