IFS Applications is roaring ahead with new functionality with every release. The latest release, called IFS Cloud, includes the implementation of AI, machine learning, augmented reality and many more new technological tools.
We know it's coming, but for many IFS users the question may be when is the right time to upgrade to IFS Cloud? The key factors in the decision-making process will be your organisation's strategic goals and whether these can be supported by your current IFS solution. There are opportunities, risks and costs to consider, but either way, the decision will have consequences and benefits that can be reaped.
Photo: IFS
Here's some inspiration, If you are on an earlyversion of IFS and are considering an upgrade to IFS Cloud:
- Features of IFS Cloud
- Who is IFS Cloud aimed at
- Key features and benefits
- What you need to consider
- IFS Cloud vs previous versions
- Some of the latest additions in the new release
- How to get started
Features of IFS Cloud
First released in March 2021, IFS Cloud is a single platform that delivers solutions across service, production, logistics, warehouse, resource planning, finance, CRM, and sales.
It brings together the full range of IFS capabilities in a single product and on one platform with solutions tailored to your industry and needs. You start with the functionality you need and then implement additional features as your business changes and grows through modularisation.
IFS Cloud is built on the latest technology stack and is 100 % cloud-based. This latest technology has the latest security and performance enhancements, and all the other capabilities that come with it.
Who is IFS Cloud aimed at?
Traditionally, IFS has primarily targeted its products at SMEs, and is particularly strong in the manufacturing and service industries, but today also focuses on the defence, energy and telecommunications industries.
What are the key features and benefits of IFS Cloud?
Despite the name, IFS Cloud is still available as a traditional ’on premise’ solution, hosted with a third party or as a Curit Managed Cloud solution. But of course, working with it directly in the cloud is also an option. For existing customers who want to upgrade, this means that there is no need to change the infrastructure and new customers can choose freely. There's also no fear of being locked into a given platform, as it's possible to switch one way or the other later.
What should you consider?
Moving to IFS Cloud from a somewhat older version of IFS, such as Apps 7.5, is a much bigger technological leap than upgrading from a newer version. Such a big step is more like a re-implementation than a simple upgrade due to the differences in features.
Curit's approach is to encourage users to get rid of their old customisations during upgrade or re-implementation to lower the IT debt. The old customisations, in Apps 7 for example, were very costly to maintain. However, you will often find that many of the requirements that customisations were made for back then are covered by the core functionality of IFS Cloud.
It is therefore important to focus on change management and approach the task with the mindset of adopting the new system rather than adapting it. This approach will reduce customisation and costs, and experience has shown that it often increases user acceptance of a new system.
Photo: IFS
How does IFS Cloud compare to previous versions?
IFS Cloud is scalable and the system integration is more user-friendly than previous versions. In older versions, you couldn't run IFS on other operating systems such as macOS. But because the latest version is browser-based, you can run it on any device, including Apple, for example.
We think it's worth considering an upgrade to IFS Cloud if you are currently on either Applications 7.5, 8 or 9, or on a low update of Applications 10, as this is where you can get the most value. Regardless of version, there will be a change in the user interface as it is a completely new way of working. However, those running IFS Applications 10 have an advantage as they can start practising on the predecessor of Cloud, Aurena, which was already available there. By doing so, you can have a smoother transition, as working on a web-based platform won't feel so foreign when IFS Cloud is later implemented.
What are some of the latest additions in the new release?
With IFS Cloud, for example, it will be possible to:
- Configure more complex products to match customer requirements with configure-to-order (CTO) and sales configuration
- Collect the overall utilisation efficiency of machines (OEE)
- Use this data to identify which machines are working efficiently and which require operational attention
The latest release also allows travelling service technicians to:
- Register future work and travel time against work tasks
- Provide customers with an accurate record of all billable work before they leave the customer location
- Include video, other attachments and service report for job reporting
- Send out materials in advance or directly from the supplier so that they are ready at the location where they will be used for a given service.
The Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) features in the latest version allow EU organisations to:
- Define employees in one company and make them available as employees and resources in other companies. This helps reduce administration and increase employee sharing in e.g. joint ventures and subsidiaries.
- Manage the transition between contracts and procurement across organisations, enabling them to initiate the procurement process in one legal entity and complete it in another.
How do you get started?
- Start with a review of your organisation to establish a business case, change management needs and processes. If you're stuck in an implementation, a review will give you a clear picture of where the challenges are and recommendations for corrective actions.
- Get your best people involved and get them ready.
- Manage the change with a strong steering committee that will communicate the benefits and address people's interests and concerns.
- Understand your data strategy and have a plan for data cleansing and migration.
We're ready to talk about your organisation's journey to the Cloud.
