Home > Manufacturing Software > Fusion 360 > Fusion 360 vs Infor M3

Fusion 360 vs Infor M3

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Our analysts compared Fusion 360 vs Infor M3 based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Manufacturing Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

Overview Pricing Benefits & Features User Ratings Analyst Summary Screenshots
Fusion 360 Software Tool
Infor M3 Software Tool
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Product Basics

Fusion 360 is a cloud-based 3D CAD/CAM software that bridges the gap between design and manufacturing. It's well-suited for individuals and small-to-medium businesses seeking a streamlined solution for product development and fabrication. Users praise its intuitive interface, integrated design and manufacturing tools, and cloud collaboration capabilities. Popular features include generative design, simulation tools, and machining capabilities for various manufacturing processes. While some users note performance limitations with complex projects and a reliance on internet connectivity, Fusion 360 stands out for its affordability compared to traditional CAD/CAM software, with subscription plans starting under $500 annually.

Pros
  • Integrated CAD/CAM
  • Cloud collaboration
  • Design for manufacturing
  • Generative design
  • Simulation capabilities
 Cons
  • Cloud dependency
  • Performance limitations
  • Limited feature depth
  • Subscription model
  • Learning curve
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Infor M3 is a cloud-based enterprise resource planning solution for medium and large global distributors, manufacturers and after-sales service providers. It helps manage complex, mixed-mode value chains and distribution-intensive environments. It provides exceptional user experiences, flexible implementation options and industry-relevant capabilities in a multi-country, multi-site and multi-company environment. Organizations can adapt to industry trends, business models and boost their business’s growth. It has deep capabilities in chemicals, distribution, equipment, fashion and food and beverage industries.

It provides on-demand computing with industry-specific capabilities to provide customer service. It is deployed on Amazon Web Services, providing service at low costs with a secure environment. It is available in 23 languages and supports local requirements for 42 countries.

To explore other popular solutions that Infor offers, visit our Infor company page.
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$425 Annually
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$10,000/User, Monthly
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Windows
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Android
Chromebook
Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile

