IFS Connect Nordics Recap: Shifting the Focus from ERP Complexity to Industrial AI Reality
The industrial world is no longer debating if change is coming; we are now measuring the pace of that change in real-time. On April 23–24, 2026, the Nordic IFS Community gathered in our home city of Gothenburg for IFS Connect Nordics. The atmosphere at the venue reflected a clear industry mandate: Industrial AI Accelerated. As a Silver Sponsor of this year’s event, Novacura was proud to welcome peers, partners, and customers to our own backyard. The 2026 edition felt particularly significant, not just because of the focus on AI as an engine for value, but because of the deep collaboration with the Scandinavian and Finnish User Groups. This partnership shifted the second day of the event toward what really matters to the people on the ground: practical insights, technical depth, and hands-on learning. When Speed Hits the Coding Bottleneck The theme of “Industrial AI” promises unprecedented opportunities in asset performance and decision-making. However, for many organizations, there is a “Villain” in the story: ERP Complexity. Most industrial companies struggle to get their ERP to match how their people actually work. As IFS noted during the keynote, moving fast is no longer enough; you must be able to scale. Yet, every new requirement often turns into another risky customization or a fragile middleware project. This creates a “coding bottleneck” that prevents AI from ever reaching the shop floor or the warehouse. Unveiling the Flow ERP Fusion AI Engine At the Novacura booth, we demonstrated that the bridge between “Industrial AI” and “Operational Reality” doesn’t have to be built with manual code. We were thrilled to unveil the Flow ERP Fusion AI Engine. This domain-optimized engine is designed specifically for the IFS Cloud API. It allows technical teams to describe complex workflows in plain language, which the engine then instantly converts into functional FlowScripts and OData integrations. By acting as a consultative layer, this engine removes the traditional manual heavy lifting from the development cycle. It allows you to: Keep the IFS Core “Clean”: Replace modifications with low-code apps to make Cloud upgrades smoother. Move at Market Speed: Orchestrate flows instead of coding point-to-point integrations. Empower the “Blue-Collar” Workforce: Build role-based mobile apps for the warehouse and production floor that technicians actually like using. A Local Presence with Global Insight It was a privilege to have our Nordic leadership, including Östen Westman (Sales Director Business Solutions Nordics) and Fredrik Rosendahl (Sales Director), on-site to discuss these strategies. Whether the conversations centered on navigating an IFS Cloud upgrade or optimizing an existing AMS strategy, the consensus was clear: the future of ERP is not just maintenance – it is evolution. For those who stopped by to discuss the future of low-code (and to pick up our signature LEGO gift), we thank you for the insightful dialogue. If you missed us in Gothenburg but are ready to explore how a process-optimizing low-code layer can accelerate your own Industrial AI journey, the door is always open. Let’s bridge the gap between your ERP and your operational reality.
learn more
Bridging the Gap Between AI Vision and Operational Reality at IFS Connect France 2026
On April 2nd, the Pavillon Cambon in Paris became the epicenter of industrial transformation. IFS Connect France 2026 brought together the brightest minds in the French industrial landscape to explore a singular, pressing theme: how to turn the exponential potential of AI into measurable business value. As a sponsor at Booth 14, the Novacura team – led by Helle Mering, Rayner Bröndrup, and Patrick Defives – joined a community eager to move past theoretical discussions and into the realm of “Industrial AI Accelerated.” Acceleration through Innovation The day opened with a powerful sequence of strategic insights. From Mathieu Daudigny’s regional perspective to the global vision shared by IFS CEO Mark Moffat, the message was clear: 2026 is the year of moving at speed to scale. Presentations from leaders like Vinh Vu, Véronique David, and Jeremy JeanJean underscored that the path to this acceleration lies in specific, industry-focused capabilities. This vision was grounded in reality by impressive customer success stories from organizations such as TotalEnergies, Videlio, and Lynred. The awards presented to SKF, Systra, and Eurofeu served as a reminder that the “Victory” in our industry is always defined by operational excellence and the ability to adapt. The Legacy Customization Trap However, a common thread emerged during our discussions at the booth. For many French industrial organizations, the transition to IFS Cloud is obstructed by a familiar “Villain”: Years of legacy modifications. These rigid code layers stifle agility and create a “coding bottleneck” that makes adopting new AI capabilities feel like a monumental task. Visitors shared specific challenges regarding WADACO and mobile work order management – areas where the gap between standard ERP functionality and operational reality is often widest. Unveiling the Flow ERP Fusion AI Engine At Novacura, we believe the solution isn’t just more technology; it’s a better way to communicate with your ERP. During the dynamic lunch session and throughout the afternoon, we demonstrated the final development phase of our Flow ERP Fusion AI Engine. Designed specifically for the IFS Cloud API, this engine shifts the paradigm of ERP interaction: Natural Language Interaction: Describe a workflow in plain French or English, and the AI understands the business context. Consultative Intelligence: Much like a human consultant, the engine asks clarifying questions to ensure logic alignment. Automated Logic Generation: It instantly drafts the necessary FlowScripts and OData integrations, removing the manual “heavy lifting” from the development cycle. This is the technical bridge that allows companies to keep their IFS core “close to standard” while moving at the speed of the market. Engagement and Agility The day concluded with an inspiring session by former football star Emmanuel Petit, who spoke on the power of engagement. For us, engagement means more than just a presentation; it’s the positive interactions we had with the IFS France team and the commitment to continue these dialogues in Paris. The “Victory” for our customers is clear: ERP agility without the bottleneck. By adding a process-optimizing low-code layer, you no longer have to wait for “coding windows” to improve your business. You can finally align your ERP with your operational intent.
