SAP S/4HANA Cloud vs IFS Cloud

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Our analysts compared SAP S/4HANA Cloud vs IFS Cloud based on data from our 400+ point analysis of ERP Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

IFS Cloud Software Tool

Product Basics

Running a growing business comes with enough challenges — managing core processes shouldn’t be one of them. That’s where SAP S/4HANA Cloud by SAP steps in, a modern cloud-based ERP solution designed to simplify tasks like finance, procurement, manufacturing and supply chain management.

It’s built for mid-sized to large enterprises, offering real-time insights and advanced analytics to keep things running smoothly. It also integrates advanced technologies such as AI and machine learning.

Top features include its user-friendly interface, customizable dashboards and industry-specific workflows. It beats traditional on-premise ERPs with faster deployment, lower maintenance and automatic updates.

Users love the flexibility and accessibility, helping them simplify daily operations. It offers various deployment options to meet different business requirements, including public cloud, private cloud, on-premise and hybrid models.

SAP S/4HANA Cloud offers a 14-day free trial at no cost that includes guided tours and sample data to help you navigate the system. Pricing depends on company size, number of users and selected modules. However, SAP S/4HANA Cloud hasn’t mentioned it directly on the website.

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IFS Cloud is a cloud-based ERP system designed to manage all aspects of a staffing agency's operations. It offers features for CRM, financials, payroll, time & attendance, talent acquisition, and more. IFS Cloud is most suited for medium to large staffing agencies that need a comprehensive solution to automate and streamline their processes. Some of the key benefits of using IFS Cloud include improved efficiency, increased profitability, and better customer service. Additionally, it offers popular features such as mobile access, real-time reporting, and integration with other business systems. User reviews suggest that IFS Cloud is a powerful and user-friendly system, but it can be expensive and complex to implement. IFS Cloud is typically priced on a per-user, per-month basis. The cost can vary depending on the size of the agency and the number of features required.

Pros
  • Streamlines processes
  • Improves efficiency
  • Increases profitability
  • Mobile access
  • Real-time reporting
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Complex to implement
  • Limited customization
  • Steep learning curve
  • Not ideal for small businesses
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Windows
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Chromebook
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Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile
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On-Premise
Mobile

Product Assistance

Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
Email
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Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support