Product Assistance

Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support

Product Insights

  • Extensive Library: Fusion 360 offers a complete library of free, open-source and entirely revisable processors for users to upload thorough numerical control (NC) applications so they can rapidly make parts or workpieces.  
  • Intuitive Cloud Interface: Users can log into this solution and access projects from any device with an internet connection. The interface is also adjustable and simple for users to operate. 
  • Fulfill Design Needs: Fusion 360 enables users to design, model, assemble and render projects and workpieces in one centralized system without exporting files to external solutions.  
  • Distraction-Free Rendering: Users can run the rendering process in the background while working on other processes so they can stay on top of their productivity,  
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  • Flexible and Scalable: Meets the needs of users’ businesses with high computing power and scalability for resources.  
  • Security: Supported by Amazon Web Services, making it secure with very low downtimes.  
  • Global Solution: Provides global financial visibility. It has multi-company, multi-site, multi-currency, multi-country and multi-language capabilities. Available in 23 languages and has support for 46 countries.  
  • Supports Core Business Processes: Supports customer sales, financial management, manufacturing, supply chain planning and execution, procurement management and service, rental and equipment management.  
  • Supports Multiple Business Models: Supports complex business models for manufacturing, service, rental and distribution. Manages complex products and includes attribute-based and configured kits. It supports make-to-stock (MTS), configure-to-order (CTO) and make-to-order(MTO). Enables after-sales service and multi-channel sales.  
  • Easy-to-Use User Interface: Creates role-based and personalized home pages. It also supports business collaboration with the help of alerts and workflows. Accessible via multiple devices and browsers.  
  • Low Total Cost of Ownership: Has a shared infrastructure that lowers users' total cost of ownership by lowering operating expenses, reducing implementation costs and time and removing the need for on-premise maintenance.  
  • No More Upgrades: Maintained in the cloud, removing the need for upgrades that on-premise software requires.  
  • Access to Innovation: Adds new functions regularly, and lets users try them out in a test environment before including the feature in their production environment.  
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  • Numerous Sketch Tools: Users can implement the 3D modeling module to create products with the ideal form, fit and function. This tool enables users to develop and revise sketches with constraints, dimensions and a robust chain of sketching accessories. Users can also develop parametric models by creating a list of frequently-used features such as extrude, revolve, loft, sweep and more that instantly update with design changes. 
  • Various Modes of Modeling: Fusion 360's 3D modeling component is equipped with a variety of different modeling modes. The direct modeling tool allows users to modify and fix imported shapes from different file formats. Users can draft intricate sub-divisional surfaces that have T-splines and effortlessly edit them with push-pull maneuvers thanks to the freeform modeling extension. The mesh modeling accessory allows editing and repairing of imported scans or mesh models such as STL and OBJ files. Other extensions in the 3D modeling module include sheet metal modeling, parametric modeling, surface modeling, assembly and printed circuit board (PCB) design integration. 
  • Add Electronic Intelligence to Designs: Users can bring 3D designs to life with the electronic intelligence feature. The schematic capture function has several schematic editing tools. Users can construct gerber, drill and assembly files in one click and with the PCB manufacturing (CAM) accessory.  
  • Ensure PCBs Fit Designs: Thanks to the electronics module's MCAD-ECAD unification ability, users can rest assured their PCB fits their designs every time with the unified MCAD and ECAD software. Users can peruse the PCB component library and component wizards for ready-to-use PCB designs and there are adjustable design rules users can set to align with users' manufacturing requirements in the design for manufacturability and design rule checking (DRC) tool. Other extensions in the electronics module include PCB layout, simulation program with integrated circuit emphasis (SPICE) simulation, and electronics cooling. 
  • Real-World Simulations: Fusion 360's simulation allows users to test their designs and models against life-like conditions digitally so they can save money on prototypes. The status stress function oversees parts and workpieces for displacements, stresses and other effects caused by static loads. The thermal and thermal stresses function enables users to comprehend thermal distributions and they connect with physical forces. Users can estimate unexpected failures for parts under compression thanks to the buckling tool. The non-linear stress extension studies permanent deformations and unleveled materials in designs. Other functions within this module include event simulation, shape optimization, modal frequency, comparing results, simplifying, breadth studies and cloud simulation.  
  • Accurately Determine Outcomes: Users can pinpoint several manufacturing-prepared results for their products or workpieces to meet design specifications while dwindling weight, boosting efficiency and condensing parts. Users can recognize design conditions, restrictions, materials and manufacturing choices to create manufacturing-ready diagrams with the project objective definition function. The editable results element allows users to pick the ideal outcome for their designs so they can promptly begin modeling instead of conducting lengthy importing or exporting procedures. Thanks to aPriori in the cost insights function, users can formulate manufacturing costs for every potential outcome in their designs in reference to production volume requirements. Other extensions in this component include generating and exploring designs and cloud solve. 
  • Efficacious Documentation: Fusion 360's documentation accessory permits users to effectively convey designs with internal or external stakeholders with 2D manufacturing drawings, renderings and animations. The 2D manufacturing drawings function chronicles manufacturing requirements with integrated associative drawings for parts and assemblies. The rendering tool enables users to develop photography-esque images of their models with local or cloud rendering options. Lastly, users can effectively convey designs with 3D-expanded views and animations to showcase design assembly thanks to the animation extension.  
  • Unify Teams: Users can eliminate communication roadblocks with their teammates and external stakeholders with the collaboration tool. The team participant extension authorizes users to add members to their zones for data management and teamwork purposes. Users can share links to model previews in any web browser so third parties can evaluate and interact with the model without access to Fusion 360 with the public and private design sharing function. The commenting and redlining extension allows users to gather and share critiques on the design with comments, markups and redlines on practically any device. Other functions included in this tool include user management, global sharing and unlimited access. 
  • Manufacturing: The manufacturing tool suits practically every manufacturing need and collaborates with various types of machinery such as cutting, milling and turning machines. The 5-axis simultaneous milling extension permits users to mill complex shapes, evade collisions and diminish tool lengths to complete sleek surfaces. Turning toolpaths can be verified with stock simulations to detect errors or collisions in models, stocks, tools and work holdings with the turning function. Users can draft toolpaths from solid model features, such as flattened sheet metal components, to activate water jet, laser and plasma cutters. Other extensions in this accessory include 2.5 and 3-axis milling, 3+2 milling, 4-axis milling, setup probing, mill-turning and a free post processor library.  
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  • Chemicals: Has a suite of offerings specifically for the chemicals industry.  
    • Allows for the planning of by-products and co-products.
    • Lets users optimize their formulas.
    • Supports traceability and quality management protocols.
    • Has templates to manage regulatory compliance.
    • Has features for tank liquid management.
  • Distribution: Has features of support end-to-end distribution management.  
    • Supports order fulfillment across multiple channels.
    • Provides support for rebate management and value-added services.
    • Helps with warehouse, inventory and transportation management.
    • Supports traceability and lot-allocation.
  • Equipment:  Supports the entire equipment lifecycle with relevant features.  
    • Supports pricing, discounts, quoting and complex configuration.
    • Lets users forecast for replacements.
    • Also helps with mobile field service and rental management.
    • Helps users deliver, move and pick-up equipment.
  • Fashion: Handles inventory for fashion industries.  
    • Handles both style and not-in-style items.
    • Lets users sort by flexible style, fit, color and size matrix by product.
    • FSupports lot tracking for ethical sourcing.
    • Gives users support for kitting and pre-packs.
    • Supports automated planning, forecasting and assortments.
  • Food and Beverage: Supports the following features in the food and beverage.  
    • Provides visibility to raw materials and ingredient inventory.
    • Also provides traceability from the start to the end of the product life cycle.
    • Helps in producing scheduling and planning.
    • Helps users manage seasonality and shelf-life.
    • Provides guidance on regulatory compliance.
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Product Ranking

