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IFS CLOUD:

Integration Services

Step-by-step diagram of the integration process with IFS Cloud, image by Novacura

Our integration process with IFS Cloud is meticulously designed to ensure seamless and efficient integration tailored to your business needs. Start with a comprehensive integration analysis, followed by an in-depth diagnosis of the architecture and environment to pinpoint functional and technical requirements.

Leveraging the powerful capabilities of Novacura Flow, our low-code platform, we streamline the integration process, enabling rapid deployment and real-time dataflow monitoring, These IFS integration services enhance your ERP system’s flexibility and performance.

As an IFS integrator, we ensure that all components work harmoniously, providing a robust and adaptable solution for your business.

OUR IFS INTEGRATION PROCESS:

The first stage of IFS integration - Integration Analysis, image by Novacura

Integration Analysis

In this initial phase, we conduct a thorough diagnosis of the architecture and environment to understand the current system setup. This process is essential for identifying areas for ERP enhancement and ensuring optimal system performance.

 

We place significant emphasis on analyzing business cases and mapping these integrations to specific use-cases, ensuring that the data flow and triggers between IFS and other systems are clearly defined. This ERP integration strategy clarifies the benefits, such as improved data accuracy and streamlined operations.

 

By understanding how information received from integrations impacts various data points in the IFS system and determining what actions in IFS should trigger outgoing messages, we lay a solid foundation for seamless integration. Utilizing a robust ERP integration platform, we ensure your business processes align with your strategic goals.

The second stage of IFS integration - Technical Specification Preparation, image by Novacura

Technical Specification Preparation

Considering the overall requirements and previously analyzed technical limitations, we select the appropriate methods and IFS capabilities, such as migration tools and IFS Connect, to ensure seamless integration. We focus on providing a comprehensive ERP integration solution tailored to your business needs.

 

If gaps remain, we opt to conduct integrations "outside" of IFS, recommending the use of the Novacura Flow integration engine. This approach allows us to design a robust ERP software integration architecture tailored to meet both functional and technical needs, ensuring effective data integration.

The third stage of IFS integration - Integration Tools Configuration, image by Novacura

Integration Tools Configuration

In this phase, we start with the installation and setup of IFS built-in tools, ensuring the system is ready for integration. We proceed with data migration and IFS integration configuration, ensuring that all data flows smoothly between systems. As an experienced ERP ​​system integrator, we ensure the process is efficient and reliable.

 

If necessary, we also install the Novacura Flow Integration Engine and perform its technical configuration to connect various external systems efficiently.

The optional stage of IFS integration - Installation of Integration Engine, image by Novacura

(Optional) Installation of Integration Engine

The Integration Engine is recommended for more advanced integrations. This approach enables us to create a robust integration architecture tailored to meet both functional and technical requirements. We provide it because it allows to:

  • Timeout Control: Manage integration execution times to prevent issues.
  • Performance Monitoring: Continuously oversee integration performance.
  • Measurements & Optimization: Gain detailed insights for ongoing performance tuning.
  • Load Control (Throttling): Regulate the integration workload to ensure stability
The fourth stage of IFS integration - Integration Logic Implementation, image by Novacura

Integration Logic Implementation

During this stage, we customize and, if needed, modify IFS to align with the integration requirements. For more complex integrations, we utilize the low-code-based Integration Service in Novacura Flow to streamline the implementation process and ensure flexibility. This approach ensures that all integration logic is effectively implemented, maintaining seamless data flow between systems.

The optional stage of IFS integration - Additional IFS API projections development, image by Novacura

(Optional) Additional IFS API projections development

An advanced step in this stage is the development of additional IFS API projections to meet specific integration needs. This requires deep knowledge of the internal API layers of IFS, which are not publicly accessible.

 

Our ERP integration specialists leverage our expertise in these internal layers andcreate custom API endpoints that ensure precise and efficient data exchange, tailored to handle unique business requirements.

 

There are several scenarios where IFS enhancement is necessary to address specific integration challenges:

  • There is a lack of access to certain data or operations in the standard IFS Cloud API.
  • There are performance issues with the standard APIs, and they need to be optimized for a specific case.
  • It is necessary to ensure transactional execution of a sequence of multiple data-modifying operations in IFS.
  • Creating a new method that "wraps" several individual operations (from the API) into one large, complex operation.
The fifth stage of IFS integration - Integration Tests, image by Novacura

Integration Tests

In this critical stage, we begin with thorough bug fixing to ensure the stability and reliability of the integration. We then conduct performance analysis and optimization to guarantee that the system operates efficiently under various conditions. If applicable, we also optimize the Novacura Flow Integration Engine to enhance the overall performance and responsiveness of the integration.

The sixth stage of IFS integration - Go Live, image by Novacura

Go Live!

In this exciting stage, we execute the Go Live for the IFS Cloud, ensuring that the system is fully operational and integrated. If applicable, we also proceed with the Go Live for Novacura Flow, seamlessly incorporating it into the overall infrastructure. This phase marks the culmination of our meticulous integration efforts, enabling your business to leverage the full capabilities of the integrated systems.

