IFS Launches IFS Applications 10 and SaaS-Based Fleet and Line Planning Solutions at the IFS World Conference

IFS Applications 10 Launches with New, Engaging User-Experience and 500+ Functional Updates

IFS launches IFS Applications 10, the new version of its enterprise applications suite.  Built to help customers capitalize on disruptive industry trends such as automation, connected devices (IoT), and servitization, the new version helps companies connect their business to a digital backbone.

New to IFS Applications 10 are:

• IFS Aurena: A state-of-the-art browser-based user experience that offer users an intuitive interface. IFS Aurena employs a consumer-first design to drive employee engagement and productivity. Introduced first for business-to-business and casual users, IFS Aurena will continue to evolve at a high pace using IFS’s concept for evergreen enterprise applications.
• AI/human-machine interaction: Drawing on artificial intelligence (AI) technology, IFS Applications 10 features the IFS Aurena Bot that empowers users to interact with the system via voice or textual input in an intuitive and efficient way. IFS Aurena Bot can be used by employees and managers to ask questions in natural language, as well as perform transactions such as registering absence or applying for leave. IFS Aurena Bot can be accessed from popular communications tools such as Skype, Skype for Business, and Facebook Messenger, as well as from within the IFS Aurena user experience.
• Service-centric capabilities: IFS Applications 10 includes major investments to support service-focused organizations, especially for manufacturers with service or aftermarket operations as well as service companies that need an integrated enterprise applications suite tailored to their business model. Among the major updates in this area are the ability to manage service work and contract quotations directly in the CRM module, enhanced support for multi-person and multi-occurrence work execution, continued investment in IFS Mobile Work Order, better management and visualization of resource demand and utilization, cost control and WIP accounting along with new capabilities to engage with customers across the service lifecycle and manage work outsourced to contractors.
• Demand-driven MRP (DDMRP): DDMRP is an extension of traditional MRP that helps companies deal with today’s challenges caused by short product lifecycles, long lead times and high demand variability. By introducing strategic inventory buffers, companies can reduce lead times and become increasingly demand-driven instead of having to rely on uncertain forecasts. IFS’s embedded solution has been validated and approved by the Demand Driven Institute, which demonstrates IFS’s ability to offer cost-efficient implementations.
• Manufacturing functionality: The new version boasts major enhancements to support process manufacturing, including new and extended capabilities for traceability, quality management, recipe and formula management, batch balancing, rework, and trade management. The extended features empower manufacturers leverage digital transformation into increased efficiency.
• Enhancements for global business: To offer extended support for globalized businesses, IFS Applications 10 features a completely rebuilt engine for global tax management, more multi-company capabilities, as well as robust support for parallel ledgers.
• Modern and cloud-friendly APIs: Open micro-service organized APIs, built according to the latest RESTful principles and the OASIS oData standard, ensure easy integration of data and processes in IFS Applications with IoT and AI technologies, Microsoft Office365, and most other modern cloud technologies and SaaS solutions.

IFS Launches SaaS-Based Fleet and Line Planning Solutions for the Commercial Aviation Industry

IFS also announced the launch of IFS Maintenix Fleet Planner and IFS Maintenix Line Planner, two Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions designed to help commercial operators of all sizes boost the efficiency of their long-range and line maintenance planning, make the most effective use of available maintenance resources, and drive greater aircraft operational availability. The launch represents the first in a series of SaaS-based IFS Maintenix solutions geared specifically for the mission-critical maintenance and engineering needs of the global commercial aviation market.

Commercial Aviation is witnessing an unprecedented growth in fleet sizes worldwide. Key to an operator’s success is delivering the best maintenance plans that align closely with operational performance objectives while adhering to critical safety requirements.

IFS Maintenix Fleet Planner is designed to help generate more effective long-range plans for heavy maintenance activities and reduce the manual effort of keeping them up-to-date. It quickly and automatically generates simple or complex fleet maintenance plans, and gives users the ability to compare plans against key performance indicators, model ‘what if’ scenarios, and publish to production. These efficiency gains ensure decision-makers have the time and insight to choose the best possible plan and quickly react to schedule changes.

The solution was designed with the input of experienced long-range planners from a cross-section of large and small aircraft fleet operators. As part of an early adopter program, IFS Maintenix Fleet Planner has already been selected by a large North American airline that operates a mixed fleet of wide-body, narrow-body and regional jets. The system has been subjected to real-world use and has demonstrated an ability to enable improvements in aircraft availability, check yield, and hangar utilization.

IFS Maintenix Line Planner enables planners to efficiently create, maintain and communicate an executable line maintenance plan. The solution helps drive greater efficiencies by focusing attention on high priority items and identifying the cause of maintenance issues, such as lack of parts, labor or special tools. Through automated workflows, IFS Maintenix Line Planner empowers users to more readily react to last-minute schedule changes and maximize line operational capability, maintenance task yield, and network resources.

The solution was co-developed in partnership with LATAM Airlines, the largest airline operator in Latin America with a fleet of over 300 aircraft and maintenance facilities spread throughout South and Central America. As IFS’ partner in creating and proving the value of this solution, LATAM is live today and seeing the benefits from its use of IFS Maintenix Line Planner.

Both IFS Maintenix solutions work seamlessly with any Maintenance and Engineering software system, and are deployed in a SaaS environment, enabling organizations to quickly and cost-effectively capitalize on innovative solutions to meet the evolving business needs of their maintenance management operations, while easily scaling in lockstep with changes to organizational and aircraft fleet plans.

IFS Maintenix Fleet Planner is available immediately, while IFS Maintenix Line Planner will be generally available in Q3 2018.