IFS Ultimo Integrates Digital Labor into Org Charts and EAM Systems
Enterprise asset management (EAM) vendor IFS Ultimo is shifting its operations to become an AI-first business. This means AI agents will work alongside human employees and appear directly on organizational charts as digital labor. The company is not just using AI to streamline internal processes but is embedding agentic and generative AI capabilities into its EAM product offerings.
Founded in 1988 as a manufacturing consulting firm in the Benelux region, IFS Ultimo evolved into a significant EAM software provider, mainly serving Germany and the U.K. In 2022, it was acquired by IFS, a firm offering ERP, EAM, and field service management software for manufacturing. Since then, with fresh capital from IFS and its backers, the focus has been on expanding into larger markets like North America and on product development.
Transitioning from System of Record to Digital Labor Provider
Steven Elsham, CEO of IFS Ultimo since May 2025, is leading the company’s transformation. His primary goal is to shift from being a traditional EAM system provider to becoming a digital labor provider within the EAM sector. He emphasizes that the company’s org chart now includes digital coworkers—AI agents that augment or replace functions previously handled by humans.
This approach goes beyond just internal efficiency improvements. The AI capabilities are integrated deeply into both the company’s operations and its product suite, creating a new kind of workforce that combines human and digital labor seamlessly.
The Rise of Digital Labor Across Industries
IFS Ultimo joins other organizations adopting AI agents as part of their everyday workforce. For example:
- Salesforce reportedly uses agentic AI for up to half of its cloud CRM operations.
- Banking giant BNY leverages AI to handle tasks like code writing and validating payment instructions within teams.
Adopting digital labor requires more than just implementing new technology—it demands a shift in mindset and work culture. Elsham points out that organizations must focus on future trends rather than current standards.
Challenges in Manufacturing and Practical AI Deployment
Manufacturing companies face challenges adopting digital labor due to traditionally slower innovation cycles. However, IFS Ultimo is leading by example, deploying AI agents first in finance, HR, and sales operations. The goal isn’t to cut headcount but to redefine roles—creating positions like "agent manager" to oversee AI coworkers.
One example is IFS Ultimo’s operation in Sri Lanka, where rising costs led the company to replace some offshore back-office functions with AI agents. Employees were encouraged to transform their roles by managing these digital agents, effectively securing long-term value within the company.
Tools and Technologies in Use
Employees use a variety of AI tools, including Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT Enterprise, to create and manage these agents. Other specialized software includes:
- Luminance: Legal AI tool for contract assessment and negotiation support
- Lovable and Cursor AI: Used by R&D for product development
- Lucanet: Financial planning software for the finance team
This blend of general and niche AI tools supports both operational agility and product innovation.
Addressing Concerns and Setting New Standards
Elsham acknowledges that rapid change can be unsettling for employees. He stresses that integrating AI is not a temporary project but an ongoing way of operating to remain competitive and meet rising client expectations.
IFS Ultimo now competes not just with traditional EAM vendors but also against the benchmarks set by every system customers interact with. The company is transforming internally to meet these broader standards and deliver an AI-first business experience.
For product developers interested in how AI can reshape operational and product strategies, IFS Ultimo’s approach offers practical insights into integrating AI agents into core workflows and product functionality.
To explore AI tools and training that can support similar transformations, consider checking out Complete AI Training for courses on AI automation, prompt engineering, and more.
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