Enterprise technology across Europe is shifting fast, and IFS is firmly part of that movement. As organisations reassess how they manage assets, services, and operations, the demand for more flexible, cloud-enabled ERP solutions continues to grow.
The team has been exploring this space in detail - covering market challenges, future direction, and the evolving skills landscape shaping delivery across Europe.
Where IFS is heading in Europe
Across recent conversations and market signals, a few clear themes are emerging around IFS and its trajectory:
1. Continued growth in asset-heavy industries
Sectors like manufacturing, energy, engineering, and construction continue to drive adoption. These organisations need ERP systems that can handle complex assets, long lifecycles, and operational depth.
2. Increased use of AI and automation in IFS Cloud
AI is becoming embedded in planning, maintenance, forecasting, and service optimisation. The focus is shifting from systems of record to systems of intelligence.
3. Stronger focus on service and lifecycle management
There is a clear move towards end-to-end service visibility - from asset installation through to maintenance, upgrades, and replacement.
4. Expansion into new European markets
IFS continues to strengthen its footprint across Europe, with growing adoption outside its traditional strongholds as organisations modernise legacy ERP environments.
What this means in practice
While the technology roadmap is important, the real story is how organisations are adapting around it.
Many businesses are now reassessing how they structure delivery teams, especially as cloud adoption accelerates. This includes:
- Greater demand for functional consultants with cross-module experience
- Increased need for cloud-native implementation expertise
- More emphasis on data, integration, and AI-enabled capabilities
- A growing requirement for professionals who understand both operations and technology outcomes
In short, the skillset needed to deliver IFS successfully is broadening.
The talent challenge behind the transformation
One of the recurring themes we come across is the challenge of finding and retaining the right talent.
As IFS expands its footprint, demand for experienced professionals is rising faster than supply in many areas. This is particularly true for:
- IFS Cloud specialists
- Service lifecycle and asset management experts
- Solution architects with enterprise ERP experience
- Consultants who can bridge business and technical delivery
The result is a competitive hiring market where speed, precision, and access to niche networks matter more than ever.
What organisations need to get right
Success with IFS is no longer just about implementation. It is about alignment between people, process, and technology.
The organisations seeing the strongest outcomes tend to focus on:
- Clear delivery governance from the outset
- Strong business engagement throughout transformation
- Investment in upskilling internal teams alongside external hiring
- Partners who understand both the platform and the industry context
Where IT Works Recruitment Europe fits in
As IFS continues to evolve across Europe, the demand for specialist talent will only increase.
Our IFS team is working closely with clients and consultants across the ecosystem to help bridge that gap - connecting organisations with professionals who can deliver not just the system, but the outcomes behind it.
