Many CloudSuite Distribution (CSD) customers had effective reporting before moving to the cloud, relying on direct ERP database access and familiar BI tools. With CloudSuite, that model changed. Direct access was removed, reporting became externalized, and analytics shifted to governed, platform-based delivery. For many customers, this shift created frustration—not because reporting mattered less, but because the underlying architecture fundamentally changed.

This session explains how and why that change occurred. We’ll review the evolution of Birst, Infor’s 2017 acquisition, and how analytics strategy matured alongside CloudSuite. We’ll also explore why many CSD customers are re-evaluating Birst in 2026, focusing on architectural realities rather than product marketing. Attendees will learn why governance, trust, and platform thinking are essential in a cloud ERP environment—and why audit and data governance are often the safest way to re-engage Birst without re-implementing or replacing existing analytics.

This webinar is the first in a 2026 TUG educational series designed to help CloudSuite Distribution customers better understand analytics challenges and opportunities in a cloud-first world.

Learning Objectives
- Why traditional reporting worked before the cloud—and what changed with CloudSuite
- How the loss of direct ERP access reshaped analytics
- The original intent behind Birst and Infor’s acquisition
- Why analytics friction is structural, not a tool or user failure
- Why audit and governance are the safest starting point for re-engaging analytics

Who Should Attend
- Infor ERP customers
- IT leaders and ERP administrators
- Analytics and reporting teams
- Organizations in-flight or post–CSD go-live
- Customers reassessing analytics after cloud migration

Presented By
Bill Payne, Founder, Agile Dragon Group
Bill Payne is a former Birst Services leader and long-time Birst practitioner with deep experience supporting CloudSuite Distribution customers. Since Infor’s acquisition of Birst, he has worked closely with distributors and partners to help organizations understand cloud ERP analytics architecture and responsibly extend Birst as a governed analytics platform.