Karlsruhe, October 20, 2026 – Faster, more cost-effective, more customized: To meet the growing demands of international markets, companies in the DACH region have little choice but to achieve massive productivity gains. The ERP solution used is a decisive factor here, significantly influencing the efficiency of daily operations. The expert jury of the prestigious “ERP System of the Year” award took a close look at how well today’s challenges can be met with the current systems on the market. This year, the jury awarded ERP specialist Asseco Solutions two gold prizes: APplus is the “ERP System of the Year 2026” in the categories “ERP with AI Functions” and “User Experience ERP,” two disciplines that in particular form the foundation for efficient work in day-to-day business operations—and thus for the much-needed productivity gains.
“The fact that we received awards in two categories this year—and in these two disciplines, no less—means a great deal to us, because both categories are, in fact, closely linked,” explains Ralf Bachthaler, a member of the Executive Board of Asseco Solutions. “In today’s world, an ERP system must enable both users and artificial intelligence to carry out and process tasks in the most efficient way possible. With our Flow Mode, we’ve laid the foundation for this. As an innovative user mode, it guides users through their tasks in the fastest way possible—in a streamlined and clear manner. The underlying digital mapping of the relevant processes, in turn, provides the structure that enables AI to be deployed in a targeted, secure, and cost-effective manner. Taken together, these two awards are proof to us that we’re on the right track with our approach: supporting companies with a modern ERP workflow in increasing their efficiency.”
Innovative UX as a Speed Boost for Everyday Tasks
Traditional ERP systems follow a data-oriented approach: Users navigate independently through views and screens—some of which are complex—search for and edit information, and in this way manually drive the necessary process steps forward. There is no formal documentation specifying the exact sequence in which these steps must be performed; this knowledge resides in the users’ minds.
In contrast, with its Flow Mode, Asseco has developed a process-oriented approach. Instead of confronting users with the full functional complexity of an ERP system, Flow Mode guides them step by step along the optimal path to complete their current task. The streamlined and intuitive user interface always displays exactly the information and functions that are actually relevant to the current task, thereby focusing on what matters most.
Real-world customer feedback has shown that, in many cases, key core processes can be completed two to three times faster using this method. In addition, standardized procedures help prevent errors and ensure process quality.
Natively integrated AI for targeted, controlled AI support
The underlying BPMN-based process engine also provides the foundation for the targeted, controlled use of artificial intelligence. In APplus, this technology is not connected externally but is natively integrated into the ERP processes. Within the modeled workflows, AI can thus be deployed precisely where it delivers concrete benefits—for example, when extracting information from documents, understanding and classifying content, enriching information, or supporting decision-making.
This enables the efficient automation of entire process chains, in which rule-based automation, AI, and humans work together effectively: AI takes the load off precisely where it can best demonstrate its advantages, while rule-based automation drives the process forward in an efficient and economically sound manner. Finally, the user is specifically involved where human review or decision-making is required. In this way, the AI-supported ERP system acts as an active partner to its users.
Industry award with tradition
The “ERP System of the Year” award is Europe’s leading accolade in the field of enterprise resource planning and was presented for the 21st time in 2026. The competition is organized by Berlin-based GITO Verlag (organizer), LSWI at the University of Potsdam (scientific partner), the Center for Enterprise Research (Knowledge Partner), the trade journal ERP Management (Media Partner), the Berlin-Brandenburg Digital Association (SIBB), and the IT Entrepreneurs’ Day (Event Partner). Each year, participants present innovative ERP use cases, modern technologies, and new features for businesses in the form of concise pitches. An independent panel of experts evaluates all participants based on the relevance, differentiation, and practical applicability of the ERP solutions.
Asseco Solutions
For over 30 years, Asseco Solutions, headquartered in Karlsruhe, has been providing state-of-the-art ERP solutions for small and medium-sized businesses. Its web-based ERP solution, APplus, integrates functions such as project management, CRM, document management, inventory management, production planning and control, financial management, and service management into practical workflows, thereby providing comprehensive, integrated coverage of all key stages of modern value chains. Currently, more than 2,000 customers rely on APplus. With a strong focus on research and development, Asseco acts as a pioneer in forward-looking technologies such as Industry 4.0 and artificial intelligence. Asseco’s AI supports users in areas such as sales, warehousing, and process automation. The company employs a total of over 500 people at more than ten locations in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Guatemala, and Poland. As part of the global Asseco Group, which has 33,000 employees, Asseco offers its customers an ideal combination of local focus and global reach.
