The biggest challenges when preparing for audits, adapting ESG frameworks or dealing with changing regulations are often cumbersome keyword searches that lack context. Siloed systems and scattered documentation as well as a large loss of time due to manual updates make the efficient provision of information and documents even more difficult.

AI-based policy management software provides a remedy

S-PRO, a company founded in Ukraine and now based in Switzerland that specializes in digital innovation and software engineering, has now developed policy management software to overcome this challenge. This offers employees and stakeholders simplified access to the information they are looking for in the form of an intelligent chatbot. Instead of searching through static PDFs or portals, they can ask questions in simple language using text input and receive precise answers based on their internal guidelines. Integration into existing communication platforms such as Sharepoints, Teams or the intranet means that it can be provided with minimal operational effort and works with the existing document structure.

Scalable, self-learning and compliant

The intelligent chatbot adapts to a company's individual requirements and grows with them. It can manage thousands of policies across teams and regions and continuously learns from user interactions to improve accuracy and close knowledge gaps. It provides users with analytics on which policies are being asked, misunderstood or underutilized. This supports compliance, reduces risk and helps to make better decisions.

Major efficiency gains at the IUCN

The NGO International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, based in Gland (VD), has gained practical experience with this software. The mouthpiece of nature at the United Nations was faced with a major documentation challenge. With over 2,000 active and archived resolutions, the policy team needed to understand complex contexts, track updates and access important content - all within a reasonable timeframe. To simplify this process, S-PRO developed the ChatR&R solution - a custom AI policy explorer adapted to IUCN's specific structure. It allows users to retrieve, explore and interpret decisions in seconds using simple prompts, without any technical training. "For some applications, document preparation can take up to two weeks. Today, we have initial results in ten seconds, which is really a big improvement. The quality of the result is also impressive and I have already received many requests for further projects in the same way," says François Jolles, CIO & Director of Global Information Systems at IUCN, about the solution.

Source and further information: S-PRO

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/compliance-vereinfachen-mit-ki-basierter-policy-management-software/

The Marketing Tech Lab in Hamburg presented the results of its latest Marketing Tech Monitor on Wednesday. The study sheds light on the level of technological maturity in marketing, sales and service in the DACH region. According to the study, only 3 percent of the companies surveyed achieve a high level of integration in their MarTech infrastructure.

Companies with a high level of maturity are characterized by defined strategies, structured project procedures and cross-functional collaboration. These so-called "leaders" work with roadmaps, systematically analyze customer journeys and use advanced CRM and CX systems. On the other hand, there are laggards who fail due to unclear responsibilities, a lack of target images and too many different tools.

Projects between power play and passion

In addition to technical and organizational hurdles, the study also highlights interpersonal tensions as a stumbling block for digital transformation. Over 60 percent of failed projects lacked either experienced project managers or clear documentation of requirements. Power conflicts between departments were identified as a key obstacle. "Successful transformation requires less 'PowerPoint romanticism' and more resilient methodology and content," says the report.

Data management as a gold mine

There are still major deficits in the area of data management. Only a few companies have established consolidated data structures. A lack of integration, poor quality and limited access are slowing down progress in personalization and the use of AI. Companies with a higher level of maturity are making targeted investments in data lakes, quality assurance and access concepts.

CX as a business priority, faltering AI implementation

Although the importance of customer experience is recognized, implementation remains fragmented in many cases. Only around a third pursue a systematic, cross-channel approach. The report emphasizes that CX initiatives are only effective if they are based on a solid database and a clear target system.

The picture is also mixed when it comes to artificial intelligence: although more than 50% of companies have an AI roadmap, operational implementation is rare. Only 11% actively use AI, and this is mainly in the areas of content management and conversational AI. Higher-value applications such as causal AI or marketing mix modeling remain the exception. The development of internal skills is considered a prerequisite - but is only a priority for around 2 percent of respondents.

"Our analysis this year clearly shows that without clean data, clear responsibilities and a well thought-out roadmap, projects for data-driven customer interaction will be a gamble," says Dr. Ralf Strauss, Managing Director of Marketing Tech Labs. "However, those who think strategically and focus on people can successfully shape the digital transformation."

As part of its "Scale Up 2027" growth strategy, Six is realigning its Marketing and Communication department. The aim is to make existing activities even more strategic and proactive in future. To this end, the stock exchange operator has appointed Patrick Farinato as its new Chief Marketing & Communication Officer (CMCO). He will take up the position on September 1, 2025 and will be a member of the extended Executive Board in this role. Farinato succeeds Alain Bichsel, who has shaped the organization for many years and is actively supporting the handover. Bichsel will continue to play a role within Corporate Communications in the future, Six writes in a press release.

