IFS launches IFS Applications 7.5 brings adaptability to global manufacturers

It’s a similar story to that of all the4 major ERP players – serving manufacturers’ increasing requirement for constant change in response to the opportunities available. Specifically, v7.5 now has a single code base that makes it easier to perform adaptation – and also in terms of regulatory and language requirements for key markets – rather than multiple country-specific code-bases that inevitably need separate support and upgrades. “Global companies need industry-specific functionality that will support growth and provide the agility they need to gain competitive advantage on the international stage,” says Alastair Sorbie IFS CEO. “IFS Applications 7.5, which is SOA [services orientated architecture]-based, builds on seven generations of component-based applications. We’ve worked with customers to enhance the user experience, as well as to deliver real business benefits to improve productivity.” One such, Heinz Ensen, CIO Europe at Flint Group, one of the first customers to implement IFS Applications 7.5, says IFS is doing it well. “We need to manage our supply chain across 18 sites in eleven different countries,” he says. “Executing this efficiently with IFS’ multi-site planning capabilities means we are faster and more responsive to customers and also reduces our working capital. Being able to use different local units of measurement as well means we can ensure consistent and accurate data across regions.” As for the new stuff, principal features include: extended support for global organisations; better risk management across multiple projects (components for contract management, from tender to execution, including financial control and planning, provide the visibility); and improved support for global supply chain and mixed-mode operations. There’s also a new IFS user interface, dubbed Aurora – a name originally used by Geac in this context for its then new generation System 21 ERP with real time BPM (business process management) – due next year. IFS Aurora, however, “introduces new application age innovative interface” essentially aimed at improving usability and increasing productivity. Key features are a new ergonomic design, embedded enterprise application search and integrated rich media. “The bland look, feel and function of enterprise applications in the workplace are no longer acceptable,” says IFS CTO Dan Matthews. “The developments seen in the consumer sector mean that design in enterprise software is now more important than ever. “Employees want the same usability they have in the latest cell phones, iPods and on the web… Aurora delivers an intuitive interface that engages the user and allows them to work on their own terms... The design focuses on the task to be carried out and less on superfluous tools surrounding it. “The workspace now adapts to the many different sizes of flat panel displays. Aurora ensures IFS Applications can leverage the screen real estate on an engineer’s 30-inch screen, while also fitting into 12-inch ultra-portable laptops used out in the field.” IFS describes Aurora as a “rich Internet application; web-deployed using .Net and SOA technology”. The interface uses a range of navigation technologies, such as adaptable link pages, contextual breadcrumb navigation, and visual recent screens.