Novacura in partner interview with IFS

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.

At the 2026 M3UGA Spring Conference in Tempe, Arizona (March 23–25), where Novacura participated as a sponsor, it became clear to the North American Infor M3 community that closing this gap is no longer a luxury – it is a strategic necessity. In ERP-driven operations, the distance between system capabilities and operational reality is where most efficiency is lost. A Growing Community Of Experts As Jared Burton, Sales Representative at Novacura North America, noted: “The 2026 M3UGA Conference was another fantastic event, driven by dedicated organizers invested in helping customers get the most out of their M3 environments.” For Novacura, this marked our third year of participation. We have moved beyond being just a participant to becoming a strategic voice for organizations struggling with the rigid structures of legacy ERP setups. The energy in Arizona confirmed that the M3 community is hungry for solutions that offer agility without compromising the core integrity of their Infor environment. The Agenda: Modernization And Strategic Agility The conference, held in Tempe, focused heavily on the transition toward Infor CloudSuite and the optimization of on-premise environments. Key themes included: The Cloud Journey: Strategies for migrating while maintaining business continuity. Data Integrity: Ensuring “one version of the truth” across global supply chains. User Experience: Moving away from complex “green screens” toward intuitive, process-driven interfaces. From the Stage: Bridging the ERP Execution Gap – Novacura Customer Case Presentations At the recent Annual M3 User Group Conference, Novacura highlighted a fundamental truth facing modern industrial enterprises: the ERP system itself is rarely the problem—the friction lies in how people interact with it. Through two distinct session deep-dives, we explored how a low-code layer can dismantle the “villains” of system complexity and data latency. Session 1: Bridging the High-Volume Data Gap In high-stakes environments – such as seasonal harvest or large-scale raw material intake – operational efficiency is often threatened by fragmented data and steep training barriers. The Challenge: Traditional ERP interfaces often require “too many screens and too many clicks” for simple data entry. For seasonal staff with limited training windows, this complexity creates a “training gap” that results in data latency and inaccurate inventory visibility. The Technical Bridge: Rather than resorting to risky core modifications, the solution involves deploying a low-code integration engine. By using a simplified mobile interface, workers can execute complex transactions – such as logging IDs and attributes – via a single, clean screen that communicates directly with ERP APIs. The Result: This approach achieves real-time accuracy without the “administrative burden.” Companies gain the ability to deploy applications with minimal time-to-value, ensuring that even a temporary workforce can contribute to a 100% compliant data capture process. Session 2: From “Ghost Data” to Precision Field Service   For organizations managing heavy machinery and field-based support, the “villain” is often a reliance on manual, analog reporting that hides critical KPIs. The Challenge: When technicians capture time and meter readings in Excel or on paper, “ghost data” (delayed or disconnected information) paralyzes maintenance planning. This lack of real-time visibility often leads to system duplication, where staff use external tools to track […]

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. 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 […]

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.

Another year at Infoteamdagene has confirmed that the Norwegian industrial landscape is at a crossroads. As we gathered for the 2026 edition – marking another consecutive year of Novacura’s proud sponsorship of this vital community – one theme resonated louder than any technical update: the growing friction between ERP complexity and operational reality. Beyond our role as sponsors, we had the privilege of presenting a live look into how leaders are solving this friction. Our session, “How Møre Trafo Synchronized Production, Logistics, and Quality with Novacura Flow,” demonstrated that when you align your ERP with your people – rather than the other way around – the results are transformative. Insights from the 2026 M3 Roadmap Infoteamdagene 2026 provided a clear view of the road ahead. Our team engaged with several key pillars of the current M3 ecosystem: Maximizing M3 Value: Strategies for squeezing every drop of ROI out of existing implementations while preparing for modernization. The Cloud Transition: Moving to the Cloud is no longer the “future”—it is the present. The focus is now on how to migrate without losing the unique competitive advantages built into your current processes. AI and Automation: The integration of AI is shifting from hype to high-level automation, particularly in Supply Chain and Finance. Technical Deep Dives: Exploring how modern APIs and extensions can finally allow for a “Clean Core” strategy. The “Reporting Lag” and the Complexity Barrier As was mentioned many times during the event, for many organizations running Infor M3, the ERP has become an administrative burden on the shop floor. When a reporting process is too complex to complete in the moment, operators revert to paper or delayed entries. This is the Complexity Barrier. By the time the data reaches the management dashboard, it is already “historical fiction,” leading to over-purchasing, inventory inaccuracies, and a loss of strategic control. 35% Claim Reduction and Strategic Control: The Møre Trafo Customer Case At Infoteamdagene 2026, Møre Trafo – Scandinavia’s premier manufacturer of distribution transformers – demonstrated how they shifted from “ERP-centric” thinking to “operational intent.” In a high-precision industry where technical deviations carry heavy financial risks, Møre Trafo needed a way to ensure that shop-floor reality perfectly matched their digital records. The Challenge: The Friction of Manual Oversight Despite a robust ERP, Møre Trafo faced a common “Complexity Barrier”. Vital quality data was often captured manually, creating a “reporting lag” that prevented proactive course correction. This fragmentation made it difficult to maintain full traceability and contributed to avoidable costs from non-conformity and claims. The Solution: The “Template-Block” Framework To eliminate this friction, Møre Trafo implemented a process-optimizing low-code layer using Novacura Flow. Instead of forcing technicians to navigate complex ERP screens, they deployed a “Template-Block” architecture that enforces engineering rules at the point of execution. This mobile-first interface guides workers through mandatory technical gates – such as pressure tests or specific measurements – ensuring that data is captured correctly the first time. If a technical tolerance isn’t met, the process stops, preventing defects from moving downstream. The Result: Strategic Control and a 35% Claim Reduction By moving their complex […]

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 […]