When it comes to ERP solutions for industrial distributors, Infor M3 and Blue Link ERP are two notable options. Blue Link ERP is tailored specifically for growing distributors. While it includes features like EDI integration for working with large retail partners, it’s not intended for large-scale corporate environments. On the other hand, Infor M3, with its robust functionality, is designed to support large manufacturers, distributors and global enterprises—often making it more than what small to mid-sized distributors require.
As ERP adoption grows, businesses leveraging these systems can drive enhanced performance, improve customer satisfaction, and achieve long-term success.
Blue Link ERP is a fully integrated cloud based ERP solution designed for small to medium-sized businesses, particularly in the wholesale and distribution sectors.
Infor initially launched as a solution tailored for the food and beverage industry. In it’s early years, the company focused on acquiring software solutions that supported growth and now include multiple products for global enterprises.
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’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.
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.
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Blue Link ERP |
Infor M3 |
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| Multi-Channel Sales Order Management |  |
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| Inventory and Warehouse Management | |
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| Global Supply Chain Management |  |
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| Role based user experience | |
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| Integration | |
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| Customization | |
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| Configuration | |
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Learn Which Software Is Best for Your Industry. Review Pricing, functionality and more.
Learn MoreThe distinctions highlighted below may not be technical requirements of an ERP system.
A dedicated team of implementation experts from Blue Link ERP oversees the transition to the new system for efficient and effective integration.
Infor M3 implementation typically requires businesses to adapt to Infor’s established processes and best practices. Customizing the system to match your existing workflows can be challenging, making it difficult to maintain your own processes without significant adjustments.
Data migration is personalized and hands-on, guided by a team of inhouse experts who work closely with your business to ensure a smooth and accurate transition.
Infor M3 has been reported to encounter challenges when handling large or complex data migrations, often requiring additional resources and time to resolve issues.
Blue Link ERP is ideal for small to mid-sized, often family-owned distribution businesses that have outgrown entry-level software like QuickBooks or are using outdated systems. It offers strong functionality in inventory management, operations, and accounting. The system is built specifically for English-speaking users in North America and the Caribbean, with a focus on ease of use and practical business workflows.
Infor M3 is designed for large, global enterprises operating across multiple countries and industries. With multi-language and multi-currency support, it serves businesses that need a system capable of scaling across complex, international operations. Infor M3 includes robust HR and payroll functionality, and the company is deeply committed to ongoing innovation to support high volume, enterprise-level needs.
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.
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.
Blue Link ERP is purpose-built for wholesalers and distributors, offering robust tools for inventory management, order processing, and accounting. Over time, the system has also expanded to support eCommerce and retail operations, making it a versatile solution for businesses looking to sell across multiple channels.
Infor M3 was originally developed with a strong foundation in manufacturing, which remains a core strength of the platform. While it has expanded to serve a variety of industries, including distribution, some features may feel more tailored to manufacturing workflows—meaning distribution-specific functionality may require additional configuration or customization to fully align with certain business needs.
We are finally starting to get great use out of Blue Link ERP and enjoy using this software! Absolutely brilliant work. We really appreciate all the effort you and your staff have put into this project to make it work…thanks again for a job well done!
We’ve gone from not being able to understand where inventory is to having complete visibility of our inventory at every moment of time – whether it’s sitting on a cart, whether its in a bin, regardless of where it might be.
Blue Link has been amazing right from the sales team, support, training…everything. We couldn’t have asked for a better partnership with an operating system.
The software is working way better than our previous software. The support team has been remarkable, when we submit a case it gets fixed in a very timely manner. We are still working out the kinks but we are getting there.
Learn about the true differences
between the two ERP softwares
Blue Link ERP provides integrated Accounting Software and Inventory Management Software to small and medium sized businesses, primarily wholesalers & distributors. READ MORE