#39

among all
Manufacturing Software

#16

among all
Manufacturing Software

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User Sentiment Summary

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Good User Sentiment 151 reviews
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78%
of users recommend this product

Infor M3 has a 'good' User Satisfaction Rating of 78% when considering 151 user reviews from 6 recognized software review sites.

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3.3 (1)
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3.8 (54)
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4.37 (30)
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4.3 (24)
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4.1 (15)
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3.0 (27)

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Integrated CAD/CAM: Streamlines design-to-manufacturing workflow by unifying design, simulation, and toolpath generation within a single platform.
Cloud Collaboration: Facilitates seamless teamwork and real-time project visibility for enhanced communication and faster decision-making.
Design for Manufacturing (DFM): Guides designers to create manufacturable parts from the outset, reducing production costs and delays.
Generative Design: Explores multiple design options tailored for specific manufacturing processes, accelerating innovation and optimizing material usage.
Simulation Capabilities: Validates designs for structural integrity, thermal performance, and motion behavior, minimizing physical prototyping and testing costs.
Intuitive Interface: Simplifies the learning curve with user-friendly tools and a modern, streamlined interface.
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User Friendly: The system is easy to use and intuitive, as noted by approximately 91% of users who mention the system’s usability.
Functionality: Infor M3 offers a robust suite of successful project management tools, as reported by 92% of the users who mention the product’s functionality.
Collaborative: About 95% of users noted that this system helps bridge the gaps between remote teams and quickly coordinate users.
Integrations: Available integrations help add value to the base product, as reported by 100% of reviewers who mention integrations.
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Cloud Dependency: Requires a stable internet connection for most features, potentially hindering productivity in areas with limited connectivity.
Performance Limitations: Can experience slowdowns or crashes when working with large, complex assemblies or simulations, especially on less powerful hardware.
Feature Depth: While comprehensive, certain specialized manufacturing features might not be as robust as in dedicated CAD/CAM software for specific industries.
Subscription Model: Restricts access to software and data if the subscription lapses or encounters billing issues, potentially disrupting workflows.
Learning Curve: While intuitive, mastering advanced features and workflows can require a steeper learning curve, especially for those transitioning from traditional CAD/CAM systems.
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User Interface: About 66% of users who mentioned the interface noted that it is old and needs a redesign.
Implementation: The physical implementation process misses the mark, and can be difficult according to 77% of reviewers who mention implementation.
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For hobbyists and professionals alike, Fusion 360 resonates with its cloud-powered accessibility and integrated workflow. "It's like SolidWorks and SketchUp had a baby," one user raves, praising its intuitiveness compared to heavier CAD software. This ease of use shines in rapid prototyping workflows, with another reviewer calling it "a dream come true for quick design iterations." However, Fusion 360's cloud reliance can be a double-edged sword. While it liberates users from hefty installations, internet hiccups can cripple productivity. "Offline functionality, even basic rendering, would be a game-changer," pleads one reviewer. This sentiment echoes for complex projects, where users yearn for the raw processing power of desktop-only alternatives. "Fusion 360 choked on my intricate assembly," admits another, highlighting limitations compared to software like CATIA. Despite these quirks, Fusion 360's unique blend of affordability, user-friendliness, and integrated features like simulation and CAM tools keeps users hooked. "The value proposition is unbeatable," one designer declares, while another appreciates the "constant stream of updates and new features." For those seeking a versatile and accessible entry into the world of 3D design and manufacturing, Fusion 360 remains a compelling choice, even with its occasional hiccups.

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Infor M3 provides a full-suite ERP solution that ranks high on usability and functionality. Some users think that documentation would make the tool easier to use. It supports multi-lingual and multi-currency operations. Most users think it lets them customize the tool according to their requirements. Also, a few users find it difficult to learn and get used to. Support is prompt. It is highly configurable, but a consultant may be required to implement it.

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Screenshots

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