DNASTREAM at IFS Unleashed 2026: Bringing Industrial AI into Practice
Last week, the DNASTREAM team had the pleasure of attending IFS Unleashed 2026 in Orlando, Florida, and we’re still reflecting on every innovation, inspiring speaker and conversations we had the opportunity to have.
From the launch of IFS Intelligence customers sharing their experiences of putting AI into practice, there was plenty to take away. Having attended previous IFS events, one development particularly stood out: the growing focus on practical applications and the benefits customers are seeing. Here’s what caught our attention.
Bringing Industrial AI to Life
The headline announcement was around IFS Intelligence, and how it brings together three ways for organisations to put Industrial AI to work: Cowork, Loops and Runway.
Cowork helps users investigate operational
data and prepare actions for approval. Loops allows defined workflows to be delegated to digital workers, bringing people in when judgement or approval is needed. Runway supports the migration, configuration and extension of IFS using requirements expressed in plain language.
For us, the interesting part was what this could mean for people using IFS every day. Investigating an issue, gathering the relevant information and preparing the next step can take considerable time. Seeing how AI can support that preparation opened up some valuable conversations about where it could make a practical difference.
Customer Experiences Take Centre Stage
Some of the strongest sessions came from customers sharing their own experiences. Eight Group featured prominently throughout the event, helping bring the discussion back to the realities of applying AI within a business.
There is something particularly valuable about hearing directly from the people using the technology. Understanding their
experiences, the challenges they have encountered and the benefits they are seeing gives other organisations a clearer picture of what might be possible.
This felt like an important step forward from previous events. The conversation is moving beyond what AI could do, with more examples of how customers are putting it to work
Building Confidence Through Governance
Alongside the excitement around new capabilities, governance received plenty of attention. This was encouraging to see, particularly as questions about permissions, approvals and accountability regularly come up in our conversations with customers.
The IFS AI Harness underpins IFS Intelligence, applying enterprise identities, permissions, policies and approvals to how AI operates. Human oversight and auditability are built into this approach, helping organisations retain control as they introduce new ways of working.
For businesses exploring Industrial AI, that confidence matters. Understanding how the technology fits within existing controls is an essential part of deciding where and how to use it.
A Growing Opportunity for Partners
Another interesting theme was the changing role of the partner community. IFS shared plans for a marketplace where partners can build and sell AI skills on the platform, with onboarding expected to begin in November 2026.
The event also provided a great opportunity to understand more about how partners can support each other. With different areas
of expertise across the community, there is plenty of scope to share knowledge, strengthen relationships and work together to address customer challenges.
These conversations were a valuable reminder of the experience and capability within the wider IFS ecosystem.
DNASTREAM on the Ground
It was fantastic to speak with prospective customers, reconnect with IFS colleagues and friends, and meet so many people throughout the week. The venue offered plenty of breakout areas, making it easy to continue discussions away from the main sessions.
The inspirational speakers gave us plenty to think about while the conversations
between sessions helped us explore what the announcements could mean for the organisations we work with.
Of course, it wasn’t all conference sessions and product discussions. The pool party provided a brilliant opportunity to catch up in a more relaxed setting, and a trip to Universal Studios saw members of the team brave the VelociCoaster. It’s fair to say that involved rather more terror than anticipated!
Looking Forward
IFS Unleashed 2026 left us with plenty of ideas and a clearer view of how Industrial AI is developing. The combination of new capabilities, customer experiences and a strong focus on governance made for a valuable week.
At DNASTREAM, we’re proud to be part of such a collaborative partner community. Thank you to everyone who took the time to speak with us, share their experiences and explore opportunities to work together.
Interested in what these developments could mean for your organisation?
Whether you’re exploring Industrial AI or looking to get more value from your existing IFS environment, the DNASTREAM team is here to help
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