Planning an IFS Cloud implementation but worried about timelines, risk, and user adoption? The right strategy can make the difference between a smooth transition and a costly disruption. 

The good news is there’s no single “correct” way to implement it. The best approach depends on your readiness, resources, and tolerance for change. Here are three real stories from customers who successfully deployed IFS Cloud, each using a completely different strategy. 

1. The Fast Go-Live: REGO-FIX Gets Users Working Quickly 

Best for: Organizations with clear priorities and an appetite for rapid change 

Swiss precision tool clamping manufacturer REGO-FIX faced a common challenge: their outdated Microsoft Dynamics AX system could no longer be updated. They needed to move quickly without disrupting their exacting production processes. 

With implementation partner Arcwide, REGO-FIX prioritized a rapid deployment focused on getting users hands-on early rather than extending the planning phase. 

What Made It Work: Early Ownership and Process Optimization 

“It’s important to make sure users are engaged from the outset. We gave representatives across departments the opportunity to provide input and suggestions if they saw better ways of doing things,” explains Daniel Lehmann, Project Manager.  

REGO-FIX also built business process optimization directly into their implementation. “We used the project to examine how we were doing things and, where possible, optimize and improve them,” Lehmann notes. 

Outcome: Momentum Within Weeks 

Within just two weeks of go-live, the system matched their former shipping dispatch rate and automated complex customs requirements. Today, hundreds of users, representing two-thirds of the workforce, use IFS Cloud daily. Real-time operational visibility now enables guaranteed next-day delivery for most products in Europe. 

Takeaway: If you can mobilize the business quickly, a fast go-live creates early wins that accelerate adoption and confidence.  

2. Phased Rollout: All American Poly Manages Complex Change 

Best for: Multi-site or high complexity operations requiring structural change management 

All American Poly, the largest privately held polyethylene extruder in the US, needed to replace nine separate systems with one unified platform while operating continuously across three plants. 

They chose a measured, phased rollout approach to balance speed with adoption. 

What Made It Work: Strategic Change Management 

“We redeployed three of our most senior experts to become super-user leaders, overseeing implementation and adoption in key functional areas,” explains Joseph Adamski, IT Director. 

The system went live, covering core processes such as finance, sales, and production. Over the following year, they systematically added Demand Planning, Advanced Planning Board, Quality Management, and other modules. This allowed teams to adapt gradually while maintaining production. 

Outcome: The Investment Paid Off 

“Teams across our three production plants quickly took to using IFS tools like Shop Floor Workbench. They instantly liked it,” says Adamski. The careful rollout enabled dramatic improvements: finished-goods inventory shrink dropped 200%, raw-materials inventory shrink dropped 100%, delivering $5 million in estimated annual savings. 

They also gained new capabilities their old system couldn’t support, including traceability and tracking needed for Safe Quality Food certification, as well as precise sustainability compliance tracking. 

Takeaway: A phased rollout helps complex organizations protect business continuity while building capability and confidence step by step. 

3. The Big Bang: halstrup-walcher Embraces Bold Change 

Best for: Organizations with a clear scope and strong internal communication 

German engineering company halstrup-walcher took the boldest approach: a complete “Big Bang” cutover accomplished in under a year, delivered during the pandemic.  

Why Choose ‘Big Bang’? 

“Be brave,” advises Thomas Hoch, Solution Architect for the project. “It’s very complex trying to run old and new systems in parallel. The ‘Big Bang’ approach, switch off the old and turn on the new, is far cleaner and better, especially if you have a good implementation partner.” 

This approach demanded exceptional discipline. The team created 100 custom configurations and seven system interfaces, all using standard tools with zero modifications to core code. This decision ensures they can apply updates on their own schedule. 

What Made It Work: Tight Team, Tighter Communication 

“Our internal IT team is four people, and we had 13 key users representing all areas contributing,” Hoch notes. “Good communication is important, especially when everyone is working at their limit.” 

Outcome: Full Transformation Without Blocking Future Upgrades 

Despite an aggressive timeline and remote delivery, halstrup-walcher achieved full business functionality, real-time data across departments, and significantly improved processes—all while maintaining the system’s ability to upgrade smoothly. 

Takeaway: Big Bang can be the cleanest route when you can align the business, lock scope, and execute with strict governance.  

Choosing the Right IFS Cloud Implementation Strategy 

The common thread across these three stories is simple: success comes from choosing the implementation strategy that fits your organization. 

  • Fast go-live works when you have strong user engagement and can capitalize on quick wins 
  • Phased rollout suits complex environments where careful change management is essential 
  • Big Bang succeeds when the scope is clear, resources are adequate, and communication is strong 

Whichever path you take, the enablers are consistent: visible executive sponsorship, early and ongoing user involvement, strong partner collaboration, and commitment to optimizing processes rather than simply automating old workflows. 

Ready to start your IFS Cloud implementation journey? Let’s map the right strategy for your timelines, risk profile, and adoption plan, so you can move forward with confidence. 

Contact us to get started.