IFS UK, the global enterprise applications company, is further driving delivery of its IFS Applications to the construction industry with the appointment of Business Development Consultant for Construction, Richard Cork, and the latest version of its integrated business software. IFS Applications 7 is designed to support all of the key business processes in a modern construction company.

Cork is responsible for raising awareness of what can be achieved with fully-integrated solutions such as IFS Applications within the construction industry, utilising his industry experience and contacts of over 25 years.

"The construction industry is incredibly competitive in its approach to and delivery of projects. IFS Applications addresses the very particular needs of contracting on projects seamlessly with the core 'back-office' functionality that every business needs, combining that with the latest technology," said Cork.

"With IFS Applications, IFS is in the unique position of being able to offer modern first-class solutions to contractors without having to compromise on functionality or scalability."

IFS customers in the UK construction sector include Hertel, Babcock, Alan Dick, First Engineering, Biwater and most recently, NG Bailey.

"IFS' biggest asset is the huge team of people that have over the years built IFS Applications into the product it is today.  Their imaginative approach and dedication to customer satisfaction contributes to the high levels of customer satisfaction and low staff turnover that makes IFS distinct. Richard Cork will provide further expertise essential to us further reaching organisations in this industry," said Paul Massey, managing director, IFS UK.

Cork has more than 25 years of UK construction experience, most of that involving the use of IT in the project environment on and off site. As a planning engineer for John Laing Construction in the 1980's, Richard worked in one of the first departments to use computers on site, which lead to his early technology adoption and understanding.

IFS Applications 7 offers improved integrated functions to manage the complete construction lifecycle, including scope, tender, approval, award, procurement, payments, cost control, project delivery, handover and ongoing maintenance and facility management. IFS Applications integrates contact management, call centre, sales contract management, project, asset, finance, workforce management and business collaboration into a single integrated system.