Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems like IFS (Industrial and Financial Systems) have become the backbone of modern businesses. They integrate finance, supply chain, manufacturing, projects, HR, maintenance, and other critical operations into one central platform. While the power of IFS is undeniable, most organisations quickly realise that having the system installed is not the same as having it fully optimised. This is where an IFS Functional Consultant becomes invaluable — and where companies around the world rely on Sorcha Systems Ltd, an independent consultancy specialising in IFS support and optimisation.
But what exactly does an IFS Independent Functional Consultant do? And why do businesses benefit so much from working with one? This blog explains both — in real business terms.
What Is an IFS Independent Functional Consultant?
An IFS Independent Functional Consultant is a specialist who understands not only how the IFS system functions, but how businesses operate day-to-day. Their role is to align the ERP system to the organisation’s workflows, performance goals, reporting needs, industry requirements, and long-term business direction.
The “functional” element focuses on business processes and user requirements rather than programming or infrastructure alone. And because they are independent, they are not tied to vendor support constraints — meaning they can tailor the solution purely to the client’s needs.
In simpler terms:
➡ A technical consultant makes the system work
➡ A functional consultant makes the system work for your business
Core Responsibilities of an IFS Independent Functional Consultant
Here are the main areas a functional consultant specialises in:
✔ Business Process Mapping
Understanding how the company operates (before touching the system).
✔ System Configuration
Setting up modules to match real workflows — not theoretical templates.
✔ Workflow & Automation Improvement
Eliminating manual tasks through automation and smarter configuration.
✔ Module Optimisation
Enhancing the performance of finance, HR, supply chain, projects, maintenance, etc.
✔ Reports & Dashboards
Building real-time, relevant insights for teams and leadership.
✔ User Training & Adoption
Ensuring staff can get the best out of IFS while reducing confusion or errors.
✔ Trouble Resolution & Support
Fixing functional issues that slow down processes or system usability.
✔ Road-Mapping for Growth
Advising how the ERP should evolve as the business scales.
Rather than treating IFS as software, the consultant treats it as a strategic engine for performance.
Why Do Businesses Need an IFS Independent Functional Consultant?
Even companies that have used IFS for years often do not leverage more than 50% of its functional capabilities. A skilled consultant bridges that gap — and the results quickly translate into time savings, cost savings, and increased efficiency.
Below are the major reasons businesses need one:
1. To Solve Workflow Bottlenecks and Inefficiencies
If employees rely on spreadsheets or manual approvals despite having IFS, there is a functional gap. A functional consultant identifies and fixes the root cause.
2. To Improve Productivity Through Automation
IFS can automate hundreds of routine tasks. Many organisations simply don’t know how — or that they can. Consultants unlock automation that reduces workload across departments.
3. To Make Different Departments Work Better Together
Finance, manufacturing, logistics, HR, and projects often operate in silos. A functional consultant ensures modules communicate properly to streamline cross-department processes.
4. To Maximise ROI — Making the System Pay for Itself
Businesses invest heavily in ERP platforms. A consultant ensures the system produces real financial and operational benefits instead of simply existing in the background.
5. To Minimise Risk During Upgrades or Digital Transformation
Upgrading IFS or integrating third-party systems without functional oversight can disrupt operations. Consultants ensure a smooth transition with minimal downtime.
6. To Support Internal Teams
Instead of replacing staff, a functional consultant strengthens them — teaching teams how to fully utilise IFS and become confident users.
Why Sorcha Systems Ltd Is a Trusted Partner for IFS Functional Consulting
Many organisations assume vendor support automatically covers optimisation. In reality, vendors are structured around ticket resolution, not business alignment or continuous improvement.
Sorcha Systems Ltd provides the opposite — business-first IFS enhancement.
As an independent consultancy, their priorities are:
- Supporting the client’s business goals
- Reducing operational disruption
- Improving efficiency and performance across departments
- Delivering measurable results rather than temporary fixes
Their IFS consulting services have deep real-world experience with workflow mapping, module optimisation, upgrades, functional troubleshooting, reporting, and strategic system planning — and they work as a partner rather than just a supplier.
Whether a company is:
- Implementing IFS for the first time,
- Running legacy modules,
- Preparing for an upgrade, or
- Simply feeling like they’re not getting enough value from the ERP…
Sorcha Systems Ltd offers tailored functional expertise that creates long-term impact.
Conclusion:
IFS is far more than a data storage tool — it is a powerful operational engine. But only when configured and optimised around real-world business workflows.
An IFS Independent Functional Consultant ensures that:
- The system reflects how your business actually operates
- Processes become faster, smarter, and more automated
- Cross-department collaboration improves
- Leadership has clear visibility to make data-driven decisions
- The ERP becomes a long-term competitive advantage
With Sorcha Systems Ltd, companies receive high-level IFS expertise, fast support, and dedicated improvement — without vendor limitations or delays.
A better IFS experience isn’t a dream — it’s a configuration strategy.
