Infor Factory Track On-Premise Deployment

The landscape of manufacturing in the United States is rapidly evolving. Facilities are facing immense pressure to produce goods faster, reduce operational costs, and maintain strict compliance with industry standards. In this highly competitive environment, relying on paper based processes or disconnected spreadsheets is no longer a viable strategy for success. Modern manufacturers need real time visibility into their shop floor operations, precise control over inventory, and accurate tracking of labor hours.

To meet these complex demands, many organizations are turning to advanced manufacturing execution and warehouse mobility systems. One of the most powerful tools available today is Infor Factory Track. Designed specifically to bridge the gap between physical operations and enterprise software, this solution brings a new level of automation to the plant floor.

While cloud computing has dominated recent software trends, a significant portion of US manufacturers still prefer or require their critical systems to be hosted locally. Taking control of your infrastructure through an on-premise deployment offers unique advantages in terms of speed, security, and compatibility with older enterprise resource planning systems.

In this comprehensive guide, we will break down everything you need to know about Infor Factory Track. We will explore its core modules, discuss the technical architecture required for a local installation, and provide a layman friendly walkthrough of the deployment process. If you are a warehouse manager, an IT director, or a manufacturing decision maker looking to modernize your facility, this article is built for you. For those needing hands on assistance, engaging with expert Infor Factory Track solutions can ensure a smooth transition and rapid return on investment.

What is Infor Factory Track?

At its core, Infor Factory Track is an end to end manufacturing automation solution. It acts as a digital bridge between the activities happening on your factory floor and your overarching Enterprise Resource Planning software. When workers move materials, complete an assembly step, or clock in for their shift, Factory Track captures that data instantly.

Imagine a busy manufacturing plant where raw materials arrive at the receiving dock, move through various machining centers, and finally end up in the shipping lane as finished goods. Historically, workers would write down part numbers, quantities, and completion times on paper travelers. At the end of the shift, a clerk would manually type this information into a computer system. This archaic method introduces a massive risk for human error and creates a massive time delay in data reporting.

Factory Track eliminates this manual data entry. It provides a simple, touch optimized user interface that workers can access on rugged tablets, mobile computers, or stationary kiosks right at their workstations. Built on the highly adaptable Infor Mongoose platform, the software is designed to be extremely flexible. It allows businesses to capture data systematically and seamlessly pass that information to the main ERP system without writing complex code.

By utilizing manufacturing software deployment services, companies can tailor the Factory Track interface to match their exact workflow. This ensures that operators spend less time interacting with screens and more time focusing on production tasks.

The Three Core Modules of Infor Factory Track

To fully grasp the power of this software, it is important to understand its modular design. Infor Factory Track is divided into three distinct modules. Each module targets a specific area of manufacturing and warehousing operations.

Shop Floor: Manufacturing Execution

The Shop Floor module is the beating heart of the production process. It is designed to automate work center operations and provide workers with the information they need to do their jobs effectively.

When an operator arrives at their station, they can log into the Shop Floor interface to see a visual production dispatch list. This list tells them exactly what jobs they need to work on, the priority of those jobs, and the required materials.

Key capabilities of the Shop Floor module include:

• Start and Stop Operations: Workers can clock into a specific job when they begin and clock out when they finish. This provides real time data on machine utilization and production cycle times.
• Material Issuing: As raw materials are consumed during the manufacturing process, operators can scan barcodes to deduct those items from inventory instantly.
• Production Reporting:Production Reporting: When a batch of products is finished, the operator can report the completed quantities and flag any rejected or scrapped parts.
• Paperless Environment: Instructions, engineering drawings, and quality checklists can be displayed directly on the screen. This eliminates the need to print and distribute paper packets across the factory.

This real time interaction ensures that supervisors sitting in the office have the most up to date view of work in progress status.

Time Track: Labor and Workforce Management

Labor is often one of the largest expenses for any US manufacturer. Understanding exactly how much time employees spend on specific tasks is crucial for accurate product costing and profitability analysis. The Time Track module provides comprehensive labor and attendance management capabilities.

Unlike basic punch clocks, Time Track is built specifically for the complexities of a manufacturing environment. It weaves together configurable attendance rules with detailed labor data collection.