Patrick Farinato has many years of experience in strategic marketing and communications management. He currently runs his own consultancy firm. Previous positions include Läderach Chocolatier Suisse as CMO and CCO, Bank Vontobel as Global Head of Marketing & Analytics and international management positions at Bosch, SAM Sustainable Asset Management and Man Group. He is also a member of the Board of Directors and Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Myty Group.

"In Patrick, we have gained a proven and very entrepreneurial expert as CMCO," Six CEO Bjørn Sibbern is quoted as saying in the press release. "He has many years of international experience in marketing and communication, which he has already successfully applied in various industries and similar tasks." At the same time, he thanks Alain Bichsel for his contribution to date and looks forward to continuing to work together in the new setup.

With Michael Volkart as a partner, Panter is bringing an experienced entrepreneur in the field of digital services and products into the agency. Volkart will become a member of the Board of Directors and will also be operationally involved in customer projects and the further development of the company. His activities will focus on strategic positioning, expanding the AI offering and participating in initiatives and collaborations relating to digital innovation.

Panter has been active in Zurich for twenty years and has worked with partners such as Impact Hub Zurich, start-ups such as Inyova or Wolfpak.ai and other platforms over the years.

According to the press release, Volkart shares the agency's values and vision: "The combination of entrepreneurial spirit, social relevance and digital innovation are firmly anchored at Panter." After many years of consolidation and stagnation, the industry is once again experiencing a spirit of optimism, comparable to the early 2000s, when companies began to seriously integrate the internet into their business models. With regard to current developments in generative AI and large language models, Volkart emphasizes: "At Panter, we see the opportunity and responsibility to bring these developments to organizations in a meaningful way - practically, responsibly and with a focus on concrete benefits."

Panter is a co-initiator of the Swiss {ai} Weeks, which will take place in more than ten Swiss cities in fall 2025. The series of events with over 55 partner organizations offers space for hackathons, events and professional exchange around AI applications. Volkart has been involved in the initiative since its inception.

Agence Trio in French-speaking Switzerland is reorganizing its operational management: Laura Jenny and Maxime Chabloz will become Managing Partners and take over the day-to-day management. At the same time, both are joining the European agency group Myty, which Trio has been a part of since last year, as partners. The current CEO Michael Kamm will remain with the agency in a strategic role, as detailed in a press release.

With this move, the agency, which was founded in 1931, aims to strengthen its position within the Group and make more targeted use of synergies. Chabloz describes the change of role as a broadening of perspective: "We are taking part in the strategic exchange with the group, as well as with all sister agencies, which gives our work a new perspective: more international, with a broader vision of trends and a better connection to the world of agencies."

According to the press release, the internal realignment is intended to strengthen the agency's agility and contribute to the further development of its services. The aim is to accelerate growth and further develop the offering for customers.

The balancing act between economic performance requirements and numerous mandatory training courses presents many companies with major challenges. Which methods and formats actually lead to sustainable learning success? The conference offers insights into the latest scientific findings on human performance in safety-relevant contexts, effective learning processes and the legally secure design of instructions. Important topics include didactics, methodology, psychological influencing factors and innovative training formats that are increasingly proving their worth.

Companies such as BKW, Swisscom and Graubündner Kantonalbank will share their comprehensive safety training concepts and discuss their experiences in a clear and practice-oriented manner. This symposium is aimed at specialists and managers from the fields of safety, personnel development, training, operations and organization as well as those responsible for prevention and risk management. Supervisory bodies and representatives of employee and employer organizations as well as consultants in the field of safety will also find valuable impulses for their work.

The conference is organized by SAVE AG. This company specializes in the practical transfer of knowledge between security experts on the subject of risk management,
Corporate security, building security, safety and health protection (AS&GS), fire protection, information and infrastructure security, civil protection as well as machine and process safety, incident prevention, natural and environmental hazards, guarding and integral security concepts. The SAVE AG team can draw on a large network.
security environment and has access to a large network.

Further information and the complete conference program

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/sicherheitsschulungen-sicherheit-erfolgreich-geschult-was-wirkt/

From June 28, 2025, digital products and services in Germany must also be accessible to people with disabilities. With the entry into force of the Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz (BFSG) marks the beginning of a new era of digital responsibility. The BFSG obliges providers to design digital applications in such a way that they are also accessible to people with disabilities. The supposed extra effort for compliance is actually an investment in digital resilience and trust: Because only systems that are both secure and accessible are truly future-proof. Security software provider FTAPI explains what this means for the industry in concrete terms.

