While around a third of the population generally buy less compared to last year, the majority say they consume the same amount and only a few buy more. Purchases on special offer days are primarily driven by pragmatic considerations: Many respond to particularly good offers or use promotion days for Christmas shopping, while others are held back by increased fixed costs such as rent and insurance costs. Although AI-based tools for searching for offers and automated purchases are arousing interest, they are largely met with skepticism by consumers in Switzerland.

Consumer confidence remains at a moderate level, people are waiting for the best deals

Of those surveyed, 33 % buy fewer non-everyday items such as furniture, electronics and clothes than last year, 52 % buy the same amount, and only 13 % buy more. The use of the campaign days themselves also appears to remain subdued: Around two-thirds of the population said they did not buy anything on the campaign days last year, and most of them are not planning to be active this year either. Among last year's shoppers, 35 % want to buy less, 45 % want to buy the same amount and only 8 % want to buy more. The only exception is Generation Z: over a third (38 %) of 15-29-year-olds shopped on the campaign days last year, and part of this group is also showing a greater willingness to spend this year.

«The study shows that many consumers in Switzerland are cautious with their spending,» says Luca Pastorino, Area Vice President Data & AI at Salesforce Switzerland. «Our internal data, on the other hand, indicates that many larger or more expensive purchases are postponed until the campaign days in the expectation of getting the best deals. With the help of AI agents, companies can identify these patterns and drive more effective personalization strategies with their offers - provided they have a good quality database.»

Promotional days for Christmas shopping popular, slowed down by economic situation and reduced demand

The most important reasons why consumers shop on sales days are clear: around 40 % state that this is when the best offers are available, and 33 % use the opportunity specifically for Christmas shopping - particularly strongly in Ticino (41 %) and French-speaking Switzerland (39 %), where Christmas shopping is the top priority. A further quarter cite increased fixed costs as a motivation to compensate.

On the other hand, the obstacles are just as clear: 38 % do not currently need any new products, 31 % feel held back by a tighter budget due to increased fixed costs, a further 31 % generally want to consume less and 25 % receive attractive offers throughout the year.

As before: German-speaking and French-speaking Switzerland prefer electronics, in Ticino fashion is most popular for bargains

Electronics clearly remain the most popular category on promotion days (60 %), followed by fashion (36 %) and sporting goods (20 %). However, there are regional differences: In Ticino, the focus is on clothing and accessories, while German-speaking Switzerland prefers electronics (63 %). In French-speaking Switzerland, the two product categories are practically equally popular, with 52 % of French-speakers opting for electronics and 51 % for fashion. Sporting goods come in third place in all three language regions.

AI opens up new avenues for companies

27 % of respondents have already used AI-based tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini or Copilot to find offers. Young adults (15-29 years) in particular do this regularly (16 %). In a regional comparison, French-speaking Switzerland (36 %) and Ticino (30 %) use AI to search for offers much more than German-speaking Switzerland (24 %).

However, the willingness to allow AI to automatically make smaller purchases as soon as certain items are discounted is low: 71 % of French-speaking Swiss, 62 % of German-speaking Swiss and 56 % of Ticino residents reject this. In terms of gender, 92 % of women and 80 % of men would not allow such automated purchases.

«The potential is clear, but trust and transparency are crucial,» explains Pastorino. «Companies can use AI to scale offerings in a targeted manner, relieve the burden on customer services and improve the customer journey. Consumers often come into contact with AI indirectly or without realizing it, but retain control over their decisions. In the future, however, there will probably be more scenarios in which AI agents interact directly with each other - this opens up exciting opportunities for both the business and the customer.»

Another study recently published by Salesforce came to the same conclusion: according to the findings, AI and agents are expected to account for 21 % of all global Christmas orders, equating to $263 billion in sales, with traffic from AI assistants increasing by 119 % year-on-year.

In an international comparison, Swiss industrial companies focus particularly strongly on transparency and traceability in their supply chains, but lag far behind when it comes to resilience. This is revealed in a new study by Dun & Bradstreet. While 21% of companies state that they want to improve visibility in their supply chain as a priority, only 14% prioritize measures to strengthen resilience.

Focus on transparency - but without in-depth insight

According to the study, Swiss manufacturers continue to see regulatory changes such as customs duties and sanctions as one of the biggest risks (25%). Nevertheless, only 3% of companies monitor their entire, multi-stage supply chain. At the same time, Switzerland is pursuing the most ambitious nearshoring strategy in the region: 78% of the industrial companies surveyed plan to relocate most or all of their supply chain closer to their home market.

