The Brutal Truth About IFS Implementations

Most companies fail at IFS Cloud - not because the software is bad, but because they hire the wrong consultant. If you’re evaluating an IFS implementation consultant, here’s how to avoid costly mistakes:

Section 1: The 3 Biggest IFS Implementation Risks

(Data-backed, no nonsense)

Risk #1: Data Migration Fails (And Your Business Stalls)

Problem: 65% of IFS projects overshoot budgets due to poor data migration. Common issues:

• Legacy system incompatibility (e.g., SAP, Oracle, homegrown ERPs).
• Dirty data (duplicates, outdated records, misaligned fields).
• No rollback plan (downtime costs $10K+ per day).

How We Fix It:

• Pre-migration audit to cleanse and map data.
• Pilot migration to catch errors early.
• Zero-downtime cutover (we’ve done this for 50+ clients).

Example: A European manufacturer saved $250K by fixing data gaps before go-live.

Risk #2: User Adoption Kills Your ROI

Problem: IFS Cloud is useless if your team resists it. Key failures:

• Generic training (one-size-fits-all = low adoption).
• No role-based workflows (finance vs. operations need different setups).

Solution:

• Custom training programs (e.g., shop floor vs. C-suite).
• Change management plan (to drive adoption).

Result: One client reduced training time by 40% with tailored simulations.

Risk #3: No Post-Go-Live Support (And Costs Skyrocket)

Problem: 50% of issues arise after launch. Many consultants disappear.

Solution:

• 90-day hypercare support (24/7 for critical errors).
• Monthly optimization reviews (to fix inefficiencies).

Section 2: How to Choose an IFS Implementation Consultant

1. Industry-Specific Experience (Non-Negotiable)

IFS behaves differently in:

• Aerospace & Defense (complex compliance, project accounting).
• Industrial Manufacturing (shop floor integration, MES).
• Field Service (mobile work orders, IoT integrations).

Ask: “Show me a case study in my industry.”

2. Technical Depth (Beyond Certifications)

A real IFS expert must have:

• Hands-on IFS Cloud experience (not just theory).
• Integration skills (IFS + CAD, PLM, or CRM systems).
• Agile/PRINCE2 project management (to avoid scope creep).

Pro Tip: Avoid consultants who only sell licenses. You need implementation expertise.

3. Contract Model: Fixed vs. T&M?

• Fixed-price contracts often hide scope gaps.
• Time & Materials (T&M) works if milestones are clear.

Best Approach: Hybrid model (fixed for migration + T&M for customizations).

Section 3: Why Work with an IFS Cloud Specialist?

• ✅ Faster ROI (we’ve cut implementations by 20% vs. competitors).
• ✅ Global expertise (clients in EU, US, and APAC).
• ✅ No hand-off risks (we manage data migration, training, and support).

“After a failed SAP rollout, we switched to IFS with [Your Name]. The project was on time, on budget, and our team adopted it in weeks.”
- [Client Name], CIO, [Industry]