Accessibility becomes mandatory - this is what the BFSG specifically regulates

The Accessibility Reinforcement Act implements the EU Directive of the European Accessibility Act (EAA) into German law. It obliges companies to make a range of digital products and services accessible. (This also applies to Swiss companies operating in the EU, editor's note).

The German BFSG generally applies to companies that offer certain digital products or services to consumers - for example in the areas of e-commerce, banking, telecommunications or software. Micro-enterprises with fewer than ten employees and an annual turnover of less than two million euros are exempt, provided they only provide services. However, companies in the B2B sector may also be indirectly affected, for example due to customer requirements or public sector tenders.

The requirements are based on the international WCAG guidelines (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines). The aim is to design digital offerings in such a way that they are perceptible, operable, comprehensible and robust for all people, regardless of disabilities. Violations of the BFSG can be challenged by the responsible market surveillance authorities. If a company fails to comply with a corresponding request, fines of up to 100,000 euros may be imposed. Competitive disadvantages are also a real possibility, for example through exclusion from tenders or damage to image.

Accessibility is a safety issue

Accessibility also plays a significant role with regard to the growing demands on cyber security. Anyone who thinks about security holistically must include accessibility - otherwise digital exclusion will result. "Technology must not exclude anyone - not even when it comes to security," says Ari Albertini, CEO of FTAPI. "Anyone who develops digital solutions has a responsibility: for protection and for participation. Accessibility is not a contradiction to cybersecurity, but a logical extension of it."

For providers of security solutions, digital accessibility means far more than just adjusting the contrast or font size. Interfaces with security-critical functions - such as authentication, password management, user guidance for error messages or navigation through security settings - are particularly affected. Providers are faced with the task of securing access without making it more difficult, for example with alternatives such as barrier-free token solutions, biometric procedures or individually configurable authentication methods.

What companies should do now

Between regulatory pressure and a growing degree of digitalization, many companies are faced with the challenge of thinking about accessibility and security at the same time. This is not a contradiction in terms - on the contrary. FTAPI names five concrete measures to master the alliance:

1. Combining accessibility and security-by-design
   Both topics must be part of the development process from the outset - not an appendage.
2. Integrate standards
   The WCAG 2.1 for accessibility and the BSI basic protection catalogs for IT security can be perfectly coordinated.
3. Carry out tests with those affected
   Not only penetration tests, but also usability checks with users with restrictions reveal critical vulnerabilities.
4. Use barrier-free security mechanisms
   For example, through alternative authentication methods, clear error messages or accessible security dialogs.
5. Promoting awareness in the team
   Accessibility is not just a matter for IT - product management, UX, support and legal should also be trained.

Why accessible software is also economically worthwhile

In addition to the legal necessity, accessibility is also economically smart: it opens up new target groups, reduces support costs through better usability and increases the chances of winning public tenders. Enabling digital participation also strengthens customer satisfaction, brand perception and employer attractiveness - and therefore your own competitiveness.

Accessibility and cybersecurity are not separate worlds - they are two sides of the same coin. Inclusion also means that all people can participate safely in digital life. Those who take both seriously not only fulfill legal requirements, but also create digital solutions that strengthen trust, assume social responsibility and are sustainable in the long term.

Source and further information: FTAPI

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/barrierefreiheit-trifft-cybersicherheit-unternehmen-muessen-an-beides-denken/

Every year, 60,000 people have accidents while doing DIY and gardening, according to the latest BFU statistics on non-occupational accidents and safety levels in Switzerland. That is 5000 more than ten years ago. Almost half of these accidents are falls.

Hectic pace and disorder increase the risk of accidents

Tips on machs-richtig.ch

On June 23, the Dolder Grand in Zurich will host the first Swiss Pricing Congress takes place. The event is aimed at managers who do not leave pricing to gut feeling, but see it as a central factor in competition.

Swiss via brand and margin

Lufthansa subsidiary Swiss opens with an insight into its differentiated pricing architecture. The focus here is on the question of how willingness to pay, additional sales and distribution channels come together to form an economically viable and brand-strengthening system.

How algorithms determine the price

Oliver Pabst from Readalpine will show how AI-supported usage models are challenging the classic subscription model. When artificial intelligence enables usage-based services, it is not only prices that change, but also entire business logics. His presentation will focus on what this means for software companies and what lessons other industries can learn from it.

Treema CEO Robin Simon will also show how Swiss values such as data protection and data sovereignty can be translated into a stable pricing model. Dr. Fabian Uhrich from ETH Zurich will also contribute the perspective of behavioral economics. He will use examples to show how cognitive biases influence pricing decisions and can be used strategically.

