Infor Nexus Global Transportation Management System: Driving End-to-End Supply Chain Visibility and Efficiency
1. Introduction: The Evolution of Global Transportation in the Digital Era
Global supply chains have never been more complex—or more interconnected. Multinational manufacturers, consumer goods companies, and logistics providers face a constant balancing act between cost, service level, and risk. Disruptions in global shipping lanes, fluctuating fuel prices, and regional labor constraints create ripple effects that impact every link in the value chain.
Yet, the common challenge remains the same: visibility. Large enterprises often operate across fragmented systems—ERP, WMS, TMS, and procurement—each managing its own silo of data. Without a single source of truth, transportation managers struggle to coordinate routes, track shipments, and reconcile freight invoices accurately or on time.
Enter Infor Nexus Global Transportation Management System (GTMS)—a cloud-based, networked solution that unifies shippers, carriers, suppliers, and logistics providers on one digital platform. Built for global complexity, Infor Nexus GTMS transforms transportation execution into a collaborative, data-driven process with real-time visibility from order to delivery.
As an Infor Global Alliance Partner, Sama Consulting Inc. helps enterprises implement, integrate, and optimize the Infor ecosystem, including Nexus GTMS, CloudSuite, and ION-based integrations. Sama’s consultants bring deep domain expertise in supply chain systems, ensuring each implementation aligns with an organization’s operational model and digital transformation roadmap.
Want to drive end-to-end supply chain visibility and efficiency with Infor Nexus?
Sama Consulting helps enterprises leverage Infor Nexus Global Transportation Management System to optimize transportation operations, enhance supply chain visibility, and improve overall efficiency.
2. Understanding Infor Nexus GTMS: The Foundation of Connected Logistics
Infor Nexus GTMS sits at the heart of the Infor Supply Chain Suite, serving as the transportation command center for global enterprises. It brings together planning, execution, financial settlement, and analytics into a unified platform, enabling end-to-end logistics visibility and control.
A Cloud Network Built for Global Collaboration
Unlike traditional on-premise TMS platforms, Nexus operates as a multi-tenant, cloud-native network, connecting thousands of trading partners—manufacturers, 3PLs, carriers, freight forwarders, and suppliers—through a shared digital ecosystem.
Each participant interacts through a single, standardized interface, reducing the friction and latency that come with multi-party coordination. This design ensures real-time data exchange and event synchronization across shipments, purchase orders, and invoices.
Centralized Transportation Management
Infor Nexus GTMS centralizes:
- Shipment Planning and Optimization – Aligning orders, loads, and routes for maximum efficiency.
- Execution and Documentation – Managing bookings, shipping documents, and customs forms in one place.
- Freight Audit and Payment – Automating invoice validation, dispute resolution, and settlements.
- Analytics and Visibility – Offering dashboards for KPIs, carrier performance, and predictive alerts.
Built on a secure, API-first architecture, the platform supports high data throughput, robust encryption, and compliance with international security standards such as ISO 27001 and SOC 2.
3. Core Functionalities of Infor Nexus GTMS
Infor Nexus GTMS is more than a TMS—it’s a digital logistics control tower. Each function is designed to enhance operational precision, automate manual work, and improve collaboration across borders.
3.1 Transportation Planning & Optimization
Infor Nexus uses AI-driven algorithms to optimize route selection and carrier assignment based on factors such as cost, transit time, and sustainability goals.
- Automated load consolidation reduces empty miles.
- Predictive models recommend mode shifts (e.g., ocean-to-rail) to minimize costs and emissions.
- Integrated carrier scorecards ensure decision-making is data-driven.
Example: A global electronics manufacturer using Nexus reduced its total freight spend by 8% through dynamic mode optimization and consolidated container planning.
3.2 Execution Management
From booking to proof of delivery, Nexus orchestrates every step:
- Digital bookings are sent directly to carriers or NVOCCs via EDI or API.
- Milestone tracking monitors events such as “Container Loaded,” “Vessel Departed,” and “Customs Cleared.”
- Document management ensures digital bills of lading, packing lists, and certificates of origin are securely shared.
Real-time exception management notifies stakeholders of potential delays, enabling proactive mitigation.
3.3 Freight Audit & Payment
Traditional freight settlement can consume weeks of manual reconciliation. Nexus automates the entire cycle:
- Freight invoices are matched against contracts, shipment data, and proof of delivery.