learn more
IFS Connect DACH Reflection: Shifting the Focus from ERP Complexity to Operational Intent
Beyond The Buzzwords: Real-World AI At IFS Connect DACH 2026 IFS Connect DACH 2026 in Munich was more than just a calendar event; it served as a critical launchpad for the future of industrial operations. While the sessions buzzed with the launch of IFS.ai Logistics and the broader vision of Industrial AI across manufacturing and field service, the real value emerged in the spaces between: the face-to-face connections that spark genuine innovation. However, beneath the excitement of new product launches like the Softeon acquisition – which promises to bolster IFS’s logistics capabilities – a familiar challenge remains for many organizations. The Agility Gap: Why Business Intent Stalls In the world of high-stakes ERP management, the primary bottleneck isn’t the software’s capability – it is the technical friction between a business idea and its execution. Traditionally, if a logistics manager identifies a need for a new mobile workflow or a specific data integration, they face a daunting timeline. Translating that intent into a functional IFS Cloud workflow typically requires deep technical expertise and weeks of development. This complexity acts as the ultimate brake on organizational agility. Organizations find themselves waiting for “coding windows” rather than reacting to market shifts in real-time. Introducing The Flow ERP Fusion AI Engine At our booth in Munich, the Novacura team demonstrated a shift in this paradigm. We are currently entering the final development phase of the Flow ERP Fusion AI Engine, a domain-optimized tool designed specifically to bridge the gap between human intent and the IFS Cloud API. This isn’t “AI for the sake of AI.” It is a process-optimizing layer designed to eliminate manual “heavy lifting”: Natural Language Interaction: Users describe the required workflow in plain language. The AI understands the business context, not just the syntax. Consultative Intelligence: Much like a human consultant, the engine asks clarifying questions to ensure the generated logic aligns with specific operational needs. Automated Logic Generation: The engine instantly drafts the necessary FlowScripts and OData integrations, slashing the time required for development. Insights From The Floor: The Changing Ecosystem The landscape of the IFS ecosystem is shifting. A notable observation from our team in Munich was the absence of traditional middleware giants like Dell Boomi. As these legacy platforms move further from the IFS core, the positioning of Novacura Flow as a dedicated integration and process engine becomes even more vital. While IFS continues to expand its product footprint – most notably in reporting and logistics – there remain significant gaps in how users can flexibly extend the system without getting stuck in modifications. By keeping the core “clean” and using a low-code layer for innovation, companies can prepare for future upgrades without losing their competitive edge. From Technical Dependency To Operational Fluidity The goal of the Flow ERP Fusion AI Engine is simple: ERP Agility without the Bottleneck. By removing the requirement for deep manual coding for every new process, we enable a shift from technical dependency to operational fluidity. You no longer need to wait for a developer to catch up with your business requirements. Instead, you orchestrate flows that match how your people actually […]
learn more
Novacura at IFS Sales kickoff (SaKo) 2026
Novacura participated in the IFS Sales Kick-Off (SaKo) 2026 in Dallas, Texas—one of the key events in the IFS ecosystem. The summit highlighted the shift from traditional ERP to Autonomous Industrial AI and showcased strategic priorities like AI-driven sales, digital workers, and partner-driven growth. Insights from the event reinforce Novacura’s role in helping customers bridge advanced IFS AI capabilities with real-world operational needs using Novacura Flow.