Subscription? Yes, but with feeling, please

Frank Gehrig from the innovation consultancy Hy shows how subscription models work today. From customer acquisition to customer formation and upgrades, including psychological price thresholds. Finally, Samy Liechti looks back on his many years of e-commerce experience at Blacksocks.

The first edition of the Swiss Pricing Congress will take place as part of the Swiss Brand Congress. Starting at 2 p.m., the focus will be on pricing as an analytical craft. M&k is a media partner. Go to registration here.

In the podcast, Gustavo Salami describes how the autonomous working time of such AI agents is currently doubling every seven months - a development that not only promises efficiency gains, but also fundamentally changes the understanding of work. Professions with repetitive tasks are particularly affected, while so-called "elastic" jobs that require creativity or social intelligence could remain or gain in importance.

But it's about more than just economic processes. Salami, for example, says that he sometimes prefers to interact with AI rather than humans because it is more patient and less judgmental. Such statements raise profound questions about the relationship between humans and machines - for example, whether AI can be perceived as more empathetic than humans.

The video podcast "AI and Society - Paths into the New World" is produced by the Swiss Text Academy, which also offers courses on artificial intelligence. Two episodes are published monthly, on Spotify, Youtube and other podcast platforms.

YouGov has investigated how the German population perceives generative artificial intelligence (AI) in the news and brand marketing sector. The report is based on a population-representative online survey conducted in April 2025.

The results show a differentiated picture between curiosity, benefits and mistrust. More than a third of respondents have a negative view of the role of AI in the next ten years. There is particular concern about the spread of false information and deepfakes: 53% of respondents said they were worried about this.

Despite these concerns, many also recognize advantages. Increased efficiency and cost savings are mentioned above all - expectations that relate to editorial work processes or content production, for example. At the same time, more than half of respondents are uncomfortable with AI-generated news content appearing on social networks.

The age difference is particularly striking: while Generation Z and millennials in particular are more open to AI-supported news formats, rejection is more pronounced in older age groups.

When it comes to generative AI, trust remains a key issue. 54% of respondents trust journalistic content created by AI less than that created by humans. Only a third trust AI-generated news just as much or more. In a country comparison, Germany is therefore in the average range.

Similar skepticism is evident in the brand marketing sector: younger target groups are more receptive to the use of generative AI in brand communication. But overall, only 15 percent of respondents said they could imagine consuming content from AI-generated influencers - a significantly lower figure than in other markets.

The legal issues surrounding generative AI also remain a concern. 61% of respondents believe that there is not enough regulation in the field of generative AI. The disclosure of the use of AI is particularly important to them: 77% are in favor of appropriate labeling of content.

YouGov's report shows that the use of generative AI holds potential for efficiency and innovation for journalism and companies alike - but is also viewed critically by consumers. Trust, transparency and comprehensible framework conditions remain key prerequisites for increasing public acceptance.

The Xaver Award will be held in Bern for the first time on September 9, 2025. The event is considered the most important award in the Swiss LiveCom industry and is organized by the Swiss LiveCom Association Expo Event. The venue is the newly opened Festhalle on the Bernexpo site. With 47 projects submitted, the award has reportedly received a record number of applications for a regular event - the only time more were submitted was in 2022, when two years were combined due to the pandemic.

The move from Zurich to Bern is intended to facilitate access to western Switzerland and strengthen the format's national appeal. "The Xaver Award and the new Festhalle are a perfect match, as both are important beacons for the event industry," says Expo Event President Christian Künzli. The motto of this year's edition is "Wanted", in reference to the symbolic "Wild West" and the search for outstanding live communication projects.

The awards ceremony in the Festhalle is part of an extensive program: the association's general assembly will take place in the afternoon. Around 500 guests from the industry, politics, business and society are expected to attend the award show in the evening. The official part of the event will be followed by networking catering and an after-party from 10 pm. Guests are invited to dress in Wild West style.

Projects are awarded in the categories Best Corporate Event, Best Consumer / POS Event, Best Efficiency Project, Best Expo Project, Best Brandworlds & Temporary Installations and Exhibitions and Best Public Event. The "Best Exhibition Stand" category will also be awarded for the first time. In addition, the "Public Xaver" via online voting and a lifetime achievement award will be presented.

The jury for 2025 comprises six members from different areas of the industry. New members are Cédric Schlosser from MYI and Iwan Funk from Bellprat Partner. The evaluation of the submitted projects will take place on June 3 and 4 in Zurich's Hallenstadion. The full list of projects will be announced at the beginning of June.