Innovative interface improves usability and increases productivity

Dubai, UAE - 12 Feb 2008: IFS, the global enterprise applications company headquartered in Sweden, announced the launch of Aurora, an innovative enterprise application user experience designed to adapt to users' needs and ways of working. A new ergonomic design, embedded enterprise application search and integrated rich media will dramatically improve user interaction with IFS Applications, significantly improving productivity. The Aurora user interface is available as an add-on to the recently launched IFS Applications 7.5.

The technology is the result of IFS' long-term focus on usability and productivity. Design and ergonomics are the key to increasing usability, which is essential in getting more from an enterprise software system.

"The bland look, feel and function of enterprise applications in the workplace is no longer acceptable," Ian Fleming, Managing Director, IFS, Middle East, Africa & South Asia said. "The developments seen in the consumer sector mean that design in enterprise software is now more important than ever. Employees want the same usability they have in the latest cell phones, iPods and on the web, available to them in the office. Aurora delivers an intuitive interface that engages the user and allows them to work on their own terms.

"Sweden is famous for its design, modern lines and high functionality; this heritage is clearly visible in Aurora. The design focuses on the task to be carried out and less on superfluous tools surrounding it. The workspace now adapts to the many different sizes of flat panel displays. Aurora ensures IFS Applications can leverage the screen real estate on an engineer's 30-inch screen, whilst also fitting into 12-inch ultra-portable laptops used out in the field," Fleming said.

"Independent studies show that 'difficulty to search for and find information' and 'poor navigation around and between applications' are among the top time wasters when using enterprise software. Aurora addresses both of these with innovative solutions. By embedding enterprise application search functionality into the business system itself, the search algorithms can take into account all the nuances of the data held in the application and deliver truly relevant results. Key information is found quicker and easier as a result," Fleming said.

Aurora is a Rich Internet Application; web deployed using .Net and SOA technology. The interface uses a range of new navigation technologies such as adaptable link pages, contextual breadcrumb navigation, and visual recent screens. These combine to deliver a customizable working environment that encourages user collaboration. The interface also includes rich media notes, in-application document viewing for common file types such as PDF and Word and the ability to integrate web content into the work.  

Aurora's design has been developed using feedback from users in many different industries. This has enabled IFS to refine new innovations following field-testing with key IFS customers. The rollout of Aurora to selected IFS customers will start in March 2008, with wider rollout later in the year.

The new version of IFS Applications 7.5, which is SOA-based is designed for multinational companies looking to capitalize on the opportunities available in a constantly changing business environment. It has a single code base that easily adapts to all regulatory and language requirements for key markets, rather than multiple country-specific code-bases which require separate support and upgrades.

Global companies need industry-specific functionality which will support growth and provide the agility they need to gain competitive advantage on the international stage."

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About IFS 
IFS (OMX STO: IFS), the global enterprise applications company, provides solutions which enable organizations to respond quickly to market changes - allowing resources to be used in a more agile way to achieve better business performance and competitive advantage.

IFS was founded in 1983 and now has 2,600 employees worldwide. IFS has pioneered component-based ERP software with IFS Applications, now in its seventh generation. IFS' component architecture provides solutions that are easier to implement, run and upgrade. IFS Applications is available in 54 countries in 22 languages.

IFS has over 600,000 users across seven key vertical sectors: aerospace & defense; automotive; high-tech; industrial manufacturing; process industries; construction, service & facilities management and utilities & telecom. IFS Applications provides extended ERP functionality including customer relationship management (CRM), supply chain management (SCM), product lifecycle management (PLM), corporate performance management (CPM), enterprise asset management (EAM) and maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities.

More details can be found at www.ifsworld.com.

© Press Release 2008