Product Insights

  • Automate Business Processes: Use intelligent automation, AI and robotic process automation (RPA) to handle routine tasks while optimizing others. This capability reduces manual work and lets employees focus on more valuable tasks. Our analysts give it a 100 for its intelligent capabilities.
  • Reinvent Your Business Model: Implement industry-specific solutions and best practices to introduce new strategies. Create customized products and explore innovative strategies to elevate how you do business.
  • Make Data-Driven Decisions: Access real-time data, embedded analytics and digital assistants to make informed decisions quickly. Engage with visual reports and use a context-aware digital assistant for a seamless, intuitive experience. Its standout capabilities earn it a perfect 100 for reporting.
  • Adapt: Address changes with real-time analysis and flexible tools for configuration, pricing, and quotes. These features help users quickly identify and manage changes. The system also notifies users of issues and suggests solutions. Our analysts rated SAP S/4HANA Cloud as the best solution in its category for procurement.
  • Accelerate User Adoption: Access a wide range of onboarding resources through openSAP and the SAP Learning Hub. These online hubs offer various learning formats to ensure users can easily understand and adopt the new system, no matter their preferred learning style.
  • Increase Efficiency: Equip employees with automation tools and real-time data insights to improve decision-making. This strategy reduces errors, saves time and money, and boosts productivity, driving better overall business performance.
  • Improve Usability: Built with SAP Fiori, the system is responsive, intuitive and designed to be simplistic. It provides a personalized and role-based user experience that can be accessed from any device. The system also supports 85% of functional requirements out-of-the-box so you have the features you need from the get go.
  • Centralize Data: In-memory computing stores all data in one unified system, avoiding fragmented databases. This centralization enables users to analyze large volumes of data at once and quickly spot trends, making data management more efficient.
  • Boost Time to Value: Start with guided implementation, quick technical setup and an intuitive interface. This helps the team to adopt the system quickly and deliver results faster.
  • Lower Expenses: Minimize total cost of ownership (TCO) with a subscription-based model. This cuts hardware, maintenance and upgrade expenses when compared to traditional on-premise systems.
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  • Improved Efficiency: Automate manual tasks, streamline workflows, and boost productivity with the help of IFS Cloud's automation capabilities. Automate tasks like generating invoices, processing payroll, and sending out reports. Streamline workflows by consolidating data and processes into a single system. Boost productivity by giving employees easy access to the information they need to do their jobs.
  • Increased Profitability: Reduce costs, optimize resource allocation, and make data-driven decisions with IFS Cloud's insightful analytics and reporting features. Reduce costs by eliminating redundant processes and improving efficiency. Optimize resource allocation by using real-time data to make better decisions about where to allocate your resources. Make data-driven decisions by using insights from your data to identify trends and opportunities.
  • Enhanced Visibility: Gain real-time insights into your business performance with IFS Cloud's comprehensive reporting and analytics dashboards. Get a clear picture of your business performance with real-time dashboards that track key metrics. Drill down into the details with interactive reports that allow you to analyze your data in any way you want. Share insights with your team with easy-to-use reporting tools.
  • Improved Collaboration: Facilitate communication and teamwork across departments with IFS Cloud's centralized platform. Break down silos between departments with a single platform that everyone can access. Improve communication with built-in collaboration tools that make it easy to share information and work together on projects. Enhance teamwork with features that make it easy to assign tasks, track progress, and stay organized.
  • Scalability: Adapt to changing business needs and grow your staffing agency with IFS Cloud's flexible solution. Easily add users and modules as your business grows. Scale your system to meet the needs of your business, regardless of its size. Easily adapt your system to changing business needs with IFS Cloud's flexible architecture.
  • Compliance: Ensure adherence to industry regulations and legal requirements with IFS Cloud's built-in compliance features. Stay compliant with industry regulations with built-in features that help you meet all the requirements. Reduce the risk of non-compliance with automated processes that ensure you're always up to date on the latest regulations. Get peace of mind knowing that your data is secure and compliant with IFS Cloud's robust security features.
  • Reduced Risk: Minimize errors and improve data accuracy with IFS Cloud's automated processes. Eliminate the risk of human error with automated processes that handle all the repetitive tasks. Improve data accuracy with features that help you ensure your data is always correct and up to date. Reduce the risk of fraud and theft with IFS Cloud's robust security features.
  • Enhanced Customer Service: Deliver a better experience for candidates and clients with IFS Cloud's improved responsiveness and communication. Give candidates and clients a self-service portal where they can access the information they need. Improve responsiveness with features that make it easy to track and respond to inquiries quickly. Enhance communication with features that make it easy to share information and stay connected with candidates and clients.
  • Competitive Advantage: Gain a strategic edge in the market with IFS Cloud's advanced technology and capabilities. Differentiate yourself from the competition with IFS Cloud's innovative features and functionality. Attract and retain top talent with a modern and user-friendly system. Stay ahead of the curve with IFS Cloud's continuous innovation and commitment to providing the latest technology.
