What is IFS and is it the right ERP and service management platform for your organisation?

IFS is a global enterprise software provider known for its strength in asset management, field service, and project-based ERP.

Designed for organisations that manage complex operations, assets, and service delivery, IFS combines enterprise resource planning (ERP), enterprise asset management (EAM), and field service management (FSM) in one unified platform.

Built on a modern, composable architecture, IFS offers industry-specific functionality for manufacturers, distributors, utilities, construction, aerospace, defence, and service industries. It’s particularly well suited to businesses where project execution, asset performance, or customer service are mission critical.

This page outlines IFS’s core capabilities, where it fits best, and how to assess whether it supports your business and operational strategy.

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Key features of IFS

  • Enterprise resource planning (ERP) with project and process manufacturing
  • Enterprise asset management (EAM) with lifecycle tracking and compliance
  • Field service management (FSM) with intelligent scheduling and mobile enablement
  • Inventory, logistics, and supply chain planning
  • Financials, HR, procurement, and CRM
  • Project management and service contract tracking
  • Built-in analytics, forecasting, and AI-driven automation

Cloud, on-premise, or hybrid deployment options

Which organisations is IFS best suited for?

IFS is typically a strong fit for:

  • Mid-sized to large businesses with asset-intensive or service-driven operations
  • Distributors and manufacturers with field service, projects, or mobile workforces
  • Utilities, energy, construction, aerospace, and defence sectors
  • Organisations managing complex supply chains, projects, or service contracts
  • Businesses seeking to unify ERP, asset, and service management in one system

Pros and cons of IFS

Where IFS delivers value:

  • Deep functionality for asset, project, and service-based operations
  • Unified platform for ERP, EAM, and FSM
  • Strong field service capabilities with dynamic scheduling and optimisation
  • Designed for flexibility and scalability with modern UX
  • Built-in industry accelerators for faster time to value

Where it may fall short:

  • Implementation complexity requires experienced partners
  • May be more than needed for straightforward finance or HR transformations
  • Not as widely adopted in ANZ as SAP, Oracle, or Microsoft, which can affect resource availability
  • Strong strategic alignment and governance needed to realise full platform value

Alternatives to IFS

Depending on your industry and transformation goals, other platforms to consider include:

  • SAP S/4HANA – for large, global enterprises with complex ERP and asset management needs
  • Oracle Cloud ERP with Oracle Field Service – strong for integrated financial and service operations
  • Microsoft Dynamics 365 – modular approach for ERP, field service, and supply chain
  • Infor CloudSuite – tailored for manufacturing and distribution with EAM and FSM options
  • Pronto Xi – for ANZ-based businesses seeking integrated ERP and asset control

Compare these in our Cloud ERP Software Solutions Guide.

Planning your IFS journey

If you’re considering IFS to transform your operations, service delivery, or supply chain, SMC can help you make a confident, commercially grounded decision.

Expert insights from SMC

At Solution Minds Consulting, we’ve supported asset-intensive and service-based organisations across manufacturing, distribution, energy, utilities, ports, and construction to assess and implement platforms like IFS.

IFS can offer a powerful solution when project execution, asset uptime, and service excellence drive business performance. We help clients evaluate whether the platform fits their operational model, change readiness, and long-term goals—through a structured, vendor-neutral process.

Explore our services in ERP Selection, Implementation Planning, and Digital Strategy and Roadmaps.