Key features of the Time Track module include:

• Clock In and Clock Out: Employees can use badge readers or biometric scanners to clock in for their shift, take meal breaks, and clock out at the end of the day.
• Labor Allocation: The true power of Time Track lies in its ability to tie labor hours directly to production orders. If an employee spends four hours welding a specific component, those four hours of labor costs are automatically allocated to that job.
• Absence and Overtime Management: The system handles global employee data, tracks vacation time, manages absence codes, and automatically calculates overtime based on facility specific rules.
• Supervisor Visibility: Line managers can view attendance exceptions, approve timesheets, and monitor employee availability in real time.

By automating time and attendance operations, manufacturers can minimize payroll errors and gain a crystal clear understanding of their true labor costs.

Inventory Track: Warehouse Mobility

A manufacturing plant cannot function efficiently if it does not know what materials are in stock or where they are located. The Inventory Track module brings complete mobility and automation to the warehouse.

This module replaces manual inventory tracking with barcode scanning technology. When warehouse workers are equipped with handheld scanners, they can perform a wide range of inventory transactions on the go.

Core functionalities of the Inventory Track module include:

• Inbound Logistics: Inbound Logistics: When a delivery truck arrives, workers can scan purchase orders to receive goods, record quality inspections, and generate putaway instructions that tell them exactly which bin to store the items in.
• Outbound Logistics: During the shipping process, the system guides workers through picking lists, packing procedures, and dispatch tasks. This ensures the right products are sent to the right customers.
• In House Operations: In House Operations: Workers can easily execute inventory transfers, move pallets between zones, conduct cycle counts, and look up stock availability without walking back to a desktop computer.
• Traceability and Compliance: Inventory Track provides advanced visibility into lot controlled and serialized items. This is critical for industries that require strict regulatory compliance, ensuring that every component can be traced back to its origin.

Working with Infor ERP consulting partners ensures that these three modules are configured to work in perfect harmony, creating a unified flow of information from the receiving dock to the shipping bay.

Why Choose an On-Premise Deployment?

In today’s software market, cloud based solutions are heavily marketed as the default choice. However, many established manufacturing companies in the US deliberately choose to deploy Infor Factory Track on premise. This means the software is installed on physical servers located within the company’s own facilities rather than hosted in a remote data center.

There are several compelling, strategic reasons why a business would opt for a local deployment.

Absolute Data Sovereignty and Security

For certain manufacturers, particularly those dealing with defense contracts, aerospace components, or proprietary high tech materials, data security is paramount. Storing sensitive production data, employee information, and inventory records on local servers provides a level of control that cloud environments cannot match.

With an on-premise setup, the company’s IT department dictates exactly who has access to the servers. They can implement strict firewall rules and physical security measures. This minimizes the risk of external cyber threats and ensures absolute compliance with stringent data sovereignty regulations.

Local Network Speeds and Zero Latency

Factory Track relies heavily on barcode scanning and touch screen inputs. When a warehouse worker scans a barcode, they expect the scanner to beep and register the transaction instantly. If there is a lag of even a few seconds, it can disrupt their rhythm and slow down the entire operation.

Cloud deployments rely on a consistent and fast internet connection. If the internet goes down, or if the connection is slow, production can grind to a halt. In an on-premise environment, the software communicates over the local area network. This guarantees lightning fast response times and zero latency, regardless of external internet conditions. This is especially critical in massive, concrete heavy factory environments where external internet connectivity can be unreliable.

Integration with Legacy On-Premise ERP Systems

Many manufacturing companies operate on mature, heavily customized ERP systems that have been running reliably for years. Systems like Infor M3 version 13.4, older versions of SyteLine, or classic Infor LN deployments are often hosted on premise.

Attempting to connect a modern cloud application to a heavily customized, legacy on-premise ERP can be a technical nightmare. It often requires complex middleware and can introduce significant security vulnerabilities. Deploying Factory Track on premise allows it to sit on the same local network as the legacy ERP. This makes data exchange much faster, more secure, and significantly easier to configure. It acts as the perfect modern mobility layer on top of a trusted legacy foundation.

Customization and Control

The Infor Mongoose platform, which Factory Track is built upon, allows for extensive customization without altering the core source code. When deployed on premise, businesses have complete freedom to tweak the system architecture, adjust database parameters, and schedule updates on their own timeline. They are not forced to accept automatic software updates that might temporarily disrupt their operations or break custom integrations.

The Hardware Ecosystem for Factory Track On-Premise

Software is only half of the equation. To successfully deploy Infor Factory Track, you need a robust ecosystem of hardware devices designed to survive the harsh realities of a factory floor. Standard consumer electronics will not last long in environments filled with dust, grease, vibrations, and extreme temperatures.