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  • Financial Management: The SAP S/4HANA financial and accounting management tool scored 100 in our assessment. Below are some key capabilities:
    • Run your business efficiently using built-in best practices, reporting and predictive analytics to maintain compliance and manage risks.
    • Analyze your revenue and costs in real time, allowing you to view data across various dimensions to understand profitability at any level of detail.
    • Automatically record financial transactions as they occur, ensuring reports are up-to-date while supporting multiple accounting principles for asset valuation.
    • Use KPIs to monitor and manage payables, receivables, and cash flow, giving you a real-time view of key financial metrics through a centralized dashboard.
    • Prioritize payments, track overdue invoices and identify high-risk customers to help your team manage costs more effectively and reduce the risk of bad debt.
    • Centralize tax and financial reporting, ensuring that all departments access the same consistent data, while guiding users through an interactive financial analysis process.
  • Sales Management: The SAP S/4HANA Sales module offers effective order and contract management, incentive and commission management, and support for sales teams. Its key capabilities include:
    • Manage the order-to-cash process efficiently across various revenue streams, including physical and digital goods, services, subscriptions, projects and bundles.
    • Oversee bundled orders from one place, tracking profit, cost and revenue for each order line item. Automate alerts for project changes, deadlines and expirations.
    • Equip sales reps to sell more effectively with a personalized home page, intuitive interface and quick access to tasks, applications and reports.
    • Create sales orders from unstructured data like PDF or image-based purchase orders using machine learning to extract information automatically.
    • Simplify incomplete sales order documentation with AI-powered autocomplete, which suggests missing fields based on historical data.
    • Automate invoicing by integrating billing and accounting, improving cash flow accuracy and simplifying accounts receivable, all while meeting local requirements.
  • Supply Chain Management: The SAP S/4HANA Supply Chain tool achieved an outstanding score of 100 in our assessment, surpassing Visibility ERP and Oracle Fusion Cloud. It offers users a range of capabilities, including:
    • Get real-time visibility into your supply chain with customizable dashboards. Track inventory, predict stock trends with AI and monitor deliveries instantly.
    • Automatically confirm and process customer orders, ensuring that they align with business priorities to meet customer expectations.
    • Help teams cut costs and reduce waste with easy-to-use mobile apps for packing goods more efficiently as part of the logistics process.
    • Shorten delivery times by making sure you have the right vehicles, optimized routes, and the right quantity of goods, saving both time and fuel.
  • Manufacturing Management: The SAP S/4HANA Manufacturing module is built on methods like lean control, continuous improvement and just-in-time replenishment. It can:
    • Optimize production by integrating processes smoothly, whether you're manufacturing to stock, order or custom specifications.
    • Meet customer demands by identifying and fixing capacity issues, bottlenecks or shortfalls early, using planning simulations to find the best solutions.
    • Balance supply and demand with real-time material requirements planning (MRP). The system immediately flags MRP exceptions and helps you resolve them quickly.
    • Ensure timely product delivery by tracking each container’s status with a real-time graphical Kanban board.
    • Deliver high-quality products by running quality inspections throughout the production process.
  • Procurement Management: The SAP S/4HANA Procurement module offers a scalable, value-driven and compliant process for managing operations. Its key features include:
    • Easily view and update all purchase requisitions at once. The Joule copilot simplifies how employees collaborate during procurement tasks.
    • Efficiently manage the entire procure-to-pay process, with real-time insights available at every stage.
    • Identify bottlenecks and cost-saving opportunities with a customizable dashboard that shows all key tasks. Automate workflows for purchase orders, contracts and invoices, and analyze them in detail.
    • Improve purchase contracts by setting up approval workflows. Track contract usage, plan renewals and negotiate long-term discounts with suppliers.
    • Predict delivery dates for purchase orders to improve planning and avoid production delays.
    • Make informed decisions by accessing real-time purchasing data without needing to open multiple reports.
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  • Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP): Manage core business operations like financials, accounting, supply chain, and human resources.
  • Enterprise Asset Management (EAM): Track, manage, and optimize the performance of critical assets.
  • Service Management (SM): Provide efficient and effective service to customers.
  • Project Management (PM): Plan, execute, and track projects to ensure successful delivery.
  • Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES): Monitor and control manufacturing processes in real-time.
  • Mobile Access: Access IFS Cloud applications on the go from any device.
  • API Integration: Integrate IFS Cloud with other business systems to streamline workflows.
  • Real-time Reporting and Analytics: Gain insights into your business performance with real-time dashboards and reports.
  • Advanced Configuration: Tailor IFS Cloud to meet your specific business needs.
  • Security and Compliance: Ensure data security and compliance with industry regulations.
  • Scalability: Easily scale IFS Cloud as your business grows.
  • Multilingual Support: Support for multiple languages and currencies.
  • Industry-Specific Solutions: Tailored solutions for specific industries, such as Aerospace & Defense, Energy & Utilities, and Construction & Engineering.
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): Leverage AI and ML to automate tasks, predict outcomes, and make better decisions.
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Product Ranking

