IFS-ERP CRIMS customization of IFS Cloud

Mapping IFS Functional Modules to Business Domains

Implementation Plan for IFS Cloud with Data Mesh Integration
Implementation Strategy

Mapping Functional Modules to
Business Domains in IFS Cloud

In modern enterprise ERP implementations, accurately mapping functional modules to business domains is foundational to project success — especially when implementing advanced architectural paradigms like Data Mesh.

The following outlines a structured approach to achieve this alignment during project scoping, highlights key business domains typically involved in IFS mapping, and proposes essential tools to facilitate the implementation.

Structured Mapping Approach

The IFS Implementation Methodology provides a comprehensive framework for detailing the scope of functional modules through distinct project phases.

1

Initiate Project Phase

Collaboration between the IFS delivery team and customer to define high-level business domains. Key processes are mapped into the IFS Scope Tool, and foundational governance is documented in the Enterprise Book of Rules.

2

Confirm Prototype Phase

Development of a prototype covering 40 – 50 main end-to-end processes. Collaborative workshops refine the scope to ensure alignment between modules and domain requirements, maximizing adherence to IFS best practices.

3

Establish Solution Phase

Building upon the prototype with additional scenarios. Detailed documentation for configurations, reports, interfaces, and modifications (CRIM objects) is prepared to ensure modules comprehensively support business domains.

Data Mesh Application

Facilitates decentralized data ownership. Each domain manages its data autonomously while interoperating within the unified IFS solution, fostering agility and governance.

Key Business Domains

Enterprises generally recognize a set of core business domains that serve as the natural structuring units for mapping IFS modules:

  • Finance & Accounting: GL, AP/AR, reporting, asset management, consolidation.
  • Procurement & Supply Chain: Purchasing, demand planning, warehousing, logistics.
  • Manufacturing: Discrete/​batch manufacturing, shop floor control, QA.
  • Project & Contract Mgmt: Planning, scheduling, cost control, contract oversight.
  • Service & Maintenance: Field service, warranty management, service workflows.
  • HR & Payroll: Employee records, payroll, competency management.
  • QHSE: Compliance, incident management, risk assessments.
  • CRM: Sales processes, marketing, customer interactions.
  • Document Management: Control, workflows, and collaborative tools.
  • Data & Analytics: MDM, governance, cross-domain reporting (enhanced by Data Mesh).

Recommended Tools for Mapping

IFS Scope Tool

Central for documenting and refining scope. Enables process modeling and generation of the Book of Rules.

Enterprise Book of Rules

Captures governance, structure, and operational prerequisites as a master reference document.

CRIM Tracking Tools

Manages Configurations, Reports, Interfaces, and Modifications to ensure alignment with domains.

IFS Project Management

Project Tracker and Calculator for resource allocation and risk management.

Data Migration Toolkit

Supports profiling and cleansing. Essential for addressing data domains in the context of Data Mesh.

Solution Architect Dashboards

Visual oversight of domain coverage, usage, training status, and open issues.

References: IFS Implementation Methodology, Scope Tool, Enterprise Book of Rules, Solution Architect guidelines, IFS PM Handbook for Partners, Data Mesh frameworks

Frequently Asked Questions

Key domains include Finance and Accounting, Procurement and Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Project Management, Service, Human Resources, QHSE, CRM, Document Management, and Data and Analytics.

Core tools include the IFS Scope Tool, Enterprise Book of Rules, CRIM tracking systems, Project Tracker, Workshop Collaboration Platforms, Data Migration Toolkit, Testing and Training suites, and Data Mesh-specific governance solutions.

Federated governance empowers business domains to manage their own data while adhering to enterprise-wide standards, enabling agility, local accountability, and scalable compliance.

Solution Architects orchestrate the mapping strategy, ensure alignment across domains, manage the IFS Scope Tool, and enforce governance standards for sustainable Data Mesh adoption.

Adopt semantic structuring using schema​.org and absolute URLs, maintain clear data domain boundaries, use FAQ markup, and prioritize authoritative, process-rich content to enhance GEO AI visibility and actionable governance.