When organizations decide to move to IFS Cloud, they’re often focused on the end goal: a flexible, scalable ERP environment that brings finance, supply chain, HR, and operations under one roof. But as any seasoned IT leader knows, the implementation is where success or failure is determined.
 

Even the most capable internal teams can overlook small details that snowball into costly setbacks. From integration complexity to user adoption, the hidden risks behind an IFS Cloud deployment can quietly derail timelines, budgets, and trust.
 

At Forseti Solutions, we specialize in helping companies implement and integrate IFS ERP systems effectively, aligning technology, processes, and people for long-term success. Here are five of the most common risks we see during IFS Cloud rollouts, along with how to mitigate them before they affect your project. 

1. Underestimating Data Migration Complexity

Data migration is rarely “plug and play.” Legacy systems often contain inconsistent formats, duplicate records, or outdated master data that don’t align with IFS Cloud’s structure.
 

Did You Know? According to research from the Bloor Group and Gartner, data migration projects frequently face major challenges. More than 80% run over time or budget, with average cost overruns of 30% and schedule delays of 41%.
 

In fact, Gartner reports that up to 83% of these projects either fail or exceed their planned budgets and timelines.
 

Mitigation Tip:

Start with a comprehensive data audit before your migration plan is finalized. Identify what data should be cleaned, archived, or converted. Partnering with experienced IFS consultants helps ensure that mapping and transformation rules match your business logic, not just the system’s requirements. 

2. Misaligned Business Processes

IFS Cloud’s strength lies in its configurability, but that flexibility can also lead to confusion. Many teams attempt to replicate legacy workflows inside IFS without questioning whether those processes still make sense.
 

The result? Overly customized configurations make future upgrades and maintenance harder.
 

Mitigation Tip:

Use your IFS Cloud deployment as an opportunity to streamline: Document existing workflows, challenge unnecessary steps, and align configurations with industry best practices. A “fit-to-standard” mindset not only reduces customization costs but also simplifies future updates as IFS evolves. 

3. Integration Gaps Between Systems

Most organizations rely on multiple applications for CRM, HR, logistics, or analytics, and IFS Cloud must communicate seamlessly with them. If integration requirements are discovered late, the entire go-live schedule can be disrupted.
 

Did You Know? ERP Research notes that implementing an IFS ERP system requires deep technical expertise and a strong understanding of business processes, making self-deployment risky and complex. Partnering with professionals ensures systems are integrated efficiently and aligned with organizational goals.
 

Mitigation Tip:

Identify all integration points early, including internal systems, trading partners, and third-party APIs. Choose an implementation partner with deep expertise in IFS integration and EDI to ensure your data flows are secure, automated, and monitored from day one.
 

Forseti Solutions provides specialized IFS integration solutions and implementation support needed to minimize risk and maximize long-term performance. 

4. Change Management and User Adoption Challenges

Even the best implementation can fail if your team isn’t ready to embrace it. Users often cling to old habits, skip training, or use workarounds that bypass the system.
 

Mitigation Tip:

Start change management from day one. Communicate the “why” behind the move to IFS Cloud, and identify champions in each department to advocate for adoption. Interactive training and clear documentation can turn reluctant users into confident contributors and ensure consistent data entry and reporting post-launch. 

5. Insufficient Post-Go-Live Support

Once the system is live, the work isn’t over. Many organizations underestimate the need for ongoing support and governance to manage updates, integrations, and continuous improvement.

Without proper monitoring, small issues can go unnoticed until they cause disruptions or security risks.
 

Mitigation Tip:

Plan for post-implementation support before you go live. Establish governance protocols, monitor system performance, and maintain an open feedback loop with your implementation partner. 

Forseti Methodology: Avoiding Risk Through Expert Implementation

Implementing an IFS ERP system is a complex process that demands technical expertise, business process knowledge, and careful project management. Attempting to manage it internally can lead to costly errors, integration issues, and delays. Working with experienced professionals helps ensure a smoother implementation, reducing risk while aligning systems, data, and workflows for long-term efficiency and success.
 

Ready to build a smoother, smarter IFS Cloud implementation?

Contact Forseti Solutions today to connect with an expert who can help you plan, deploy, and scale with confidence.