IFS, a leading technology provider of enterprise cloud and industrial AI software, has announced the general availability of its latest IFS Cloud release.
As the only vendor dedicated to helping asset and service-focused companies harness the power of Industrial AI, IFS introduces new AI-powered functionalities to enhance operational effectiveness and profitability.
This release emphasizes three strategic themes, all supported by the powerful IFS.ai Copilot, which aids users in understanding and utilizing data from across a company’s supply chain and operations.
Humans and Technology in Harmony
The IFS Cloud extends its capabilities beyond human potential to asset potential, ensuring optimal operation, minimizing downtime, and extending asset lifespans. Key features and capabilities include:
- IFS.ai Copilot: Enhances decision-making and user engagement through an AI-powered assistant. The initial focus is on IFS Cloud help and support information, boosting productivity through timely knowledge and guidance.
- Analytics as a Service: Accelerates time to value and provides valuable insights while reducing capital and operating costs.
- Transport Loading: Improves shipment processes, supports greater capacity utilization, and speeds up goods loading.
- Task Bundling for Service: Increases technician utilization and efficiency, reduces travel costs and emissions, and improves service margins.
- Maintenance Planning and Scheduling New Lobbies: Enhances visibility and drives efficient asset maintenance operations and compliance.
Winning in a Volatile Landscape
Business success depends on measurable profitability. This release equips customers to fine-tune global operations, lower costs, reduce waste, and explore new business models. Key features and capabilities include:
- Supply Chain Customer Scheduling: Manages multiple open schedules from the same plant simultaneously, increasing productivity and time savings.
- Advanced SLA Management: Enhances margins, SLA adherence, and compliance.
- Incomplete & Follow-on Process: Improves service management with an intuitive guided technician process, ensuring SLA compliance, avoiding penalties, and boosting customer satisfaction.
- Business to Business Portal: Allows contractors to record multi-site work, providing greater control and visibility while streamlining communication between contractors and asset owners.
Sustainability as a Competitive Edge
IFS Cloud enables businesses to achieve sustainability goals and champion environmental stewardship, resonating with stakeholders from consumers to investors. Key features and capabilities include:
- Emissions Tracker: Enhancements for accurate tracking of sustainability progress, including select Scope 3 emissions categories and kilowatt consumption data from utility invoices.
- ESG Lobbies: Powered by Power BI for real-time access to focused insights.
- Support for Circular Manufacturing: Reduces production costs by planning the remanufacturing process, introducing new revenue streams, and lowering carbon footprints.
- Packing Material Management: Enables sustainable operations by handling unit accessories as inventory, increasing the use of reusable packaging.
Christian Pedersen, Chief Product Officer at IFS, commented: “With this latest release of IFS Cloud, customers will benefit from a new level of meaningful AI capabilities and innovation that is truly relevant to their industry and impactful to their business. The IFS.ai Copilot is the natural next step for IFS Cloud users to engage with and benefit from the AI capabilities we have embedded into IFS Cloud. We’re offering so much more than generic AI – our industrial AI approach means customers can effectively manage supply chains and improve their operations. We’re creating an environment where technology and human ingenuity come together.”
Pedersen added: “At a time when regulation in Europe and the US is compelling companies to set and manage their Sustainability commitments, we are offering new AI-powered capabilities that help companies improve their operations and report progress. As we look ahead, it’s clear that IFS.ai will continue to be a catalyst for change, driving businesses forward with purpose and passion within the industrial setting. The future is not just bright; it’s AI-powered, composable, and cloud-enabled, and it’s here now.”
IFS.ai Applied
The new capabilities in 24R1 provide powerful industrial AI functionality, along with new industry-specific tools. For example, in Aerospace and Defense, new Aircraft Release to Service functionality automatically detects and flags missing mandatory components and overdue maintenance tasks for compliance and risk reduction. Additionally, Aircraft Airworthiness Status Insights provide visibility and control of fleet status and aircraft in maintenance, offering aviation operators efficiency and productivity gains. The new release offers similar benefits to customers in other asset and service-focused industries.
