IFS Schedule of Work - Streamlining Construction Operations
In the dynamic world of construction project management, the IFS Schedule of Work module stands as a pivotal innovation. This powerful tool transforms operations by streamlining project management, and optimizing budgeting, forecasting, and resource planning. Integrating seamlessly with the Bill of Quantities (BOQ), it lays a precise foundation for estimation, real-time progress tracking, and productivity enhancement. With notable upgrades in the recent 23R2 release and promising advancements in 24R2, IFS continues to redefine project management excellence.
Amit Helaoo
5/27/20243 min read


The IFS Schedule of Works module is a powerful tool designed to enhance construction operations, offering a comprehensive solution for project management, budgeting, forecasting, and resource planning. As an IFS ERP Projects Consultant with over 10 years of experience, I have witnessed first-hand the benefits this module brings to construction companies. Though it's a new module, IFS are continually improving this module as it's evident from 23R2 and 24R1 release notes.
Concept: Schedule of Work
The Schedule of Work module in IFS ERP offers a comprehensive solution that seamlessly integrates the entire construction project lifecycle, from initial design to final analysis. At its core, the module is built upon the concept of a Bill of Quantities (BOQ), which serves as the foundation for accurate estimation, budgeting, and project execution.
In an ideal scenario, the BOQ would flow seamlessly from the initial design phase, where the project's scope and requirements are defined. This information would then be translated into a detailed estimate within the Schedule of Work module, capturing all necessary items, quantities, and resources required for the project's successful completion.
Schedule of Work Estimating and Progress Tracking
Budgeting and Forecasting of the Project
Once the initial estimate is established, the Schedule of Work module facilitates the creation of a project budget, ensuring alignment between the estimated costs and the allocated financial resources. This integration streamlines the process of awarding contracts, as the budget is directly derived from the detailed estimate.
As the project progresses, the Schedule of Work module enables real-time measurement of project progress. Through work recording and physical measurement of quantities, the module provides visibility into the actual progress, allowing for accurate forecasting and comparison against the original estimate. This visibility could extend to tracking productivity metrics, such as the estimated price per hour per unit, the actual cost per unit per hour, and the time taken per unit per hour.
Project Resource Planning
The Schedule of Work module goes beyond mere estimation by providing a granular level of detail that enables comprehensive resource planning. By exploding the schedule of works, construction companies gain access to a wealth of information that can be leveraged to create a comprehensive resource plan within the module itself. This resource plan captures the intricate details of the required resources, including materials, labour, and specialized equipment. With this level of granularity, construction companies can optimally allocate and manage their resources, ensuring timely availability of all necessary components without encountering delays in sourcing.
The proactive approach facilitated by the Schedule of Work module's resource planning capabilities helps mitigate potential delays, streamline operations, and enhance overall efficiency. By having a clear understanding of resource requirements and their availability, construction companies can proactively address potential bottlenecks, adjust schedules, and make informed decisions to keep projects on track. Ultimately, this level of detailed resource planning and optimization contributes significantly to the successful delivery of construction projects, enabling companies to meet deadlines, control costs, and maintain high standards of quality throughout the project lifecycle.
Construction Client Implementation
We are currently working on the IFS Schedule of Works module for a construction client and can already see benefits. It has greatly sped up the initial estimation and now allows us to budget and forecast with a fair amount of accuracy. Additionally, it has enabled smart resource planning, ensuring that the suitable resources are ready at the appropriate time, eliminating delays, and increasing productivity.
IFS 23R2 Improvements & Future Enhancements: The 23R2 release has brought significant enhancements to the Schedule of Work module. IFS is continuously improving this module, recognizing the module’s potential despite being relatively new. Looking ahead, the upcoming IFS 24R1 release promises to introduce robust lobbies for the Schedule of Work, making project management even more intuitive and powerful. Stay tuned for a sneak peek of the new features in 24R2! 🔍✨



