In engineer-to-order (ETO) manufacturing, every project is unique - and so are the challenges of managing it. IFS Cloud has become a go-to ERP solution for manufacturers in this space, offering the flexibility to handle complex, customised orders while maintaining visibility across engineering, production, and delivery.

But even the most capable ERP system depends on the right people to bring it to life. For ETO manufacturers, that often means finding an IFS Solution Architect with deep ETO experience - a rare combination of technical expertise and industry knowledge.

This case study shows how a global manufacturing business partnered with us to secure exactly that expertise when their project was at risk of falling behind.

The Challenge

The company was mid-way through a large-scale IFS Cloud implementation tailored to their ETO manufacturing operations. Progress stalled when their implementation partner flagged the urgent need for an IFS Solution Architect who could:

  • Align system design with the business’s engineer-to-order processes.

  • Translate operational needs into effective IFS configurations.

  • Work closely with both engineering and project management teams to ensure the ERP supported every stage of the order lifecycle.

For months, their internal team had been unable to source someone with both hands-on IFS expertise and proven ETO delivery experience. As deadlines slipped, the project risked missing critical milestones tied to customer contracts, and costs were mounting.

With the clock ticking, the business approached our team. Our dedicated IFS focus meant we already had relationships with a network of pre-vetted consultants, including several solution architects with direct ETO backgrounds.

Our Approach

Our first conversation with the client focused on:

  • Exact technical requirements - including IFS Cloud configuration, integration with engineering systems, and ETO-specific modules.

  • Soft skills - the ability to communicate effectively between technical teams, operations, and external partners.

  • Working arrangements - remote-first with travel to key sites across Europe when needed.


Leveraging our existing candidate relationships, we:

  • Identified four highly relevant IFS Solution Architects with ETO experience within 72 hours.

  • Presented profiles that included full lifecycle IFS implementations in ETO environments.

  • Provided market insight on rates, availability, and realistic onboarding timelines.

The Outcome

Within two weeks:

  • First and second-stage interviews were completed.

  • An offer was made to a consultant with over a decade of IFS experience, including multiple ETO manufacturing implementations.

  • The consultant joined the project within days, quickly aligning the ERP configuration with the company’s complex engineer-to-order workflows.

Their input removed bottlenecks, improved cross-department communication, and ensured the system design supported every phase from engineering to delivery.

 

Why It Worked

Specialist IFS & ETO knowledge - We understood exactly which skills would deliver the most impact.

Established candidate relationships - Many of the candidates were already in our network and known for delivering results.

Speed of delivery - Our pre-vetted talent pool meant the client avoided further costly delays.

In 2025, ETO manufacturers face the same core challenge – finding IFS experts who understand their world. With the right network and market insight, securing that expertise can mean the difference between a project that struggles and one that delivers lasting value.

Connecting Experts
Looking for support with your IFS Implementation? Or simply want to talk to chat through potential resource requirements? Contact the team today.