- Discrepancies trigger automated workflows for review.
- Approved invoices flow seamlessly into financial systems like Infor LN or Workday Financials.
This process not only speeds up payments but also improves financial accuracy and compliance.
3.4 Real-Time Visibility
Through IoT integrations and carrier data feeds, Nexus delivers end-to-end shipment visibility. Predictive ETAs are calculated using live GPS, weather, and port congestion data.
A centralized dashboard allows users to track all shipments globally, with exception alerts and automated escalation workflows.
3.5 Sustainability Tracking
Infor Nexus includes carbon footprint analytics across transportation modes. Enterprises can measure emissions per shipment, per lane, or per carrier—critical for ESG reporting. The system also supports data exports for corporate sustainability disclosures.
4. Infor Nexus Technical Architecture: A Deep Dive
Infor Nexus GTMS is engineered for scalability, connectivity, and security—three pillars essential to enterprise-grade logistics systems.
4.1 System Components
- GTMS Core Engine: Handles planning, routing, cost calculation, and workflow automation.
- Global Logistics Network: Connects trading partners through EDI, API, or direct portal access.
- Analytics Layer: Powered by Infor Birst for data modeling and visualization.
- Integration Layer: Built on Infor ION for seamless data exchange with ERP, WMS, and financial systems.
4.2 Integration Architecture
Infor Nexus uses Infor ION (Intelligent Open Network) as its integration middleware. Through Business Object Documents (BODs), it facilitates structured communication between Infor Nexus and systems like:
- Infor CloudSuite Industrial (CSI)
- Infor LN
- Infor M3
- Workday Financials and HCM
- External ERPs such as SAP and Oracle
4.3 Data Exchange Methods
- REST and SOAP APIs for real-time data synchronization
- EDI for standard transportation documents (e.g., 214, 315, 856)
- Flat file formats (CSV, XML, JSON) for batch imports and exports
4.4 Security and Governance
Infor Nexus complies with ISO 27001, GDPR, and SOC 2 Type II frameworks.
Data encryption is applied in transit (TLS 1.2) and at rest (AES-256).
Scalability is achieved through an elastic, multi-region architecture ensuring consistent performance for enterprises operating across continents.
Want to drive end-to-end supply chain visibility and efficiency with Infor Nexus?
Sama Consulting helps enterprises leverage Infor Nexus Global Transportation Management System to optimize transportation operations, enhance supply chain visibility, and improve overall efficiency.
5. Integrating Infor Nexus with Workday and Infor Ecosystems
Infor Nexus GTMS doesn’t operate in isolation—it extends the value of ERP and financial systems through connected integration.
5.1 Nexus + Workday Integration
By integrating Infor Nexus with Workday Financials and HCM, enterprises can synchronize:
- Vendor Payments: Freight invoices from Nexus flow automatically to Workday Accounts Payable.
- Cost Centers: Shipment costs are mapped to Workday’s financial hierarchies.
- Workforce Coordination: Logistics teams in Workday HCM can view shipment statuses or manage transportation tasks linked to employee roles.
5.2 Nexus + Infor CloudSuite and LN Integration
Through Infor ION API Gateway, data flows seamlessly between Nexus and core ERP modules:
- Purchase orders trigger shipment creation in Nexus.
- Goods receipts in CloudSuite update shipment milestones automatically.
- Freight cost accruals are posted back to the ERP in real time.
For implementation and middleware configuration, Sama Consulting’s Infor Integration Services provide a proven framework for connecting Nexus across enterprise systems.
Organizations leveraging Workday can also explore Workday Integration Services by Sama Consulting to achieve a unified view of operational and financial performance.
6. Business Benefits: From Visibility to Value Creation
Infor Nexus GTMS delivers measurable ROI by improving logistics execution and financial precision.
Quantifiable Benefits:
- 10–20% reduction in freight spend through route and mode optimization.
- 30–50% reduction in manual processing via automation of booking, audit, and payment workflows.
- Improved shipment accuracy and reduced demurrage costs through better milestone tracking.
- Faster invoice settlement with direct ERP integration.
Case Example:
A multinational apparel manufacturer implemented Nexus GTMS to consolidate global ocean shipments. By connecting its regional logistics providers through Nexus, the company achieved a 15% improvement in on-time delivery, automated 90% of freight audits, and reduced invoice cycle time from 12 days to 3 days.
