Many organisations using Infor M3 are only scratching the surface when it comes to managing projects. Whether you’re relying on spreadsheets or using Project Order Management (POM) in a limited way, you could be missing significant opportunities for real-time visibility, tighter cost control and better decision making. Infor M3 POM isn’t just a tracking tool; it’s a fully integrated project engine.
Beyond the Basics: Infor M3 POM is More Than Task Lists
Most people see Infor M3 Project Order Management (POM) as just a way to create and track project orders. But the system is much more than a fancy to-do list. Instead of juggling spreadsheets, finance reports, and procurement updates, POM brings everything into one place, so every project decision is based on real-time costs, resources, and supply data. Imagine starting a new project and your system already knows the budget limits, resource constraints and potential conflicts with other projects, without you lifting a finger.
Project Order Management is particularly powerful for internal CAPEX projects. It gives you real-time control over budgeting, expenditure and so you can see if you’re on track. No more waiting for finance updates or manually reconciling costs.
| Without POM: | With POM: |
| • Projects tracked in spreadsheets • Delayed visibility of costs • Resource clashes and surprises | • Real-time project visibility • Accurate, integrated costing • Proactive planning and control |
The Benefits You’re Probably Missing
1. Real-Time Visibility Across Projects
With Infor M3 POM, every project phase is visible, from initial quotation to final invoicing. You can monitor budgets, actuals, and resource allocations in real time. No more digging through spreadsheets or waiting for weekly reports – the dashboard gives you instant insights. This visibility isn’t just convenient; it empowers you to make faster, better decisions.
Note: For longer CAPEX projects you would use cost and revenue recognition to ensure you don’t have budget blow-outs.
2. Know Your True Project Costs in Real Time
Your finance team will thank you. Infor M3 POM links directly with cost accounting, internal accounting, and even accounts receivable. This integration ensures that every project order reflects actual costs, overhead, and planned expenses. You can forecast profit margins per project accurately, spot cost overruns before they happen, and optimise your billing process. The result? More predictable margins, and less end-of-month panic.
3. Stop Overbooking and Underutilising Your Team
One of the most powerful but underutilised features is resource management. Infor M3 POM tracks employee assignments, workload, and even subcontractor commitments. You can allocate resources by skill, availability, or priority, ensuring your team is always working on the right task at the right time. No more overbooked engineers or idle project managers – just smooth, efficient operations. In addition, you can prevent purchase order budget overspend.
4. Avoid Delays Before They Happen
Infor M3 POM lets you create detailed project structures and define dependencies. You can plan by project element, work package, or milestone. With automated recognition proposals and status updates, the system flags potential bottlenecks or scheduling conflicts early. Think of it as having a virtual project assistant who never sleeps.
5. Tighter Integration with Manufacturing and Supply Chain
For companies managing production-related projects, Infor M3 POM shines. It integrates with manufacturing execution, procurement, work orders and supply chain planning, ensuring that project timelines are aligned with material availability and production capacity. Late materials? The system adjusts the schedule automatically. Resource shortages? You get alerts before they become emergencies. The entire project ecosystem works together seamlessly.
6. Streamlined Invoicing and Revenue Recognition
Infor M3 POM takes the headache out of project billing. By connecting project progress with accounts receivable, you can automate invoicing based on milestones, deliverables, or actual costs. Revenue recognition becomes straightforward, reducing disputes with clients and ensuring cash flow predictability.
Why Most Companies Underuse Infor M3 POM
Despite all of these benefits, many organisations use M3 POM as a basic project tracker. Why? In many cases, teams don’t realise what’s possible, they’ve simply never been shown. They focus on entering orders and checking status, missing out on the integrated insights that can transform project execution. Others might be intimidated by the setup, fearing the complexity of configuring templates, recognition proposals, and budget structures. The reality? With proper configuration, Infor M3 POM makes life easier, not harder.
A Quick Win: Start Small, Think Big
You don’t need to deploy every feature at once. Begin with:
- Standard project structures for your most common projects
- Linking budgets and actual costs to your financial modules
- Using the recognition proposal to track milestones and progress
Once these basics are in place, you can expand into advanced features like resource optimisation, supply chain integration, and automated revenue recognition.
Conclusion
Infor M3 Project Order Management is a powerful, integrated system that can do much more than simply track tasks. When used to its full potential, it gives you real-time insights, accurate costing, optimised resources, seamless integration with other ERP modules, and efficient billing. If you’re only scratching the surface, it’s time to explore deeper – your projects, your team, and your bottom line will thank you.
Interested in learning how Infor M3 Project Order Management can help increase efficiency in your business?
Get in touch with Atturra’s Infor M3 experts to see how you can gain real-time project visibility, reduce budget overruns, and take control of both customer and CAPEX projects.