Rugged Tablets and Touchscreens

For the Shop Floor module, operators need large, easy to read displays to view production dispatch lists and engineering drawings. Ruggedized tablets or stationary industrial touchscreens are the standard choice.

These devices are encased in hardened shells, feature shatter resistant glass, and are completely sealed against dust and moisture. They are designed to be operated by workers wearing thick safety gloves, which is a crucial requirement in heavy manufacturing. Many facilities mount these screens directly to the machining centers or on flexible arms for easy access.

Barcode Scanners and Mobile Computers

The Inventory Track module requires extreme mobility. Warehouse workers are usually equipped with handheld mobile computers featuring integrated barcode scanners. These devices look similar to heavy duty smartphones but feature physical scan buttons and aggressive laser or imaging scanners.

For forklift operators, vehicle mounted computers are the gold standard. These large screens are bolted directly to the forklift cage and paired with long range barcode scanners, allowing the driver to scan pallets located high up on warehouse racks without ever leaving their seat.

Biometric Terminals

For accurate time and attendance tracking, basic punch cards are easily abused. Many modern facilities utilize biometric terminals connected to the Time Track module. Fingerprint scanners or facial recognition cameras provide an undeniable record of who is clocking in and out. This hardware eliminates the practice of “buddy punching” where one employee clocks in for an absent coworker.

Industrial Networking Infrastructure

None of these devices will work without a rock solid wireless network. A typical office Wi-Fi router cannot penetrate the metal shelving, heavy machinery, and concrete walls of a factory.

Deploying Factory Track requires an industrial grade wireless infrastructure. This involves mapping out the facility and installing ruggedized Wi-Fi access points in strategic locations to ensure seamless roaming. A warehouse worker must be able to drive a forklift from one end of the building to the other without losing their connection to the server.

The Software Environment and Architecture

Understanding the underlying software architecture is critical for IT professionals planning an on-premise deployment. Infor provides specific guidelines in the Factory Track Guide to Technology to ensure the system runs smoothly and securely.

Server and Database Setup

An on-premise deployment typically requires multiple dedicated virtual servers. At a minimum, organizations will need an application server to run the Factory Track software and a separate database server.

Factory Track relies on robust database technology, most commonly Microsoft SQL Server, to store the massive amounts of transactional data generated every day. Proper server sizing is crucial. The processing power and memory required will depend entirely on the number of “Named Devices” connecting to the system simultaneously. A facility with 20 handheld scanners will require significantly less server power than an enterprise operation running 300 devices.

The DeMilitarized Zone (DMZ)

Security is a major consideration when configuring the architecture. According to official configuration guidelines, it is highly recommended to utilize a DMZ.

A DMZ is a secure subnetwork that contains and exposes an organization’s external facing services to a larger, untrusted network. By placing the Factory Track communication endpoints within a DMZ, the company ensures that even if a handheld scanner is compromised, the core ERP database remains protected behind a secondary, strict firewall.

Infor OS, ION, and Ming.le

Factory Track does not exist in isolation. It is part of the broader Infor ecosystem and utilizes several underlying technologies to communicate.

The software integrates closely with Infor ION, which stands for Intelligent Open Network. ION is a powerful middleware platform that handles the routing of data between Factory Track and the main ERP system. It uses standardized XML messages called Business Object Documents to ensure data is translated perfectly between the applications.

Additionally, Factory Track utilizes Infor Ming.le for centralized user management and single sign on capabilities. This means an employee only needs one username and password to access their ERP dashboard, their email, and the Factory Track interface.

A Layman-Friendly Guide to Deployment

Implementing an enterprise software system can seem incredibly intimidating. However, breaking the process down into logical steps makes the project highly manageable. Here is a simplified, step by step guide to deploying Infor Factory Track on premise.

Step 1: Pre-Deployment Audit and Hardware Sourcing

Before installing any software, you must assess your physical environment. This involves conducting a wireless site survey to identify dead zones in your factory’s Wi-Fi coverage.

Simultaneously, you will need to evaluate your hardware needs. Determine how many rugged tablets are required for the shop floor, how many barcode scanners the warehouse team needs, and where the biometric time clocks should be mounted. Procuring this industrial hardware early is vital, as lead times can be lengthy.

Step 2: Server Setup and Network Optimization

Your IT department will begin provisioning the virtual servers according to Infor’s sizing recommendations. They will install the required operating systems, set up the SQL Server databases, and configure the firewall rules to establish the secure DMZ.

