An IFS Cloud project can seem simple on paper. Transfer processes to, set up the system, test it, train employees, go live. But the devil is in the detail, and seemingly insignificant decisions taken early on can cause major problems further down the line. That‘s where an independent IFS functional consultant adds value. They have the practical experience, but not the bias of an internal team or department. Their focus is the day to day reality of how a business works, and ensuring that IFS Cloud caters for those requirements properly, rather than applying a pretty too-pretty project document.
Understanding the Business Before Configuring Anything
The best consulting is about asking questions. Questions by the dozen. For an independent consultant, the key is to have a grasp of each area of the organization, whether that’s finance, supply chain, manufacturing, service management, projects, procurement, whatever it may be. They need to meet the users. Not the managers. Anyone who is delivering an Independent IFS support service has a good chance of identifying one or more areas where a process is inefficient, redundant, or just deployed because it’s always been done that way. These are the sorts of considerations important in an IFS Cloud solution. Business requirements should inform configuration, not vice versa.
Connecting Business Requirements With IFS Cloud
One of the greatest strengths of an IFS functional specialist is the ability to translate business language into system requirements. A finance manager might describe a reporting issue without knowing which IFS Cloud functionality could meet it. A warehouse manager might describe a stock process without knowing what configuration is possible. The consultant is the link. They grasp the requirement and then align it against the options within IFS Cloud. This will save significant amounts of time, avoiding costly customisation when off-the-shelf functionality will have been more than enough.
Supporting Better ERP IFS Decisions
Organizations can sometimes think that an ERP implementation is primarily a software decision. It‘s not. It‘s about decisions, and the teams engaged in an IFS (or other ERP) project have many choices to make about how to define and trigger workflow, the data they want to capture, who shouldauthorize transactions,and where stringent controls are needed. An outside consulting team can question these assumptions and provide reasons why one solution may be superior to another. That outside perspective can also be valuable when different departments look to define conflicting needs within a singular system.
Working Alongside an IFS Software Company
An independent consultant is not there to go head-to-head with an IFS software company or displace an implementation partner. More often than not, they are there to act in conjunction with them. The key difference is that, as a voice for the business, they are there to ensure the solution is really right for that business. They will scrutinise configurations, challenge gaps, help formulate requirements and support testing. If a configuration doesn‘t make sense, they can call them on it. To be honest, sometimes that‘s just the ticket you need.
Helping With Testing and User Acceptance
Testing is a field where projects can suddenly fall apart. Sometimes, teams test on the assumption that the system works without testing on the assumption that the system works for their end users. An independent IFS functional consultant can develop real-life scenarios based on the team‘s daily activities. They can work with end users onflows, purchasing, invoicing, planning, fulfilment, reporting, and other workflows. When a failure occurs, the consultant can distinguish whether it is due to system configuration, a process deficiency, inadequate training or an actual system constraint. Understanding this is critical prior to go-live.
Managing Changes Without Creating Chaos
IMPLEMENTING IFS Cloud projects frequently result in changes to how people work. Sometimes that‘s welcomed. Sometimes it‘s not. And on occasion the pushback is justified. An outsider can help clarify what‘s changing and ask the right questions to figure out how the new process should work. They can run design workshops, produce documentation and help with transition training, using plain language and pragmatic solutions. There is no point telling a user a new process is “more efficient” if it adds three minutes to their working day. People pick up on that immediately.
Supporting Migration, Go-Live and Beyond
The real test of preparation is data migration and go-live. An expert consultant can review business critical data, validate processes and ensure users understand what will happen at go-live. However, the work should not stop there. Most organizations uncover some smaller challenges when real transactions start flowing through IFS Cloud. Independent IFS support providers can offer remote functional support, troubleshooting and enhancement work. The answer might be a small configuration tweak or it might be just providing users with a better way to use existing functionality.
Why Independent IFS ERP Consultancy Services Matter
Having a fresh eyes view of an IFS Cloud project can be beneficial. External IFS ERP Consultancy services can provide the deep knowledge of a specialist without the additional untoward complexity. The independent consultant can deliver as much or as little of the functional & implementation burden as you need, such as requirements, process improvement & design, configuration, testing and training & afterwards support. The advantage of this is especially apparent for those companies who already have an internal IT team or implementation partner but sometimes require additional functional expertise at certain project phases. You may not want a large dedicated consulting resource but a knowledgeable person who knows the system and understands your business.
FAQ
What does an independent IFS functional consultant do?
An independent IFS functional consultant advises and guides companies on how to plan configure test and enhance IFS Cloud from a functional and business processes point of view. They translate business needs into workable IFS solutions and reduce customisation.
Can an independent consultant work with an IFS software company?
Yes. An independent consultant can partner with the IFS software company, a local IFS implementation partner or sit within an organizations internal IT team. Their independent position can add value by offering an additional element of scrutiny and business advice through the implementation process.
Why use Independent IFS support services after implementation?
And it‘s not over when you go live. Users will often require support for processes, configuration, reporting and system enhancements. Third-party support ensures businesses have access to the necessary expertise when required.
What are IFS ERP Consultancy services useful for?
IFS ERP Consultancy and more can assist in various ways with requirements gathering, process mapping, review of the system configuration, testing, user training, preparation of data migration strategy, go live support, and continuous business improvement.
How can an independent consultant improve an IFS Cloud project?
They can pinpoint process issues early, test against “standard” minimising customisation, enhance testing, provide user support and ensure the final IFS Cloud configuration matches the reality of the business.
Whether you have a requirement for an IFS Cloud implementation, are already in the midst of an implementation or just want a knowledgeable functional adviser your independent IFS consultant will reduce your headache. Don‘t learn the hard way. Contact Sorcha System Ltd and discover how straightforward it can be to choose the right independent IFS ERP Consultancy solution for you.
