Tag Archives: IFS

Roy Wagemans, IFS Product Marketing Manager

Leave a comment

roy-wagemansRoy Wagemans is the Product Marketing Manager at IFS. With an international career spanning more than 25 years with a degree in business from Henley Management College and a Master Degree in Systems Analysis, Roy has the ideal background for translating the technicalities of products into clearly defined messages to the market and our customers.

Why did you decide to present your webinar on trends in analytics?

Analytics has been a topic of discussion for a long time now and pretty much all companies have analytics capabilities in some way, shape or form. With IoT adoption set to take off and the knock-on effect this will have on Digital Transformation efforts, I think we are at an inflection point and need to review whether we are getting the maximum ROI from the data we are storing and analyzing. With the use of machine learning and prescriptive analytics set to increase, we need to ensure our Master Data Management is in order and the processes and systems we use for analytics are rationalized. Otherwise we will run the risk of just adding an additional layer of cost to our data management expenditure.

What insights will the audience gain by attending this webinar?

IFS is not a technology vendor, so we will not be talking about the ins and outs of developments in analytics. We’ll give pragmatic insight into the application of advanced analytics in business systems. Being able to apply machine learning to data is one thing, it is what you do with the results that, in the end, makes a difference on business outcomes.

How did you get into the industry?

In 1997 I started working on projects to manage heterogeneous database landscapes and have lived in the world of data ever since. Most notably, in 1999, I started leading development activities related to Off-board Prognostics and Health Management (i.e. predictive analytics) for the F-35, Joint Strike Fighter. In later roles I moved from program management to put more focus on the hardware needed for cloud based and workstation based analytics for companies such as Exasol, Synerscope and R Systems.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I enjoy staying up to speed with the state of the art and developing product positioning and marketing messages for the products our R&D department develops. We have a varied, globally available product portfolio so there are always new products to introduce and improvements to be made.

What motivates you?

The speed with which the digital world is changing, and keeping up with it.

Join Roy in the upcoming webinar ‘5 Key Trends in Analytics‘ where experts from Microsoft, IDC and IFS provide new information and insight on big data and analytics. Register now!

TOP 3 QUESTIONS TO ADDRESS WHEN PLANNING FOR THE INTERNET OF THINGS

Leave a comment

by Kristen Weygandt  |  May 6, 2016

IFS Banner

Business insight from Microsoft, IFS and IDC share what actions you should take to maximize the benefits of the Internet of Things.

Talk of IoT is everywhere. It’s in the news, across social media, a topic of discussion in the office — it’s truly everywhere. But, that shouldn’t come to us as a shock because the Internet of Things (IoT) is a part of our daily lives whether we consciously realize it or not. From mobile devices to buildings to heart monitoring implants to vehicles, these and many other things are all a part of this network of physical objects known as the “Internet of Things.”

HOW IOT WILL IMPACT BUSINESS

Now that IoT has transformed from a “hot-topic” to a driver of business value, organizations need to start thinking strategically. With IoT driving digital transformation, it’s estimated that 75% of large and mid-size companies will have spent $1.5 trillion on IoT solutions by 2020. That being said, no matter your company’s industry or location, having an IoT strategy in place is crucial. These strategies must set the business goals, define the technology requirements and articulate how IoT will ensure the necessary digital transformation of the company.

In a recent IDC report, “Digital Transformation — An Internet of Things Perspective“, IDC explains how IoT will affect business in the coming years, saying:

“The Internet of Things will inevitably affect companies and organizations as the number of connected endpoints grows exponentially and produces a massive amount of data.”

They also stress the importance of why companies should start formulating their IoT strategy, explaining that:

“The explosion in the number of devices and data volumes will drive the need for more enterprise systems to deploy, manage, and make use of these. Establishing interoperability and connectivity standards will be become a priority.”

FORMULATING AN INTERNET OF THINGS STRATEGY

Before you formulate your IoT strategy, check your data and see how it can be used, evaluate and maybe change processes and IT solutions, and gather advice from experts and those who can share their first-hand experiences with you.

