Many businesses view ERP consultancy as a one‑time project – get the system live and move on. In reality, the most successful organisations treat consultancy as an evolving partnership that supports growth. Here we outline the lifecycle of an IFS consultancy UK engagement, from the earliest assessment to continuous optimisation.

1. Pre‑implementation assessment

Every engagement begins with understanding the current state and defining the future vision. Consultants perform a system audit, map processes, identify pain points and gather requirements. This stage also involves determining whether an upgrade or re‑implementation is the right path, particularly when moving to IFS Cloud. Independent consultants provide objective advice, considering cost, disruption and long‑term scalability.

2. Implementation and configuration

During implementation, consultants configure modules, set up workflows and integrate with other systems. They collaborate with your team to ensure configurations reflect your unique processes and compliance obligations. Project management, change management and testing are central. Independent consultants bring frameworks for governance and risk management. They balance vendor recommendations with business priorities.

3. Training and adoption support

User adoption determines the success of an ERP system. Consultants develop training plans, create materials and run workshops. Role‑based training ensures each team understands the features relevant to their job. Super users are trained to provide first‑line support and act as champions in their departments.

4. Go‑live and stabilisation

Go‑live is a critical milestone. Consultants plan cutover activities, data migration, and communications. After go‑live, a hypercare period provides intensive support to resolve issues quickly. Monitoring tools track performance and adoption, allowing consultants to intervene before small issues become major problems.

5. Continuous optimisation

Once stabilised, the focus shifts to incremental improvements. Consultants conduct regular health checks, analyse system metrics and gather user feedback. They recommend updates, retire unused customisations and implement new features. This proactive approach aligns with the notion of continuous lifecycle management.

6. Planning for upgrades and scaling

As technology and business needs evolve, upgrades to IFS Cloud or new modules become necessary. Consultants help evaluate options and plan migrations. They ensure that upgrades align with your strategic goals and minimise disruption. For companies moving into new markets or expanding product lines, consultants design the ERP environment to scale accordingly.

7. Long‑term partnership

The greatest value comes from a long‑term partnership. Independent consultants learn your business inside‑out, anticipate needs and remain a trusted adviser. They complement vendor support, ensuring that you benefit from product innovations while keeping the system aligned with your objectives.

Sorcha Systems’ engagement model

Sorcha Systems views consultancy as an ongoing journey. We partner with clients from assessment through optimisation, providing consistent support. Our engagements are structured to scale with your needs, whether you require occasional guidance or a full programme of continuous improvement.

If you’re looking for a consultancy partner who will accompany you from go‑live to growth, connect with Sorcha Systems. Let’s build a roadmap that ensures your IFS investment keeps delivering value year after year.