The Cloud Advantage: Infor's Cloud-Fueled Growth in Asia-Pacific

In the heart of Asia-Pacific, a quiet revolution is underway. Fueled by technological advancements and shifting global dynamics, businesses across the region are undergoing a digital transformation. Infor, a leading enterprise software company, is witnessing significant growth in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in India. The company has been actively driving cloud adoption across various industries, with a focus on manufacturing, food and beverage, and fashion.

Terry Smagh, Senior Vice President and GM of Infor Asia Pacific Japan (APJ), sheds light on the accelerating pace of cloud migration across industries and the pivotal role technology plays in redefining operational excellence.

“We’re seeing tremendous momentum in cloud adoption,” says Smagh. “This year alone, we’ve onboarded several customers to the cloud, with many more in the pipeline. Asia-Pacific is not only our fastest-growing market globally but also one that’s embracing cloud solutions at an unprecedented rate.”

The Power of the Cloud

Cloud technology has emerged as a game-changer, enabling businesses to scale rapidly, reduce costs, and enhance agility. Infor has been at the forefront of cloud adoption in the region, with a significant portion of its customer base transitioning to cloud-based solutions.

“We're seeing strong adoption of cloud migration among our customers,” says Smagh. “This year alone, we've seen around 30-35% of our customers move to the cloud.”

Infor’s strategic focus in the APJ region revolves around three key industries: industrial manufacturing, food and beverage, and fashion. Within these sectors, India and ASEAN economies such as Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia are emerging as hubs of innovation, driven by supply chain optimization and warehouse management needs.

“Geopolitical shifts involving China, India, and the U.S. have brought increased attention to fast-paced industries in India,” Smagh notes. “This creates tremendous opportunities for manufacturing, supply chain, and warehouse management solutions. Our industry-specific platforms allow us to act as experts in these domains.”

The Cloud Transition in India

India, a key market for Infor, is witnessing rapid adoption of cloud technologies across industries. Smagh highlights the growing demand for platforms that combine agility and innovation: “Customers want rapid innovation and flexibility. In India, we see strong demand for AI-integrated cloud solutions that are not only agile but also disruptive. Our partnership with AWS enables us to offer multi-tenant infrastructure services, making it seamless for businesses to adopt new technologies.”

However, the transition to cloud-based systems in manufacturing is not without challenges. Resistance to change and concerns over hidden costs often hinder adoption. Addressing these, Smagh emphasizes transparency and collaboration:

“Transparency is key. We use a ‘time-to-value’ framework to define clear project goals and prevent scope creep. This ensures there are no surprises for our customers,” he explains.

Infor also provides workshops and collaborative sessions to guide businesses through the digitalization journey. “We’re not advocating for a like-for-like technology swap,” Smagh says. “We’re promoting meaningful change, helping customers modernize and innovate for tangible results in a short timeframe.”

AI and Smart Factories: The Next Frontier

Infor’s investment in AI and smart factory management solutions is shaping the future of industries in the region. Technologies like RFID tagging, process automation, and predictive analytics are revolutionizing supply chain operations, enabling manufacturers to gain real-time visibility and control over their processes.

“AI, particularly Generative AI, is a game-changer,” Smagh says. “It’s not about replacing full-time employees but about streamlining processes and empowering workers to focus on meaningful tasks. We’re helping businesses adopt AI to drive efficiency and foster innovation.”

Sustainability and Circular Economy Principles

As businesses globally pivot towards sustainability, Infor’s solutions are designed to align with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) norms. From monitoring carbon footprints to optimizing production processes, the company helps clients achieve their green goals.

“We follow the principle of ‘zero defect, zero effect,’” Smagh states. “In industries like fashion, we assist clients in evaluating fabric recyclability and minimizing environmental impact. Sustainability isn’t just an add-on; it’s embedded in our solutions.”

Investing in India’s Future

Infor’s commitment to India is evident through its investments, including a global development center in Hyderabad and plans to establish a data center by 2025. With 3,800 employees already contributing to innovation, the company aims to expand its presence further.

“India is a critical market for us,” says Smagh. “Our investments here reflect our belief in its potential as a hub for innovation and growth.”

Conclusion: A Roadmap to Transformation

As Asia-Pacific accelerates its journey toward cloud-enabled innovation, Infor is positioning itself as a trusted partner for businesses navigating this transformation. Through industry-specific solutions, strategic investments, and a focus on sustainability, the company is setting the stage for long-term success in the region.

For Smagh, the future is clear: “Cloud adoption, AI integration, and operational efficiency are no longer options—they’re necessities. And Infor is here to guide businesses every step of the way.”