IFS
At IFS, we specialize in the development and deployment of enterprise software solutions for global companies engaged in manufacturing, distribution, asset management, and service-focused operations. Our unique platform seamlessly integrates industry-specific products, all underpinned by a unified data model and embedded digital innovation. This holistic approach empowers our clients to excel precisely when it counts the most – at the `Moment of Service.` Our dedicated team`s deep industry knowledge, coupled with our expanding ecosystem of partners, reflects our unwavering commitment to delivering value at every stage. It`s no wonder that IFS is not only recognized as a leader but also the most highly recommended supplier in our sector.
Company details
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- Business Type:
- Software vendor
- Industry Type:
- Environmental Data and IT Systems
- Market Focus:
- Globally (various continents)
- Year Founded:
- 1983
About us
IFS was founded in 1983 and currently has over 3,500 employees. IFS supports more than ten thousand customers worldwide from a network of local offices and through our growing ecosystem of partners. The product development is done by our R&D teams, mainly located in Sweden and Sri Lanka, and our consultancy business operate in six areas: Europe North; Europe West; Europe Central; Europe East; Americas; and Africa, Asia, and Pacific.
With IFS Applications and powerful service management and mobile functionality, IFS has pioneered component-based service management and ERP software.
Our business philosophy and architecture provide solutions that are easier to implement, run, and upgrade. IFS Applications business software provides increased ERP functionality, including CRM, SCM, PLM, EOI, enterprise asset management, and MRO capabilities
Business Idea
With its own resources and in cooperation with partners, IFS develops, sells, and implements component-based business software. To meet the market’s increased demands for solutions with broad functionality combined with in-depth industry knowledge, IFS focuses on a limited number of industry segments.
Business Model
The Group’s product development is primarily conducted at IFS’s R&D centers in Sri Lanka and Sweden.
The company has developed a partner strategy, building on collaboration both locally in region and globally with its large multinational alliance partners. This allows IFS to enter new markets using local knowledge and resource whilst working within a consistent global partnering program.
IFS focuses on partners that offer complementary products or technologies within the product or the industry segment that IFS operates in. The aim is to provide customers with solutions that increase the value of their investment in IFS Applications. Two examples of such partners are Microsoft and Oracle. The collaboration with Microsoft centers on user interface, business intelligence, and cloud platforms while the Oracle cooperation is mainly aimed at databases and middleware.
The technology-partner ecosystem includes a range of regional and global providers. The introduction of a formal partner program in late 2013 that requires development of joint sales and marketing plans together with various partner activity commitments will strengthen IFS’s drive into key vertical markets and allow the company to further differentiate itself from the competition. IFS is also actively developing a network of partnerships with system integrators (SI) that assist organizations in identifying as well as implementing the IFS solution that addresses their unique needs.
Strategy
- IFS will strengthen its profit, cash flow, and financial position by focusing on increasing sales, reducing costs, and increasing its market share in selected industries.
- IFS’s product development will focus on maintaining the company’s position as a technical leader in component-based business software for a global market.
- IFS’s products will support the standards that are important for its customers. The company will supply integrated Internet-based solutions that enable increased cooperation among customers, suppliers, and partners.
- IFS’s product, methods, support system, and infrastructure will support customers with global operations.
- To meet the market’s increased demands for solutions with broad functionality combined with in-depth industry knowledge, IFS will focus on a limited number of industry segments.
- IFS will continue to develop global and local cooperation with partners to enable continued development of the company’s competence and market presence with lower risk and capital requirements.
- IFS will maintain its own supplier capacity for consultant services related to the implementation and use of IFS software in important markets and to support its partners.
- IFS’s ability to offer resources from its Sri Lankan unit for customer projects and cooperation with partners will increase the company’s competitiveness.
- IFS will stimulate increased mobility among all its employees to increase competence and understanding of various international markets.
History
1983
IFS is founded.
1985
IFS launches its first software product, IFS Maintenance.
1990
IFS Applications is launched as a complete suite.
1991
IFS expands into Norway and Finland.
1992
IFS opens its first office outside of Scandinavia in Poland.
1993
IFS’s first graphical user interface (GUI) is launched. Expansion continues in Denmark and Malaysia.
1994
IFS Applications is launched with an object-orientated technology.
1995
IFS expands into North America.
1996
IFS is listed on the Swedish stock exchange. IFS Applications becomes component-based.
1997
IFS Web Client is launched.
1999
IFS is represented on all continents.
2001
Java-based Internet portals and mobile solutions are introduced.
2002
IFS available entirely on web services
2004
NEC increases its support for IFS by acquiring a stake in IFS’s share capital.
2005
More than 500,000 users of IFS Applications.
2006
Release of IFS Applications 7. Alastair Sorbie is appointed CEO.
2007
IFS delivers solutions for the Intelligent Desktop and project-based solutions.
2008
IFS launches a new GUI for increased usability and higher productivity.
2009
IFS Acquires MultiPlus Solutions
2010
Acquisition of 360 Scheduling, the world’s leading provider of mobile workforce scheduling.
2012
Release of IFS Applications 8.
2012
IFS Acquires Metrix, LatinIFS
2013
IFS restructures aerospace and defense from partner to internal team
2013
750,000 user benchmark
2014
IFS Academy launches
2015
Launch of IFS Applications 9
2015
1,000,000 users
2015
IFS acquires VisionWaves
Corporate Social Responsibility
A global company, which by its definition is a collective of many individuals, has by its sheer size the opportunity to affect the world, be it in a good or bad way. If you have the power to make such an impact, you also have an obligation to act in a responsible way.
You have to be aware of the impact of the decisions you make and be sure that the communities affected by them – be they environmental or people related –improve by the way you do business. At IFS, we are taking a proactive approach to corporate social responsibility (CSR) through:
- Sustainability
- Education
- Our people
When you have offices all around the world, the sheer size of your company can mean heavy use of resources such as electricity and paper. It also means long distances between colleagues and offices. In order to reduce travelling and waste of resources, smart technologies like online meeting tools and power saving utilities have been implemented throughout the company. Our IT infrastructure has been consolidated with suppliers that conform to high environmental demands and employees are encouraged to work from home by using collaborative computer tools.
Education is something that can make a real difference. As a large employer, we recognize the benefits that education can provide individuals, families and communities. IFS is proud to be collaborating with schools and universities to provide them IT equipment, time and expertise from staff as well as scholarships and work experience not only to enhance students’ learning experiences, but also to make sure that they can make a material difference when graduating. IFS’s operation in Sri Lanka is a great example of how this approach can be implemented to great effect.
Our employees comprise the community closest to our business. In fact, employees are the company. We have created a diverse workforce, where equality is promoted and people like coming to work. Our philosophy is that happy employees will run a healthy and successful business. Given our sixth consecutive placement as one of the top ten Great Places to Work in Sweden, we figure that we are on the right track.