«Swiss industrial companies want to understand who they are working with in their supply chains, but often lack an overview of how reliable and compliant their supplier structures actually are,» explains Björn Gerster, Head of Manufacturing at Dun & Bradstreet. «Transparency is the first step, but without reliable data on dependencies, risks and scenarios, it remains a look in the rear-view mirror.»

Technology and data gap slows down progress

The study also shows that only just under a third (29%) of Swiss companies can use the existing data in its current form to make informed decisions. The majority of companies continue to work with manual processes, particularly for supplier evaluations, risk analyses and customer data. Only around 10 to 15 percent of these core processes are fully automated. In addition, there is often a lack of integrated data access: only around a third of Swiss companies have

• Information on customs duties (28 percent)
• Sanction and compliance risks (30 percent) or
• sustainability figures (28 percent) of their business partners.

This puts Switzerland well behind other markets such as the US (51% for customs data) or the UK (40%). This fragmentation makes it difficult to identify risks at an early stage and develop data-based resilience strategies.

Between transparency and real resilience

The results make it clear that although Swiss industrial companies attach great importance to transparency in their supply chains, they still too rarely translate this visibility into robust resilience strategies. A lack of data integration and low levels of automation are slowing down progress - especially in an environment that is increasingly characterized by regulatory and geopolitical risks. «Transparency is not a start, but a result,» Gerster continues. «A solid database makes it possible to identify, anticipate and manage risks in a targeted manner, and this is precisely where export-oriented companies have a decisive competitive advantage.»

Source: Dun & Bradstreet

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/schweizer-industrie-ist-nicht-ausreichend-krisenbereit/

For a long time, databases were regarded as reliable but comparatively static systems: store, query, deliver results. But with the triumph of artificial intelligence, architecture and operation are changing rapidly. AI-supported query optimization and indexing as well as integrated machine learning models for predictive analyses are increasingly becoming standard. As a result, governance and compliance requirements are growing - and with them the remit of database administrators. From Redgate's point of view, they should take four measures to take advantage of the new AI functions without falling into regulatory pitfalls:

1. Establish data governance. A good framework for the data is the basis of any successful AI strategy. DBAs should define guidelines that ensure data quality, integrity and security. This includes clearly defining data responsibilities, regulating access rights and implementing procedures for stringent data lifecycle management. So-called data catalogs facilitate the classification and management of metadata and ensure a transparent data flow. The use of data masking techniques is also essential. They anonymize sensitive information before it is used in development, testing or other environments. Data is modified in such a way that unauthorized persons do not gain access to personal information, but the data can still be used for testing and analysis. This is particularly important in order to comply with regulations such as the GDPR or the US HIPAA.
2. Carry out regular data audits. Audits are as essential for databases as preventive medical check-ups are for health. However, they not only check compliance with regulatory requirements, but also reveal optimization potential. Special data observability tools are particularly helpful here. They make processes transparent and traceable, log every input and output of AI models, uncover possible distortions and ensure that the data used for a model can be traced at any time. Especially in the database context, AI is often perceived as a „black box“. When machine learning models are directly integrated - for predictive analytics or automatic optimization, for example - DBAs must ensure that decisions and results remain explainable. 
3. Consistently secure access. AI not only brings efficiency, but also new threats: prompt injection, data poisoning or the targeted exploitation of vulnerabilities in machine learning models can directly affect databases. Proactive protection concepts and continuous monitoring are therefore more important than ever. Multi-level security concepts are mandatory to prevent unauthorized access in the best possible way. Multi-factor authentication (MFA), role-based access control (RBAC) and regular checks of authorizations ensure that only authorized users with the minimum required rights work on databases. Transparent access logs also make it easier to provide evidence during audits and reduce the risk of costly data breaches. 
4. Automate reporting. If you want to prove compliance, you need complete documentation. DBAs should record in detail where data comes from, how it is processed and how AI models were developed. Automated, continuously updated documentation by the tools used is ideal. At the same time, the regulatory framework for AI is evolving dynamically, which is why DBAs should also seek out exchanges in specialist forums and associations. This is the only way they can adapt new regulations and best practices at an early stage. 

