February 13, 2021 – Business Intelligence

A manufacturing client required project management support to re-implement IFS ERP system to eliminate extensive customization.

The Challenge

Client implemented ERP system IFS in 2016. In 2020, four years post implementation, the Client’s pain points included:

  • Only utilizing 50% of the purchased IFS functionality

  • Only utilizing ~50% of the customizations implemented in 2016

  • Experiencing downtime associated with ‘core code customizations’

  • Unable to leverage new developments released by IFS due to heavy customizations. Operating on IFS version installed in 2016.

  • High resistance and nervousness from the business to start any new initiative on IFS

Client Project Objectives

Eliminate 50+ Core Code Customizations and help the business transition to standard IFS functionality

One year timeline to transfer IFS functionality currently utilized by the business in IFS APPS 8 to latest version IFS APPS 10

Manage budget

Mantrax
Project
Objectives

Deliver Client Objectives without the project taxing Client’s day-to-day operations

Client’s business team (NOT the Project Team) to lead decisions on processes. Project Team to present options on how to leverage Standard IFS Functionality.

Deliver a positive and seamless project experience for the Client Project Team and the impacted Client stakeholders.

Servcies Provided

Vendor Selection

Mantrax helped select an IFS partner through a methodological selection process including RFQ cadence, vendor interviews, customer referrals and pilot projects with short listed vendors. 

Gap Analysis

Mantrax worked with the IFS consulting partner and internal Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to structure the gap analysis between current IFS version and targeted IFS functionality. Barrday's goal was to transition to standard IFS functionality, as a result, it was important to structure the gap analysis in a manner that highlighted technical, functional, business process and change management tasks necessary to support the full implementation.

Internal Capability Development

Mantrax worked with Barrday to assess current and future state internal IFS capability and capacity requirements. To help fill gaps in capacity and capability, Mantrax developed and managed the full recruitment and onboarding process to strengthen the internal IFS team and to prepare for re-implementation.

Tactical Project Management

Mantrax provided tactical day-to-day project management services to help drive objectives to completion. Project management services included standard project services, as well as team member coaching and active risk management to help ensure project timelines were achieved. 

Vendor Management

As part of the project management services, Mantrax managed all external vendors directly to align on project objectives, to structure weekly work plans and to manage the overall project budget. 

Results

100

Elimination of Core Code Customization

50

Reduction in Project Resource Allocation

100

Project Scope
Delivered

200

Annual Savings in Operating Expenses

Project Success Factors

Set & Regularly Communicated
Clear Objectives

Follow a Simple Project
Governance Cadence

Established a Capable
Internal Team

Practiced a Weekly Communication &
Reporting Displine

Established & Monitored Pace
for Each Workstream

Hear From Our Clients

— Jim Gast – Operations Manager, Barrday, Inc.

"I have been through multiple ERP implementations, both at Barrday and a previous employer, and the recent implementation of IFS APPS 10 was by far the most successful. This was mainly due to the project organization and attention to detail of the implementation team. The attention to detail, not only focused on getting the system up and running but wanting to understand the challenges (more…)

— Lori Webber – Director of Finance, Barrday

"Mantrax was instrumental in our ability to go live with our system implementation on time and on budget. Mantrax immersed themselves in the process, and had a phenomenal understanding of the issues we were facing and the personalities of those individuals involved (more…)

Read the full Case Study to see how Mantrax helped Barrday re-implement IFS and shift to standard IFS functionality.  The keys to project success were  strategic project design, regular mentorship for team members and day-to-day tactical project management.

Every company and project is unique, as a result, at Mantrax we focus on developing a unique project strategy and practical hand-on support to help clients reach objectives on time, on budget and without unwanted chaos.

Download the full case study to read additional client testimonials and for a details on project results.

IFS ERP

Download the Full Success Story