This is also the time to upgrade the local network infrastructure, installing new wireless access points and ensuring there is enough bandwidth to handle the constant flow of transactional data from the factory floor.

Step 3: Software Installation

Once the foundation is solid, the actual software installation begins. IT professionals will install the core Infor OS framework, the Mongoose development platform, and finally, the Factory Track application itself.

This step requires careful attention to the Infor Factory Track Configuration Guide. Technicians must ensure that the application servers are communicating correctly with the database servers and that the necessary web server components are active.

Step 4: Configuring Parameters and User Roles

With the software installed, the system needs to be tailored to your specific business rules. This is where you configure global parameters.

For the Time Track module, you will set up facility holidays, define absence codes, and establish shift schedules. For Inventory Track, you will configure transaction parameters for picking, packing, and receiving.

This phase also involves creating user profiles. A warehouse associate needs different screen access than a shop floor supervisor. By defining strict authorization groups within Infor Ming.le, you ensure that employees only see the menus and buttons relevant to their daily tasks.

Step 5: Connecting to the Legacy ERP

This is the most critical technical step. Factory Track must be connected to your main ERP system (such as Infor M3 or LN) so data can flow back and forth.

Administrators will configure Infor ION to send and receive Business Object Documents. They will map the data fields to ensure that when an operator clicks “Complete” in Factory Track, the ERP immediately updates the production order status. Thorough testing is required here to verify that the data is flowing properly in both directions without errors.

Step 6: User Training and Go-Live

The final step is arguably the most important. You must train your workforce on how to use the new system. Because Factory Track features a highly visual, consumer grade interface, training is usually straightforward.

Start by training a small group of “super users” who can then help train the rest of the staff. Once the team is comfortable, you can execute the final go live, transitioning away from paper processes and turning on the digital automated system.

Navigating this deployment journey can be complex, but partnering with expert Infor Factory Track solutions ensures that every step, from server sizing to final user training, is handled with precision.

The Transformational Impact on Manufacturing

Deploying Infor Factory Track is not just an IT upgrade; it is a fundamental transformation of how a business operates. By digitizing the plant floor, manufacturers unlock a wealth of previously hidden insights.

Supervisors no longer have to walk the floor with a clipboard to find out if a machine is running behind schedule. The data is available instantly on their dashboard. Warehouse managers do not have to conduct massive, weekend long physical inventory counts because cycle counting is handled daily through barcode scanners. Human resources teams no longer spend hours deciphering handwritten timesheets, as labor hours are calculated automatically.

In an era where supply chain disruptions and labor shortages are common, having this level of agility and accuracy is a massive competitive advantage. An on-premise deployment ensures that this powerful system remains secure, blisteringly fast, and perfectly aligned with your existing corporate infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Infor Factory Track?

Infor Factory Track is a comprehensive software solution designed to automate manufacturing and warehouse operations. It acts as a digital bridge between the activities happening on the factory floor and a company’s main Enterprise Resource Planning system. It features three core modules designed to track labor time, manage inventory movements via barcode scanning, and streamline shop floor production tasks.

Why choose on-premise deployment for Factory Track?

Choosing an on-premise deployment gives a company absolute control over its data security and server infrastructure. It ensures lightning fast local network speeds, which is critical for instant barcode scanning response times. Furthermore, an on-premise setup makes it significantly easier to integrate Factory Track securely with older, legacy ERP systems that are also hosted locally.

Can Factory Track integrate with my existing ERP?

Yes. Factory Track is designed to integrate seamlessly with Infor ERP systems such as Infor M3, Infor LN, and SyteLine. It utilizes standard APIs and the Infor ION middleware platform to ensure that data captured on the factory floor flows instantly into the main ERP database.

What devices and scanners are compatible with the software?

Factory Track is highly versatile and device agnostic. It is built on a web based architecture that supports Android, iOS, and Windows operating systems. It is fully compatible with industrial handheld barcode scanners, vehicle mounted forklift computers, ruggedized shop floor tablets, stationary touchscreens, and various biometric time clocks.

How does Factory Track improve inventory accuracy?

Factory Track improves inventory accuracy by completely eliminating manual data entry. Instead of writing down part numbers on paper, workers use barcode scanners to record every movement of materials in real time. This ensures that the system always knows exactly what items are in stock and precisely which bin they are located in, vastly reducing human error and lost inventory.