IFS to keep First Engineering on the rails

Railways infrastructure company First Engineering, which works for Network Rail, ScotRail and London Underground, is currently implementing IFS Applications 2004 in a deal worth £1 million. The new ERP system, which will replace multiple disparate legacy systems, is aimed at improving risk management on its projects, and is due for completion due by the summer of next year. The company says it expects to be able to provide management with a complete view of its project business, while also simplifying staff and resource allocation. It also says the system will benefit clients through better project and resource planning, better contract management and improved safety through standardisation. John Logie, First Engineering project manager, says: “Our business is project-based and so it is critical we allocate the right type and number of staff to each project. Risk management is critical to our business and IFS provides us with an end-to-end solution to help manage each project more efficiently.” First Engineering is using IFS Services for implementation and training, taking a phased approach to the roll-out. It is deploying most components, including Projects, Financials, HR, Distribution, Document Management and Supply Chain Management.