IFS introduces a new model to unlock enterprise-wide Industrial AI deployment
IFS has unveiled a new pricing model aimed at transforming how organisations adopt and scale Industrial AI, moving away from traditional user-based licensing to an asset-based approach.
The announcement marks a significant shift in enterprise software economics, enabling organisations to pay based on the operational assets they manage such as infrastructure, equipment, or production systems rather than the number of users accessing the platform. This change is designed to remove cost barriers and encourage broader AI adoption across enterprises.
Under the new model, for instance, an energy company managing hundreds of offshore assets would be billed based on those assets rather than thousands of employees and systems interacting with the software. This aligns software investment more closely with operational scale and business value.
“Our customers should not have to choose between automating operations and controlling software costs we’re pricing the work, not the workers.” — Mark Moffat
Driving Scalable AI Adoption
IFS said the model is built to support the growing demand for Industrial AI, where software increasingly drives autonomous processes and outcomes rather than simply supporting human users. By eliminating per-user constraints, organisations can deploy AI across workflows without concerns over escalating licensing costs.
The approach introduces predictable pricing aligned with real-world operations, enabling enterprises to scale projects and expand usage seamlessly as their business grows.
A Shift Toward Outcome-Based Value
The asset-based pricing structure is designed for “systems of action,” where value is measured by operational output rather than system access. This allows organisations to track measurable, auditable outcomes while ensuring transparency in software investments.
According to IFS, this evolution reflects changing market dynamics as businesses integrate AI deeper into their core operations, requiring more flexible and scalable commercial models.
Industry analysts, including experts from IDC, noted that the new pricing approach provides greater flexibility and aligns technology investments with business value drivers, particularly in an increasingly AI-driven enterprise landscape.
Enabling the Next Phase of Industrial AI
The move reinforces IFS’s broader Industrial AI strategy, positioning the company to support organisations as they navigate a rapidly evolving digital environment. By linking pricing directly to operational success, IFS aims to help customers maximise value while maintaining cost efficiency.
As enterprises accelerate AI adoption, IFS’s asset-based model could signal a broader shift in how software is priced moving the industry toward more outcome-driven and scalable frameworks.