#61

among all
ERP Software

#14

among all
ERP Software

Find out who the leaders are

Analyst Rating Summary

85
67
99
61
84
77
70
78
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Inventory Management
Procurement
Supply Chain Management
Analytics and Reporting
Finance and Accounting
Service Management
Project Management
Human Resource Management
Order Management
Finance and Accounting

Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

SAP S/4HANA Cloud
IFS Cloud
+ Add Product + Add Product
Analytics And Reporting Asset Management Customer Relationship Management Finance And Accounting Human Resource Management Inventory Management Manufacturing Order Management Procurement Project Management Service Management Supply Chain Management Warehouse Management 99 84 70 99 87 100 92 92 100 91 65 100 83 61 77 78 86 94 84 65 89 71 95 98 17 48 0 25 50 75 100
100%
0%
0%
53%
0%
47%
86%
0%
14%
71%
14%
15%
73%
0%
27%
82%
0%
18%
100%
0%
0%
87%
0%
13%
75%
17%
8%
92%
0%
8%
100%
0%
0%
82%
9%
9%
94%
0%
6%
61%
0%
39%
92%
0%
8%
92%
0%
8%
100%
0%
0%
70%
0%
30%
82%
0%
18%
100%
0%
0%
67%
0%
33%
100%
0%
0%
100%
0%
0%
17%
0%
83%
82%
0%
18%
41%
0%
59%

Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

86%
0%
14%
29%
0%
71%

User Sentiment Summary

Great User Sentiment 2815 reviews
Great User Sentiment 878 reviews
87%
of users recommend this product

SAP S/4HANA Cloud has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 87% when considering 2815 user reviews from 4 recognized software review sites.

86%
of users recommend this product

IFS Cloud has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 86% when considering 878 user reviews from 4 recognized software review sites.

4.5 (730)
4.0 (251)
n/a
3.9 (30)
4.3 (338)
n/a
4.2 (388)
4.5 (560)
4.3 (1359)
3.1 (37)

Awards

SelectHub research analysts have evaluated SAP S/4HANA Cloud and concluded it earns best-in-class honors for Finance and Accounting, Procurement and Supply Chain Management.