7. Leveraging Analytics & AI within Infor Nexus
Infor’s Coleman AI platform infuses intelligence into Nexus workflows, enabling predictive and prescriptive insights.
AI and Machine Learning Capabilities:
- Predictive ETAs: AI models adjust delivery forecasts based on port congestion, weather, and customs delays.
- Anomaly Detection: Identifies outliers in freight costs or transit times.
- Risk Scoring: Assesses supplier or carrier reliability.
Data Integration via Infor Data Lake and Birst Analytics
Infor Nexus integrates natively with Infor Data Lake, providing a scalable data repository for analytics and machine learning.
Using Birst, users can visualize shipment costs, lead times, and performance trends in customizable dashboards—empowering data-driven decisions.
8. Sustainability and Compliance in Global Transportation
Modern enterprises are under increasing pressure to meet sustainability and compliance mandates. Infor Nexus GTMS directly supports these objectives.
8.1 Carbon Emission Tracking
Nexus quantifies emissions across all transportation modes, helping enterprises:
- Compare carriers based on sustainability performance.
- Generate emission reports aligned with GHG Protocol standards.
- Support ESG disclosures and Scope 3 reporting.
8.2 Trade and Regulatory Compliance
Infor Nexus provides built-in checks for:
- Customs documentation and digital filing.
- Sanctioned-party screening for suppliers and carriers.
- Geopolitical risk monitoring based on route or origin-destination pairs.
These compliance tools help global manufacturers mitigate regulatory risk and maintain trade integrity.
Want to drive end-to-end supply chain visibility and efficiency with Infor Nexus?
Sama Consulting helps enterprises leverage Infor Nexus Global Transportation Management System to optimize transportation operations, enhance supply chain visibility, and improve overall efficiency.
9. Implementation Strategy: Best Practices for Enterprises
Deploying Infor Nexus GTMS requires careful planning, cross-functional collaboration, and domain expertise.
9.1 Phased Implementation Approach
- Assessment & Design: Map current transportation processes and data flows.
- Configuration & Integration: Set up network connections via Infor ION and establish data mappings.
- Testing & Validation: Simulate end-to-end shipments and verify financial integration.
- Training & Go-Live: Equip users and trading partners with process documentation and training materials.
9.2 Common Implementation Challenges
- Data standardization across multiple ERPs.
- Carrier onboarding and data connectivity.
- Change management and user adoption.
9.3 How Sama Consulting Mitigates Risks
Sama Consulting follows a structured, best-practice deployment framework for Infor projects.
Their consultants leverage proven methodologies, pre-built ION integration templates, and deep Infor Nexus expertise to accelerate time-to-value and minimize implementation risk.
10. Future Trends: AI-Driven Global Transportation Networks
As logistics technology evolves, Infor Nexus continues to innovate toward a fully autonomous, AI-enabled supply chain network.
Key Emerging Capabilities:
- Autonomous Freight Orchestration: Self-optimizing routes and dynamic carrier switching.
- Blockchain-Based Documentation: Immutable, auditable shipment records.
- AI-Powered Predictive Planning: Using historical and real-time data to forecast optimal load and route configurations.
Infor’s roadmap emphasizes connected ecosystems, real-time intelligence, and sustainable operations, aligning with broader enterprise digital transformation strategies led by CIOs and Chief Supply Chain Officers.
11. Conclusion: Building an Intelligent, Resilient Supply Chain
The Infor Nexus Global Transportation Management System represents a new era in logistics execution—one defined by real-time visibility, collaboration, and intelligence. By unifying every participant in the transportation network, it transforms fragmented supply chains into synchronized, data-driven ecosystems.
Enterprises that integrate Nexus with platforms like Infor CloudSuite, Infor LN, and Workday unlock end-to-end operational control—from shipment planning to payment reconciliation—powered by automation, analytics, and AI.
To truly maximize value, implementation expertise matters.
Looking to optimize your global logistics operations with Infor Nexus?
👉 Explore enterprise-grade Infor integration services at Sama Consulting Inc.
Want to drive end-to-end supply chain visibility and efficiency with Infor Nexus?
Sama Consulting helps enterprises leverage Infor Nexus Global Transportation Management System to optimize transportation operations, enhance supply chain visibility, and improve overall efficiency.
