Intro to Lawson ERP Software: History and Acquisition

Last Updated: September 17th, 2024
Researched and Written by: Lexi Wood

Lawson Software, started in 1975 before being acquired by Infor Global Solutions in 2011, offered one of the largest enterprise resource planning (ERP), general ledger, and human capital management (HCM) solutions after SAP and Oracle. Known for developing industry-specific applications, particularly for healthcare facilities, these ERP systems streamline business processes while providing greater visibility into workflows. As a result, companies using Lawson Software can engage in better financial planning and decision-making.

As part of Infor, which has software traditionally designed to manage large and complicated systems, Lawson ERP and HR solutions are aimed at small- to medium-sized Fortune 2000 businesses. At its peak, Lawson products could be found helping thousands of customers in more than 40 countries across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

Screenshot of Lawson ERP software
An early version of Lawson M3

Lawson ERP Software

Best known for their M3 (“make, move, and maintain”) and S3 (“staff, source, and serve”) business management products, ERP software originally offered by Lawson helps companies to streamline workflow. Like other ERP products, Lawson M3 was an integrated suite of business applications ranging from financials to back-end operations. The main tools cover:

  • Accounting
  • Budgeting and forecasting
  • Customer relationship management (CRM)
  • Human resources (HR)
  • Inventory management
  • Supply chain management

Looking for these former Lawson Software products? Here are the current ERP iterations offered by Infor:

Lawson M3 by Infor: ERP Solutions

Formerly just M3 when it was developed by Intentia before merging with Lawson Software in 2006, Infor M3 is a cloud-based ERP platform specially designed to handle the complex needs of manufacturers and distributors alike amongst fashion, food and beverage, chemicals, retails, and equipment dealers. Small to medium manufacturers across every industry use M3 for planning, fulfillment, and execution.

This solution handles business management including accounting, budgeting, and reporting for both internal and external operations. Infor M3 works for single and multi-location businesses-- even for international operations. Integrate this software with customer management tools to get a complete picture of all of your leads and contacts.

Infor M3 can be implemented at your company quickly thanks to preconfigured, industry-specific processes.

Infor M3
★★★★★
★★★★★
(2)

Infor M3: Item Details
Infor M3: Home
Infor M3: Financial Control
Infor M3: Customer Data
What We Like
Designed as a “future-proof” solution to meet changing demands
Offers detailed documentation and reporting features
Has a user-friendly interface
What We Don’t Like
Customization process is complex
Implementation can take longer than similar products
Overview
Price Range: $$
Starting Price: $150/user/month
Client OS: Windows, iOS, Android, Web
Deployment: Cloud or On-Premises

More Infor ERP Products

Along with former Lawson Software products, additional ERP products offered by Infor include:

Infor Financials & Supply Management
Infor Financials & Supply Management Screenshot
Flexible general ledger
Combine ledgers into a chart of accounts and calendars
Customizable attributes
Infor LN
Infor LN Screenshot
Industry-specific tools
Demand-driven supply chain
Customizable without source code
Infor CloudSuite Industrial
Infor CloudSuite Industrial Screenshot
Formerly Infor SyteLine
Coordinate manufacturing data in the cloud
Minimize error-prone manual steps
Infor Distribution SX.e
Infor Distribution SX.e Screenshot
Manage inventory levels at customer locations
Build complex pricing structures
Customizable reporting for inventory, sales, and financials
HxGN EAM
HxGN EAM Screenshot
Digitize and optimize your maintenance operations
Fully web-enabled work order tracking system
Digitize and optimize your maintenance operations

Lawson S3 by Infor: Payroll and HR Systems

Lawson S3 was renamed Infor Financials and Supply Management (FSM) and is a multi-tenant core cloud ERP software solution developed specifically for service industries, including healthcare, public sector, banking and financial services, professional services, Hospitality, and other general service industries.

Infor ERP solutions like Infor FSM, M3, and LN are the core components of our CloudSuites for industry. Infor FSM is the heart of CloudSuite Healthcare, CloudSuite Public Sector, and CloudSuite Corporate. It integrates out of the box with multi-tenant solutions for human capital management like Infor HR Talent, HR Payroll, and Infor Workforce Management to provide a comprehensive software platform tailored for service industries.

Customers are encouraged to upgrade from Lawson S3 to Infor FSM using a well-trusted partner or Infor resources, and it’s easier and less expensive than purchasing and implementing new ERP software from a comparable vendor. Alternatives include:

HR software options alternatives include:

UKG Pro
UKG Pro Screenshot
HR, payroll, and talent management
Easy to use
Custom rules for coverage and premiums
BambooHR
BambooHR Screenshot
HR in a single database
People and data analytics
Low cost with free trial
UZIO
UZIO Screenshot
Fully integrated, enterprise-ready HRIS platform
Hassle-free management
Includes benefits administration
SAP SuccessFactors
SAP SuccessFactors Screenshot
Core HR and payroll
Advanced analytics
Advanced analytics

Payroll software products alternatives include:

Patriot Software
Patriot Software Screenshot
Low starting price
Easy to use
Does not require use of their accounting package
OnPay
OnPay Screenshot
Syncs with most accounting and time-tracking software
Direct deposit and debit card payment options
Automatic deductions and withdrawals
Payroll4Free
Payroll4Free Screenshot
Full featured and forever free
Employee portal
Can handle W-2’s and 1099 contracts
Gusto
Gusto Screenshot
Strong support network
Employee self-service
Employee self-service
Denali Payroll
Denali Payroll Screenshot
Tax tables for all 50 states
Easily handle multiple companies
Easily handle multiple companies
Paymate Clarity
Paymate Clarity Screenshot
Fully-integrated HR
Included support/updates
Robust reporting

Are you a former Lawson Software customer looking for new ERP products? Or do you need help selecting a general ledger or accounting system? Finding the right software for your company can take time. A targeted search can help you get exactly what you need within your budget.

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