Finance and Accounting Award
Procurement Award
Supply Chain Management Award

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Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Real-Time Inventory Visibility: It optimizes stock levels and avoids stockouts with instant inventory updates, reducing carrying costs and boosting customer satisfaction.
Purchase Order Accuracy: Some users say automating purchase order generation based on real-time inventory and demand has minimized errors in procurement.
Production Planning: It refines production schedules and resource allocation with real-time data insights from connected machines and sensors, increasing efficiency and output.
Financial Reporting: Many users appreciate the ability to generate accurate and timely financial reports with automated data consolidation from all departments.
Sales Team Productivity: It gives the sales team the ability to access customer data and manage orders directly from mobile devices. This increases overall productivity and works efficiently from anywhere.
Automatic Updates: Users say that SAP manages regular updates and maintenance, ensuring up-to-date features and security patches without the need for external resources.
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Scalability and Flexibility: IFS Cloud's cloud-based architecture allows for easy scaling to accommodate business growth and changing needs.
Improved Visibility and Insights: Real-time data and powerful analytics tools provide comprehensive insights into business performance.
Reduced IT Costs: Eliminates the need for on-premise hardware and software, reducing IT infrastructure costs.
Enhanced Collaboration: Cloud-based platform facilitates collaboration and communication between teams and departments.
Increased Security: IFS Cloud leverages robust security features and regular updates to ensure data protection.
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Steep Learning Curve: It can be tough to transition from traditional ERPs to a new interface and cloud-based model. This could affect initial productivity, requiring user training to get fully up to speed.
Limited Customization: Users say the customization options are limited compared to on-premise systems. The ability to tailor the system for specific business needs is restricted.
Integration Challenges: Users find integrating with older, non-S/4HANA systems challenging. The process often requires additional tools and expertise, which can increase the complexity and overall costs.
Vendor Lock-in: Some users mention the reliance on SAP's cloud infrastructure makes it harder to switch to alternative solutions later. This dependency can reduce flexibility for future expansion.
High Subscription Costs: Some users say the cost of the software is a big barrier for small businesses since the initial implementation and ongoing subscription fees are relatively high.
Response Time: Customer support could be more responsive and efficient in addressing issues. Users mentioned that providing more thorough assistance would enhance the overall customer experience.
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Limited Customization: IFS Cloud offers less customization compared to on-premise ERP solutions.
Integration Challenges: Integrating IFS Cloud with existing systems can be complex and require additional resources.
Vendor Lock-in: Switching to a different ERP solution from IFS Cloud can be difficult and costly.
Learning Curve: The user interface and features of IFS Cloud may require a steeper learning curve compared to other ERP solutions.
Limited Offline Functionality: Some features and functionalities may require an internet connection.
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As a free trial user of SAP S/4HANA Cloud, I can confidently say it excels in simplifying core business processes and offers top-notch capabilities. Our analysts give a perfect 100 for their Finance, Procurement and Supply Chain Management modules.SAP S/4HANA Cloud is a robust ERP solution widely used across various industries due to its flexible, modular design and comprehensive functionality. After trying it firsthand, I was surprised by the initial setup. It was smooth and intuitive, with sample data and guided tours provided to explore all modules easily.The main menu and search bar were easy to navigate without redirects. I also liked how user-friendly the interface felt, especially for a first-time user.The finance module stood out to me. It provides a centralized dashboard where you can store and generate all sorts of reports, and it's easy to keep track of payments and overdue invoices. For someone looking to optimize manufacturing, it offers real-time visibility into operations, making it easier to meet customer demands efficiently.That said, the free trial had its limitations. I couldn’t access all features or sample data completely, which made it harder to fully explore the system’s potential.That being said, our analysts rated the Finance, Procurement, and Supply Chain Management modules a perfect 100. Many recent reviews have echoed the same sentiment, praising its real-time inventory view and automated workflows. However, others mentioned the inability to customize workflows during the trial.Users also pointed out the system’s complexity, but I personally found it easier to navigate than expected with the sample data. Still, I’m unsure how it would perform with real-time data in an actual business setting.Pricing wasn’t listed directly on the site, but compared to competitors, SAP S/4HANA costs—including implementation, licensing and training—are higher, especially for smaller organizations with tighter budgets.Overall, SAP S/4HANA Cloud is a powerful tool with advanced capabilities, though its learning curve and customization limitations may be challenging for some. For larger organizations with the budget and resources to implement it fully, it can significantly improve operations and drive growth.

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User reviews paint a mixed picture of IFS Cloud. While praised for its scalability and flexibility, users often find it less customizable than competitors like SAP and Oracle. Real-time data and powerful analytics receive high marks, with one user noting, "IFS Cloud finally gave us the insights we needed to optimize our supply chain." Conversely, others report integration challenges with existing systems, highlighting the trade-off cloud-based solutions often present. Despite concerns about vendor lock-in, many users appreciate the reduced IT costs and enhanced collaboration facilitated by IFS Cloud's cloud architecture. One reviewer commented, "After switching to IFS Cloud, our team communication improved dramatically, boosting overall productivity." However, the learning curve is steeper than with some competitors, and some users find the interface less user-friendly. The limited offline functionality is another point of contention, particularly for businesses with unreliable internet access. Overall, IFS Cloud appears best suited for businesses seeking a scalable, secure ERP solution with robust analytics who are willing to invest time in user training and integration. While it may not offer the same level of customization as its on-premise counterparts, the reduced IT costs and improved collaboration can be significant advantages for many organizations.

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