Our editorial staff has reviewed and tested SYSPRO and IFS Applications. We demoed both products to provide a detailed comparison based on firsthand experience.
SYSPRO is best suited for a range of businesses, from small companies (under 50 employees) to large enterprises (over 10,000 employees). It servers the automotive, cannabis, chemicals, electronics, and food and beverage industries.
IFS is best for organizations in industries like Aerospace and Defense, Energy Utilities and Resources, Construction and Engineering, Manufacturing, and Service Industries. This software is tailored for sectors requiring strong asset management, service delivery, and industry-specific functionalities.
Developed by a major player in the ERP world, SYSPRO has a strong reputation for serving the manufacturing and distribution sectors. It offers user-friendliness, accessibility across devices, and AI and IoT integrations. Its hybrid on-premises and cloud options make it versatile, while its support for parallel accounting caters to the needs of multinational corporations.
However, SYSPRO has a few drawbacks. It requires third-party add-ons for functions like EDI and shipping notifications. Customization is also a bit challenging, and it lacks payroll or HR modules. Lastly, SYSPRO could offer more training resources.
IFS Applications is a full ERP system that allows you to select from over 100 business components. This modular approach allows businesses to choose only the functionalities they need, adding more components as their needs evolve.
IFS Cloud’s ability integrates business functions, including human capital management and asset management. However, some users have reported performance issues and found the interface to be less intuitive than desired. Furthermore, customization options are somewhat limited.
Given the strengths and weaknesses of both SYSPRO and IFS Applications, we believe that SYSPRO is the better choice for most businesses. Its user-friendly interface, AI and IoT integrations, and hybrid platform make it a versatile and modern ERP solution. Its ability to support a wide range of industries, from manufacturing to food and chemicals, gives it a broad appeal.
On the other hand, IFS Applications may be a better match for businesses in need of strong asset management and service delivery functionalities, particularly in the Aerospace, Defense, and Energy sectors. However, its less intuitive interface and limited customization options may pose challenges for some users.
For a broader overview of ERP solutions, check out our roundup of the best ERP software available in the market today.