IFS is a global provider of enterprise applications that specialise in asset- and service-intensive industries. Its cloud-based portfolio spans enterprise resource planning (ERP), enterprise asset management (EAM), and field service management (FSM), designed to help organisations manage complex operations, optimise assets, and deliver services more efficiently. The company focuses deliberately on sectors that underpin national economies: energy, utilities, telecoms, aerospace and defence, engineering and construction, and manufacturing.
In the Middle East and Africa, where diversification agendas, mega-projects, and infrastructure expansion dominate boardroom priorities, IFS’ industry focus is well aligned. Leading the regional strategy is Rahul Misra, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, with a mandate to sharpen the company’s presence, deepen customer engagement, and scale through a partner-first model.
“These industries are fundamental for the region,” Misra says. “With the exception of the UAE, many Gulf economies still rely heavily on oil and gas. The diversification efforts are impressive, but energy and utilities remain critical.”
That recognition underpins IFS’ regional strategy. The company is placing leadership and teams on the ground in key markets, particularly Saudi Arabia, and expanding across Africa with a structured approach. Rather than treating the continent as a single market, IFS is prioritising North, East/West, and Southern Africa, opening offices such as its new location in Kenya to ensure proximity to customers. “Our approach is ‘run and build,’” Misra explains. “There’s a business already running, and we need to build on it. That means getting closer to customers, putting feet on the ground, and ensuring everything we do is centred on their challenges.”
This focus will be on full display at IFS Connect Riyadh on September 10, the company’s flagship regional event. More than 250 executives and government leaders are expected, alongside global CEO Mark Moffat. The agenda reflects IFS’ dual ambition: to showcase global innovation and to underline its commitment to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
“Hosting in Riyadh reflects our commitment to Vision 2030,” Misra says. “We are investing in local talent, in ecosystem development, and in contributing to in-country value. It’s about showing customers how these global investments translate into regional outcomes.”
Breakout sessions will dive into utilities, construction, and energy, with partners such as PwC and SBM highlighting industry-specific use cases. Customer panels will share transformation stories, while executives spotlight recent acquisitions and AI initiatives.
Artificial intelligence is also a cornerstone of the company’s growth strategy. “AI became mainstream with ChatGPT, but it has always been there in automation,” Misra says. “In the industries we serve, the mandate is to do more with less. Budgets don’t grow at the same pace as demand, so we help customers reduce downtime, extend asset life, and make better-informed decisions.”
IFS has made targeted moves to embed intelligence into its platforms. The acquisition of Copperleaf, an AI-powered asset investment planning company, enhances its ability to deliver advanced asset planning, while IFS.ai TheLoops introduces agentic automation and digital twins to anticipate and prevent disruptions. Misra describes this as enabling the “moment of service”—equipping organisations to act proactively rather than reactively.
Equally critical is enabling the partner ecosystem to deliver those innovations. More than 200 AI use cases are now built into IFS’ platforms, backed by training and certifications to ensure partners can apply them effectively.
The company’s recent acquisition of 7Bridges, a specialist in advanced supply chain planning and optimisation, points to another area of demand: supply chain resilience. “Supply chain disruption was the biggest challenge when the world came to a standstill,” Misra recalls. “7Bridges brings clever ways of helping customers know exactly what to produce, when, and how to move it. Integrating this into our planning engines will make supply chains more predictive and intelligent.”
Sustainability is also a key priority for IFS. Underscoring this is its partnership with Climatiq, a German carbon intelligence company whose software and API enable businesses to automate and integrate carbon footprint calculations directly into their systems and workflows. “Traditionally, carbon footprint was calculated after the fact,” Misra explains. “Today, with Climatiq, customers can see the impact instantly. They can compare routes and know immediately the environmental implications. Profitability and sustainability now run in parallel, in real time.”
The question of AI’s energy footprint is harder to dismiss. Misra acknowledges the tension, calling it “a trade-off.” “AI is energy-hungry today, but as technology and models become more efficient, the footprint will improve. At the same time, AI-driven optimisation—like in logistics—can reduce emissions, so the balance gets better over time.”
As IFS Connect Riyadh approaches, Misra is clear about his message to customers and partners. “We are committed to the industries that matter most to regional economies. Our partner-first strategy means everything we do is centred on customers and their challenges. Change is constant, and our role is to help them move the needle where it’s required.”
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