On June 7, 2016, Microsoft, IFS and IDC are putting on a webinar titled, “Top 3 Questions to Address When Planning for IoT,” to share their view on how to effectively realize business value from the IoT. In this webinar you will learn from three industry experts who will share their experience and views on how to embark on this journey — Microsoft from a technology perspective, IFS from a business software perspective and IDC sharing today and tomorrow’s best practices. Registration is free but the insight you’ll receive by attending is invaluable.

TOP 3 QUESTIONS TO ADDRESS WHEN PLANNING FOR IOT WEBINAR

The time for action is now. Register today and learn from the experts on how your business can put a strategy in place to maximize the benefits associated with IoT.

Dan Matthews, CTO, IFS

Leave a comment

As the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at IFS, Dan’s responsibilities encompass researching, formulating, and communicating the strategic direction of IFS Applications. Dan leads the Research & Strategy unit, which includes IFS Labs. He also manages IFS’s technical partnerships with Microsoft, Oracle and other players. Dan is a frequent speaker at IFS and industry events.

Since joining IFS in 1996, Dan has held a number of positions within the company, including software engineer and project manager. In his IFS career, Dan has been the driving force behind major projects such as the development of the innovative IFS Enterprise Explorer user interface, the IFS Touch Apps, a series of cloud-based smartphone apps for the enterprise, and IFS’s move to the cloud.

Dan Matthews is a graduate from the Linköping Institute of Technology, where he studied computer software and software engineering. While still at university, Dan founded his own software development company, which he left to pursue a career at IFS.

Outside of the workplace, Dan pursues his hobbies of carpentry and cross-country skiing.

1. Why did you decide to do a webinar with Business Review Webinars?

This is our third time around I believe. We had quite a good turn out the first couple of times so continuing with a winning concept.

2. What is your favorite thing about presenting to a live audience?

Actually it is the opportunity to get and answer questions. Having this interaction, which you can only have with a live audience, makes it much more interesting for me, and I believe for the people listening in as well.

3. What are you looking forward to explaining to the audience?

What it means to take a pragmatic approach to the Internet of Things. There is so much hype around this topic that someone needs to look at the practicalities of going from talking about IoT to doing something and getting some benefit back.

4. Where is your favourite place in the world and why?

There has to be two answers to this. One place is home. That’s where I have my family and my own little piece of this world—the place I can just be. The second is Melbourne, Australia. It’s relaxed, small enough to get around on foot, fantastic climate.

5. What do you do in your leisure time to relax?

I build stuff. Mainly things like walls, stairs, sheds and things around the garden. Best thing so far was building a Swedish “lusthus” (yes, it means lust house). If you don’t know what they look like just google some pictures.

Join Dan, along with speakers from IDC an Microsoft as they discuss the ‘Top 3 Questions to Address When Planning for IoT‘. Register now!

Antony Bourne, Global Industry Director, IFS

Leave a comment

Antony BourneAs the Global Industry Director at IFS, Antony’s responsibilities include acting as the Global Industry Director for Industrial Manufacturing and High Tech as well as managing the other global industry directors. Antony has over 15 years experience in the IT industry, including working in the manufacturing sector. Prior to joining IFS in 1997, he held Business Analyst positions with Ford Motor Company and AlliedSignal. During this time he implemented ERP applications as well as business process improvements.

1. What did the audience learn from attending the webinar?

They learnt that cost is not always the most important factor when choosing a new ERP package, functionality and usability are instead.

Another key factor is that flexibility of the solution ensures ROI.

2. What did you most enjoy about presenting to a live audience?

I always enjoy getting questions and feedback from the audience since it shows that they have understood the issues and want to learn more.

3. How did you get into the industry and what do you most enjoy about your role?

Started as a business analyst at an automotive supplier, installed a new ERP package when our plant was sold to another company, then was going to go to Ireland to be trained in a German ERP package, but had a call from IFS and have been there ever since (since 1997).

 4. What’s the best thing someone has ever taught you?

To always try my best, be honest, and don’t say that I know everything because I don’t and I never will. I am always learning new things from different companies on how they operate their business as well as embracing new technologies as they emerge in the market.