The seventh stage of IFS integration - Post GoLive Intense Support, image by Novacura

Post GoLive Intense Support

In the final stage, we provide intense support to ensure smooth operation Post Go Live. This includes continuous monitoring, stabilization, and performance optimization to maintain system efficiency and reliability. Additionally, we offer dedicated support for the Novacura Flow Integration Engine to address any issues and ensure seamless integration performance.

The optional stage of IFS integration - Support Integration Engine, image by Novacura

(Optional) Suport Integration Engine

Integration Engine is covered by our post-implementation support, which includes both maintenance of the platform itself and services such as business monitoring (checking the correctness of integration operations), as well as further development and customization as needed.


Upgrade service deliverables:

Physical

  1. Integration tools established / configured
  2. Integration established and ready to use: logic developed, implemented and tested
  3. [Optional] – Novacura Flow Integration Engine (platform installed and configured
  4. [Optional] – low-code connectors and specific API projections of IFS developed and integration implemented
  5. [Optional] – advanced Novacura Flow Integration Engine Monitoring System established

 

and more…

Documentation

  1. Project management documentation (plans, protocols, and other artifacts)
  2. Diagnosis (AS-IS) : architecture and environment evidence
  3. Integration Architecture
  4. Requirements : Functional / Business requirements (business cases), Technical requirements (limitations)
  5. Technical Specification : Integration Architecture Designing, Functional / Business Layer, Technical Layer
  6. [Optional] – Functional specification – for Novacura Flow apps and integrations
  7. Tests documentation (plans, protocols)
  8. Security and Compliance Reports
  9. Support and Maintenance Plans
  10. Backup and Recovery Plans

 

and more…

 


Why Novacura:

The entire ERP lifecycle diagram, image by Novacura

One versatile partner for years:

Comprehensive range of services

Novacura offers a complete set of services in relation to IFS Applications / IFS Cloud systems. Thanks to that, when choosing Novacura, you get a Partner for years to come. 

We help our customers during the entire ERP lifecycle. We can help them grow with their IFS system, and we can help them optimize the way they use the IFS systems by carrying out "ERP usage efficiency audits". 

Novacura - the best IFS Channel Partner of the Year, image by Novacura

Awarded partner:

Gold Channel partner

Novacura has partnered with IFS since 2015.

Our Channel Partner Agreement includes the Nordic region (with the Baltics) where Novacura will Resell and Co-sell IFS Cloud.

 

Novacura was awarded IFS Channel Partner of the Year in 2017, 2019 and 2022. An exclusive and honorable status that is only given to the best IFS partners.

Diagram of overall experience in the IFS Consulting Department, image by Novacura

Our team:

IFS competencies & experience

Our Service division hires the best IFS consultants you can find in the market. A lot of them have 10+ years of experience in IFS.

They have realized dozens of projects connected to IFS systems – implementations, upgrades and service projects.

Our Teams are located in our offices around the world, so we can be really close to our customers when they need it, and provide cost-effective offshore support whenever it is possible. 

Novacura offers mature IFS Implementation methodology, image by Novacura

Our predictability:

Mature methodology

The success of our projects is not only based on the skills of an individual consultant. To be able to perform big projects, we must act as one team, where all team members share the same tools and methods, and aim at the same goal. In Novacura we have established the Project Office unit, which establishes our project management methodology and tools. It also controls projects at various stages. With that, all projects are transparent for the entire organization and can be monitored on a regular basis. As a consequence, we achieve predictability of the results and schedule.

Evergreen ERP strategy, image by Novacura

Prepared for Evergreen:

Clean ERP architecture without modifications

With the IFS Cloud version, IFS introduced the "evergreen" strategy for IFS systems. IFS ends a previous versioning philosophy (v7, v8 .. v10), where new versions were announced once every few years. Now IFS promised to release a new IFS Cloud version twice a year! But this also brings challenges to customers: companies must be prepared to upgrade their modifications much more often!

With Novacura Flow, customers can keep their customizations outside of the ERP, as low-code applications. Then, when the need for an upgrade comes, they simply "reconnect" Flow applications to the new IFS version, without porting them.

Interface of Novacura Flow Integration Engine, image by Novacura

Industry expertise:

The role of the Integration Engine

Beside standard IFS Integration the Novacura offers an Novacura Flow Integration Engine that serves as a dynamic front-end interface for your ERP system, streamlining complexity by empowering the creation of sophisticated business services. Its prowess lies in effortlessly linking your ERP with diverse systems and equipment, extending beyond ERP to embrace integration with various systems, cultivating a robust "service-oriented architecture" through a centralized service bus.

 

This versatile tool adeptly manages scheduled data exchanges, diligently monitors all integration calls, and bestows IT administrators with a transparent view of executed integrations. Essentially, it acts as a comprehensive solution, fostering connectivity, efficiency, and control in the intricate landscape of modern business operations.

48 Essential Questions About IFS Cloud Integration Answered!

Explore the 9 key obstacles you may face, find practical solutions from industry professionals, and gain expert advice to facilitate your upgrade process.

Free whitepaper: 48 Essential Questions About IFS Cloud Integration Answered!
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Östen Westman

IFS Expert

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You can also reach out to us via email: info@novacura.com