The move to IFS Cloud is a major theme across the ERP landscape. For UK organisations, the benefits include evergreen updates, AI‑powered features and industry‑specific functionality. However, upgrading from IFS Applications 9 or 10 – or even older versions – to the cloud introduces challenges that need careful planning. Drawing on insights from Sorcha Systems and the wider ERP community, here’s what UK project managers should consider.

Why upgrade?

IFS Cloud offers continuous innovation and AI‑enabled features, helping businesses automate processes and make data‑driven decisions. Upgrading preserves configurations and data, making it a faster and more cost‑effective route for organisations on more recent versions. A cloud upgrade can minimise disruption and allow teams to continue using familiar workflows. For companies on much older versions or with heavy customisations, a re‑implementation may unlock greater long‑term value by redesigning processes and eliminating inefficiencies.

Common challenges

Data migration

Moving data from legacy systems to IFS Cloud service can be complex. Incomplete or inconsistent data can corrupt the new environment. Best practice is to treat data migration as a separate project: identify the data to move, cleanse duplicates, fix errors and map fields carefully.

Downtime and disruption

Even a short cutover window can disrupt operations. UK businesses often operate across multiple time zones and have regulatory reporting deadlines. Minimising downtime requires rehearsed cutover plans, parallel runs and contingency scenarios. IFS Cloud upgrades typically have shorter timelines than re‑implementations, but planning is still critical.

Change management

User resistance is a significant risk. Staff may be comfortable with existing processes and reluctant to adopt new workflows. Effective communication, training and user involvement are essential. Engage stakeholders early to build ownership and gather feedback.

Best practices

1. Pre‑upgrade assessment. Review your current system’s customisations, integrations and compliance requirements. Determine whether an upgrade or re‑implementation is appropriate. Sorcha Systems notes that an upgrade preserves configurations, reducing cost and disruption, while re‑implementation allows a fresh start.

2. Stakeholder engagement. Secure executive sponsorship and involve key users from finance, operations and IT. Early engagement builds buy‑in and surfaces issues before they become blockers.

3. Data cleansing and preparation. Identify duplicate or outdated records and resolve them before migration. Clean data reduces the risk of post‑upgrade errors.

4. Testing and training. Conduct multiple rounds of unit, system and user acceptance testing. Provide role‑based training so users understand new functionality and processes. Testing should include key regulatory reports to ensure compliance.

5. Post‑go‑live optimisation. After the cutover, monitor system performance, user adoption and business processes. Use the upgrade as an opportunity to streamline workflows and retire unnecessary customisations.

How Sorcha Systems can help

Sorcha Systems has supported numerous UK organisations through IFS Cloud transitions. We help assess whether an upgrade or re‑implementation best fits your business goals. Our consultants plan migrations, train users and provide post‑go‑live support. By combining independent advice with deep IFS expertise, we reduce risk and maximise the benefits of cloud adoption.

Planning an IFS Cloud upgrade? Contact Sorcha Systems via sorchasystems.com to schedule a consultation. Our team will help you navigate the options and design a roadmap that minimises disruption and delivers long‑term value.