5. How are you hoping to help IFS to grow in the near future and what are your plans for 2015 and 2016?

By showing IFS Applications 9 to both existing customers and prospective customers, and by working with marketing and the analyst community to ensure that they are aware of what we can do and what makes us different to other ERP providers.

6. What motivates you?

I really enjoy meeting customers that I helped with during the sales process successfully going live and meeting up year after year. Listening them tell me that they are still happy with the solution and the support that they get from us makes me feel so happy.

Anthony presented along with his colleague Nick Castellina the IFS webinar ‘Select Flexible Enterprise Software and Be Prepared for Business Challenges’.

The session is now available to watch here.

 

Is Your Business Solution Adequate to Support Your Growth: Find Out in my Upcoming Webinar

Leave a comment

Finding a needle in a haystack is hard, but the task pales in comparison to finding a specific needle in a pile of needles. Selecting the ideal Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution from among the numerous options on the market can feel like just as daunting a challenge. ERP represents a serious investment for any organization and is vital to future success. As such, a great deal is at stake. The ERP selection process should be regarded as a top priority, with appropriate time and resources devoted to it. Top performing organizations approach the selection process with a clear plan in mind and come away with solutions that implement smoothly and help drive business immediately. Further, those that get the most value out of ERP choose a solution that can support them through business change and as they continue to grow. On the other hand, less meticulous organizations become saddled with solutions that continually disappoint, put additional strain on the organization, and often need to be replaced.

In many of my past research surveys, I asked survey takers to indicate the selection criteria they choose when selecting ERP. Functionality and ease of use always come out on top. But while these two selection criteria are integral to selecting a solution that fits your organization today, neither of these criteria are necessarily permanent. Functionality may no longer be adequate as your organization’s needs change, and a system that seems easy to use today may feel clunky in comparison to newer, upgraded solutions over time. In fact, a recent study of mine asked survey takers to indicate the reasons that they replaced their old ERP system (Figure 1). Three of the top four reasons concern solutions that are no longer able to support the business. Maybe it does not have the features needed to continue to operate effectively; maybe it is unable to support connections with emerging technologies; or maybe it can no longer handle the business due to explosive growth. Regardless of the reason, what is the point of paying maintenance on an ERP solution that can no longer support the business?

Figure I: Is it Time to Replace Our System?
IFS

But replacing an ERP can be expensive and disruptive to the business as well as carry a lot of risk. Organizations could be better off staying on the latest version of their solution (the Best-in-Class are 61% more likely to be on the latest release), as well as doing necessary tailoring themselves. For this reason, Best-in-Class organizations are 83% more likely to have a solution that can be quickly tailored to reflect business change. Therefore, flexibility needs to be a top criteria used when selecting an ERP.

This flexibility expands an organizations ability to grow, support new business models, remain compliant, and take advantage of emerging technology. My research has uncovered numerous benefits from selecting an adaptable solution. I have also uncovered many tips on how to take advantage of this flexibility to become a more effective organization. I would like to invite you to attend a webinar that I am presenting on June 9 at 10am EST in partnership with IFS to hear some of these tips. You can register for the webinar by clicking here. I hope you can make it.

 

See how a cloud-based solution can deliver, from leading industry experts at IFS, Microsoft and Aberdeen Group

Leave a comment

 

IFS Webinar

 

 

 

 

 

If you want to understand how the cloud is relevant to your business, and how choosing to run IFS Applications on Microsoft Azure can deliver, then don’t miss the free webinar on December 1 at 3pm London / 10am New York.

Leading the webinar is our panel of industry experts:

In just 45 minutes, they will guide you through the key factors driving cloud adoption, with market insights and a demonstration of real-life cloud problem-solving.

This webinar will help you:

  • Understand the drivers of the market’s adoption of cloud ERP, ESM and EAM
  • Understand the benefits a cloud-based solution can deliver for your business from leading industry experts at IFS, Microsoft and Aberdeen Group
  • See how the cloud can solve a variety of real-world customer challenges
  • Understand how IFS Applications on Azure is relevant for your business

More information at Business Review Webinars. Spaces are limited so sign up today!