Deploying IFS Cloud to enable continuous improvement in an international horticulture business

Change8 delivered a complex technical upgrade from Apps 9 to IFS Cloud for Flamingo Group International. The system transition was seamless, with zero impact on key performance metrics. The business evolved rapidly into a programme of continuous improvement, adopting new functionality on the evergreen platform.

Who is Flamingo Group International

Flamingo Group International is a leading horticulture and agribusiness company, producing over £1.5 billion stems of flowers annually, alongside premium vegetables. With farms and operations spanning Africa and Europe, Flamingo is committed to sustainable sourcing, supply chain efficiency, and delivering the highest-quality produce to global markets.

Industry: Horticulture and Agribusiness
Operations: Growing, processing, marketing, and distribution
Market Presence: UK, Europe, Africa
Annual Revenue: Multi-million-pound enterprise
Employees: Thousands across global locations
To maintain its leadership position, Flamingo recognised the need for a modern ERP system capable of managing its complex and diverse business functions.

“What stood out most for us was the way Change8 approached our project with a systematic yet personal touch. It was clear from the start that they understood the challenges we were facing and our long-term goals.”
Gillian Getty
Transformation Lead, Flamingo Flowers

The Implementation Process

1.

Planning & Project Management

Change8 initiated the project with a structured roadmap, ensuring all milestones were clearly defined.

2.

Data Migration & System Integration

Successfully migrated data from IFS Apps 9 to IFS Cloud
Integrated IFS Cloud with existing business processes and supply chain systems

3.

Training & User Adoption

Change8 placed significant emphasis on training Flamingo’s teams, ensuring smooth adoption across departments.

4.

Seamless Go-Live Execution

With Change8’s hands-on approach, the go-live process was executed with zero business disruptions.

Why Flamingo Chose Change8

When evaluating consultancy partners, Flamingo considered several firms but ultimately chose Change8 for the following reasons:

1. Independent & Agile Approach

Unlike larger firms, Change8 offered a flexible, personalised approach, ensuring a tailored solution that aligned with Flamingo’s business goals.

2. Deep Industry Understanding

Change8 demonstrated a thorough understanding of horticulture and agribusiness, showing they could align the IFS Cloud implementation with Flamingo’s operations.

3. Collaborative & People-Centric Strategy

Rather than just focusing on technology, Change8 took a people-first approach, ensuring user adoption, training, and ongoing support were prioritised.

4. Proven Track Record

With previous successful IFS Cloud implementations, Change8’s expertise was evident from the outset.

“We needed a partner who could handle the technical complexities but also work with us on a personal level. Change8 delivered on both fronts.”
Adam Smith
Head of Business Systems, Flamingo Group International

The Challenge

Flamingo’s existing ERP system, IFS Apps 9, was outdated and approaching end-of-life. They faced several key challenges:

1.

Limited Scalability

The existing system struggled to keep up with the company’s evolving operations, making it difficult to scale efficiently.

2.

Inefficiencies & Operational Complexity

Managing a multi-country supply chain, from farming to distribution, required an agile system to streamline processes and improve decision-making.

3.

Data Fragmentation

With disconnected systems and manual processes, data visibility and real-time reporting were limited, impacting operational efficiency.

4.

Uncertainty with Large Consultancies

Previous engagements with larger consultancy firms left Flamingo hesitant. They needed a partner who understood their industry-specific needs and could provide a tailored, hands-on approach.

Results & ROI

When evaluating consultancy partners, Flamingo considered several firms but ultimately chose Change8 for the following reasons:

1. Seamless Transition & Industry Recognition

Flamingo’s transition to IFS Cloud was awarded “IFS Implementation of the Year” in 2023.

2. Enhanced Operational Efficiency

Reduced manual processes and increased automation, improving productivity across teams.
Employees found it easier to access real-time data and reports, leading to faster decision-making.

3. Cost Savings & Increased ROI

Eliminated outdated systems, reducing maintenance costs.
Improved efficiency led to long-term cost savings across operations.

4. New Functionalities Unlocked

With IFS Cloud, Flamingo now benefits from:

Workbench – Streamlining processes across departments 

WaDaCo – Enhanced warehouse and supply chain management 

Visual Shop Order Planning – Better production planning and forecasting

5. Future-Ready for Continuous Improvement

Following the upgrade, Flamingo has embarked on new digital transformation projects, leveraging IFS Cloud to drive further innovation.

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