learn more
Novacura Partners with 8to7 Solutions in the UK & Ireland
We are proud to announce our new partnership with 8to7 Solutions, an ambitious technology consultancy based in the United Kingdom. With a sharp focus on ERP, digital transformation and business process innovation, 8to7 Solutions joins Novacura as our exclusive official partner in the UK and Ireland. This collaboration combines Novacura’s low-code platform with 8to7 Solutions’ deep ERP expertise, ensuring that businesses across industries can operate faster, smarter and with greater confidence. About 8to7 Solutions 8to7 Solutions specialises in enterprise resource planning (ERP) consultancy, implementation, upgrades and support, helping organisations design, implement and optimise secure and future-proof business systems. Their team of ERP specialists, solution architects and developers operate at the intersection of business and technology, blending deep process knowledge with technical expertise. Their approach is built around speed, security and adaptability: projects are delivered quickly and efficiently, without compromising compliance or quality. With expertise spanning IFS, SAP, Infor M3, Prophet and Microsoft Dynamics, the company helps customers accelerate operations through ERP integration, automation, low-code solutions, mobile applications, and advanced analytics. Industries served 8to7 Solutions brings experience across a wide range of sectors, including: Manufacturing & Production – shop-floor visibility, planning and quality control Automotive, Aerospace & Defence – compliance-driven ERP and secure supply chain management Food & Beverage, Pharmaceuticals & Life Sciences – traceability, compliance and R&D support Energy & Utilities, Engineering & Construction – scalable asset management and field solutions Field Services & Professional Services – mobile, offline-first tools for scheduling and workforce optimisation Public Sector, Healthcare, Finance and Education – secure, transparent and cloud-ready operations Logistics & Supply Chain – end-to-end visibility, resilient networks and warehouse automation Unique Competencies Beyond ERP delivery, 8to7 Solutions integrates emerging technologies that give businesses a competitive edge, such as: Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning – predictive analytics and intelligent automation Internet of Things (IoT) – connecting ERP with devices for real-time visibility Data Mining & Advanced Analytics – extracting actionable insights from large data sets Optical Character Recognition (OCR) – digitising and automating workflows Low-Code Development – extending ERP without disrupting the core Cloud-native & Mobile Solutions – enabling modern, scalable digital ecosystems Why This Partnership Matters “We are truly excited to partner with Novacura as their exclusive official partner in the UK and Ireland. This collaboration brings together 8to7 Solutions’ deep expertise in digital transformation, change management, business process optimisation and ERP implementations with Novacura’s low-code platform, an innovative and truly one-of-a-kind solution with no comparables in the market.”— Sangeetha Seneviratne Agalakotuwa, Founder, 8to7 Solutions With Novacura Flow, 8to7 Solutions will be able to deliver timely, tailored and scalable solutions across any ERP platform. By extending ERP systems with modern mobile user experiences, supporting ERP-standard APIs, and ensuring minimal maintenance effort, this partnership ensures businesses can: Accelerate digital transformation while reducing costs Unlock new life in legacy ERP systems Streamline upgrades and maintenance Achieve measurable efficiency and resilience Shared Mission At the heart of this partnership is a shared vision. 8to7 Solutions’ mission is to empower organisations with secure, scalable and intelligent ERP solutions […]
learn more
Novacura at IFS Connect Nordics (Sweden)
Novacura kicked off the month of May with an exciting presence at IFS Connect Nordics 2025, held on May 5–6 in Solna, Stockholm. The event gathered enterprise leaders, technology experts, and IFS users from across the Nordic region to share insights on how to drive innovation, improve resilience, and create long-term business value with IFS Cloud. As one of four conferences on our May calendar, IFS Connect Nordics provided the perfect platform for our team to engage with customers, discuss digital transformation strategies, and demonstrate how Novacura Flow helps extend and enhance the IFS ecosystem. Event Highlights: Cloud Strategy, AI, and Industry Insights This year’s agenda focused on the most pressing themes for IFS customers, offering both strategic overviews and in-depth customer stories. Key highlights included: The Next Chapter of IFS CloudA look into the latest developments and future roadmap for IFS Cloud, including AI integration and continued platform flexibility to support evolving enterprise needs. Manufacturing for a Digital WorldThis session explored how manufacturers are adapting operations through smart factory initiatives, cloud-enabled automation, and data-driven decision-making. AI in Training & OperationsSeveral talks emphasized how AI is reshaping not just software but also how employees are trained, empowered, and supported in their day-to-day workflows. Sustainability as StrategyReal-world examples showcased how IFS users are embedding sustainability into core business processes — not just as compliance, but as a competitive advantage. Throughout the event, the focus remained on how organizations can navigate rapid change, improve operational resilience, and harness the power of technology — especially AI and cloud — to remain agile in complex markets. At Booth No. 3, visitors had the opportunity to meet the Novacura team — Calle Göras, Fredrik Rosendahl, Östen Westman, and Ricard Lindgren — to learn how our low-code platform, Novacura Flow, empowers IFS customers to build tailored applications that bridge process gaps, reduce manual work, and improve user experience across departments. Whether the interest was in shop floor control system apps, workflow automation, or integration capabilities, we were thrilled to discuss how Novacura Flow can complement IFS Cloud and deliver fast, flexible business solutions. SUMMARY IFS Connect Nordics once again proved to be a valuable gathering of minds and a great showcase of the direction enterprise software is headed in the Nordic region. We’re proud to have been part of it, contributing to conversations around smart digital solutions for manufacturing and helping IFS customers get even more out of their systems. Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth and shared ideas. We’re looking forward to continuing the dialogue at upcoming events throughout May — and beyond.
learn more