APplus 8: Efficiency and flexibility in the age of innovation

"Just by looking at the example of groundbreaking AI innovations such as Large Language Models (LLMs), you can see how fast technological development is happening these days: one revolution is literally chasing the next," said Markus Haller, CEO and CTO of Asseco Solutions. "This has a striking impact on the business models of many companies. Let's just take a look at the production halls: In the very near future, where a classic machine still stands today, there could already be a plant at work that, with the help of AI, not only intelligently adapts its manufacturing methods to new conditions, but perhaps even actively generates suggestions as to how the production step itself should be overhauled for optimization. ERP systems must also be able to cope with this ongoing and rapid development of technology."

As the backbone of all corporate processes, they must be able to adapt quickly to ever-changing requirements. And offer users opportunities to process their daily tasks with unprecedented speed, thus increasing the overall efficiency of the company. Haller adds: "With APplus 8, we are meeting this need: our new software generation offers users focused, guided processes that can be adapted as easily as possible to ever-changing requirements. At the same time, in times of mobile working models, they offer the freedom to be productive from any location and device - without any compromises in managing daily tasks."

The new Flow Mode: efficiency meets individuality

APplus 8 has a completely new operating concept that offers users the choice between two modes of use depending on the task: the new Flow Mode and the proven Classic Mode. Flow Mode focuses on the specific process. Based on a structured interface, it guides users step by step through the processes to be completed. Only the information that is actually relevant for the current task is visible. As a result, potential sources of error are displayed and the clarity of the process is optimized. In this way, users can process central ERP workflows with significantly greater speed and efficiency than is possible in the traditional way.

For maximum flexibility, the processes can be adapted precisely to the requirements of the company and the wishes of the individual user using the "APplus Board Designer" and "APplus Process Designer" tools, both at the interface level and at the process and logic level. Customization is done on a configuration basis. To cover larger processes, companies can also access tried-and-tested process templates in the new APplus Best Practice Hub.

Two usage concepts, greater flexibility

In addition to the Flow Mode, the Classic Mode is equally available. It offers users the proven data-centric usage approach with access to all relevant data at all times. Tasks can thus be processed in a sequence in the system. The user decides for himself which step is required next. This enables users to work effectively with maximum degrees of freedom.

Both modes of use coexist in APplus 8. Ralf Bachthaler, CSO of Asseco Solutions, explains: "Users can switch back and forth between Flow Mode and Classic Mode as needed, so that they can choose the mode that is most suitable from their perspective, depending on the process step. For example, a user may start an order in simple Flow Mode and switch to Classic Mode as needed to verify a required piece of information in inventory before he or she finalizes the order in Flow Mode. Such a combination of process-centric and data-centric approach is an absolute first in the ERP world - and a real efficiency booster."

ERP - "Everywhere

The ease of use of Flow Mode is due not least to its clearly structured interface, consisting of the so-called "APplus Flow Boards". Depending on the device used, these boards automatically adapt to the size and resolution of the screen. In this way, they also enable the processing of complex ERP processes on mobile devices with the full range of functions, without the need for a separate mobility app. This makes APplus 8 particularly well suited to today's flexible mobile working models.

With intelligent process automation against time-consuming routine

The business processes are supported with innovative artificial intelligence. Among other things, APplus 8 offers the possibility to implement intelligent process analyses. In this way, processes are identified that are usually always processed in the same way, such as the ordering of a specific item in an item group. If desired, the AI then offers the option of automating this process in the future, thus relieving employees of time-consuming routine tasks. Projects that have already been implemented have shown that it is not uncommon for up to 30 percent of the work steps to be automated in this way. In turn, employees can use the free capacities thus gained to devote themselves to exceptions and special cases with particular care.

Source: www.assecosolutions.com