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Novacura Flow Quarterly News: Q1 2026 Highlights

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April 9, 2026
4 min to read

The Q1 2026 update for Novacura Flow has arrived, showcasing a major leap forward in ERP system expansion. This quarter, the focus is squarely on the transition to Flow Connect, the introduction of Generative AI, and streamlining the migration path for IFS Cloud customers.

Here is a breakdown of the most significant updates from the March 27th session.

The Rise of Generative AI in ERP: From Prompt to Wireframe

The new Flow Builder is Novacura’s first step into generative AI. It allows developers to describe a business need in natural language, which the AI then uses to generate a functional wireframe, including automatic IFS Cloud OData API integrations.

  • Flow Builder (Generative AI): This new tool allows developers to create application wireframes in seconds using natural language. By describing a workflow, the AI generates the logic, handles clarifying questions like a consultant, and can even write Flow Script for IFS Cloud OData integrations.
  • AI-Powered Translations: Located within the new “Phrase Book” assets, you can now request instant Swedish (or other language) translations for entire applications or individual missing cells.

Flow Connect & The New Web Designer

Starting April 1st, 2026, the Web Designer becomes the default for all organizations in Flow Connect.

  • No Installation Required: Move away from thick-client Windows installations to a fully browser-based experience.
  • Important Note: Applications committed in the Web Designer cannot be reopened in the older Windows designer. Plan your team’s transition accordingly.

Solving the IFS Cloud Migration Puzzle

For customers moving to IFS Cloud, Novacura introduced two powerful “killer apps”:

  • IFS Comparison Tool: This tool scans your existing workflows and compares them against different IFS versions. It highlights exactly which APIs or OData methods have changed, giving you a clear CSV report of what needs to be fixed for your next upgrade.
  • PL/SQL to Flow Script Converter: A breakthrough for migrations, this tool uses AI to convert legacy PL/SQL blocks into modern Flow Script and OData calls. It targets an 80% automation rate for common workflow steps, significantly reducing manual consulting hours.
Graphic showing a workflow converter tool from IFS Apps to IFS Cloud, with a process diagram on the left, an ‘AI’ transformation in the center, and a modern workflow interface on the right, connected by arrows on a dark, tech-style background.

New Technical Capabilities

  • Local Storage: A game-changer for offline apps. It allows data manipulation directly on the device (offline) that persists across different apps within the same session.
  • Expanded Connectors: The addition of ODBC (accessing MySQL, PostgreSQL, etc.), FTP, and OPC UA (for shop floor IoT devices) bridges the gap for customers migrating from Flow Classic.
  • Octa Integration: Native support for Octa login is now available for identity management.

Flow Classic: The Road Ahead

While the focus is on Flow Connect, Novacura remains committed to Classic users.

  • Standard Support: Continues through the end of 2026.
  • Restricted Support: Begins Q1 2027 and ends September 30th, 2027.
  • Transition: For those who must remain on-premises, Flow Connect Edge is slated for release in Q4 2026.

Marketplace Updates: Now Free for Everyone

In an effort to expand the community, Novacura has introduced a Free Plan for the Marketplace. Even without an active subscription, users can now access basic applications, tutorials, and supportive tools to learn the platform.

New Marketplace Highlights:

  • AI Lead Capture: An app that lets you scan business cards or dictate notes to automatically fill lead data.
  • Data Import AI: A tool that takes random Excel files and intelligently maps them to well-defined tables, regardless of column order.
Screenshot of the Novacura Marketplace interface displaying a grid of application cards, including event management, AI data translation, and file system tools, with filtering options on the left for app types, ERP systems, and process areas.

Summary

The Novacura Flow Q1 2026 update marks a strategic leap toward autonomous process optimization, specifically designed to eliminate the technical friction that often anchors manufacturing and logistics enterprises.

By introducing the Local Storage module, Novacura has solved the “offline blind spot,” allowing users to not only view but also write and manipulate data without a signal -ensuring real-time agency even in disconnected environments.

This release also leverages generative AI through the new Flow Builder, which transforms natural language prompts into functional UI wireframes and OData integrations, drastically shortening the development lifecycle.

For organizations navigating the move to IFS Cloud, the new IFS Comparison Tool and automated PL/SQL-to-FlowScript converter act as critical “Upgrade Accelerators,” automating up to 80% of legacy workflow conversions with high precision.

Complemented by expanded connectivity through ODBC and FTP/SFTP connectors and a new “Free Plan for Everyone” on the Marketplace, this update positions Novacura Flow as a vital, low-code layer that bridges the gap between complex ERP architecture and agile, shop-floor reality.

Interactive Q&A Session and Webinar Replay

The webinar included live Q&A segment led by Ishrad Hassan, where product managers from Novacura addressed user questions in real time, offering further clarity on features and roadmap items. 

If you want to watch the full webinar, including the Q&A session, you can find the video replay here:

Paul Phillips

Director of Product Management
About Author
Table of contents
. Flow Connect & The New Web Designer Solving the IFS Cloud Migration Puzzle New Technical Capabilities Flow Classic: The Road Ahead Marketplace Updates: Now Free for Everyone Summary Interactive Q&A Session and Webinar Replay

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