„With the increasing use of artificial intelligence, the profile of database administrators is also changing. Query tuners are becoming specialists who, in addition to their traditional tasks, also have an eye on governance, model monitoring and security. In future, knowledge of machine learning and a deep understanding of data protection guidelines will be just as important as traditional database expertise,“ says Oliver Stein, Managing Director DACH at Redgate. „Clear governance rules are therefore essential. This ranges from role and rights concepts to audit trails for machine-generated query plans and ML models to explainable AI in order to meet regulatory requirements - such as those arising from the GDPR or industry-specific requirements in the financial and healthcare sectors.“

Source: www.red-gate.com/de/

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/compliance-im-ki-zeitalter-worauf-dbas-achten-muessen/

Courage, personality and cohesion

What does a prison have to do with first aid? Sometimes more than you might like. Because legal issues are on the minds of many a first aider. There are fears that they could do something wrong and be prosecuted for it. But there are also doubts about what is allowed and what is not. And sometimes there are various myths involved. The fifth First Aider Symposium on November 8, 2025 at the KKL Lucerne was dedicated to such legal aspects of first aid under the title «First aiders - one foot in prison already?».

420 participants and 25 exhibitors responded to the organizers' call and came to the First Responders Symposium 2025 in the Lucerne Hall at the KKL Luzern. Donat Hofer led through the program, structuring the day with his friendly and clear moderation and linking the topics in an inspiring way.

At the scene of the accident: what the police and public prosecutor's office want

Michael Muther is head of the Security Police South and opened the First Aiders Symposium 2025. He explained to the participants how the police proceed at the scene of an accident and how they can be supported in the best possible way. With humor and at the same time great professional depth, he showed which legal aspects are crucial for first responders. In particular, that every scene of damage is potentially also a crime scene. His appeal: act prudently, protect evidence and know your own responsibility.

Media: what journalists want

Also often at the scene of an accident: journalists. They also like to trample into a danger zone, stand in the way and provoke statements from first responders that they would be better off not making. So how do you deal with these darn media professionals? Kay Schubert, media trainer and long-standing journalist, took the audience on a lively journey through the world of media work. With great energy and vivid examples, he explained how media professionals act in emergency situations and highlighted the importance of media freedom and mutual understanding between emergency services and the press.

Medication: what the Therapeutic Products Act wants

Should we or shouldn't we? Dispensing medication is a sensitive issue. Dr. Ruedi Hauri, Cantonal Physician of the Canton of Zug and former President of the Association of Cantonal Physicians, shed light on the legal framework for the dispensing and use of medication by first aiders. His presentation made it clear how important sound knowledge, clear guidelines and professional safety are in order to help those affected in a professional and legally correct manner.

First aid behind bars

Marcel Ruf, Head of Lenzburg Prison, concluded the event. As someone who, figuratively speaking, has both feet in prison, he provided impressive insights into security and crisis management within the prison. With humor, authenticity and real-life examples, he showed how medical emergencies, fires and crises are dealt with professionally in a high-security environment.

The First Aider Symposium 2025 broke records

The move from the auditorium to the Lucerne Hall of the KKL Luzern meant that more first aiders were able to take part in the First Aider Symposium 2025 than before. 420 company paramedics, Samaritans, firefighters, safety officers, first responders and other first aiders responded to the call and ensured a full house. All presentations were simultaneously translated from German into French and participants received 3.5 hours of credit towards their IVR certificate and two SGAS training units.

The extended exhibition was also actively used and visited - a total of 25 exhibitors presented their products and services. The First Aider Symposium 2025 was also supported by betriebsapotheke.ch (Gold Sponsor), JDMT Group AG and Procamed AG (Silver Sponsors) and sureVIVE AG (Bronze Sponsor).

A success story continues

The joint event of the Swiss Association for Industrial Paramedics (SVBS) and IVF HARTMANN took place for the first time in 2021 and quickly developed into a success story. The organizers also attach particular importance to the supporting program, the exchange of ideas and the lively Q&A sessions after the presentations.

The next First Aider Symposium will take place on October 31, 2026, once again in the Lucerne Hall of the KKL Luzern. Under the title «Accident - up close and personal», an accident will be followed from A to Z, from first aid on a sports field to air rescue and rehabilitation to documentation by first aiders and data protection.

Sources and further information: www.ersthelfersymposium.ch, www.svbs-asse.ch

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/teilnahmerekord-420-ersthelferinnen-am-5-ersthelfer-symposium/

The cybercriminals' arsenal is extensive: social engineering, deepfakes and AI-supported chat tools have turned everyday communication into attack vectors. Stolen passwords or intercepted calls are often enough to gain access to internal systems.

Manipulating identities with AI

With the help of artificial intelligence, which enables phishing, voice cloning and fake job interviews, cybercrime has developed into an instrument of identity manipulation. Attackers use seemingly legitimate credentials to bypass traditional security mechanisms. Although ransomware is no longer constantly setting new records, the market has stabilized at a high level. Today, the blackmail economy relies less on brute force encryption and more on stolen data and strategic pressure.

The six most dangerous offender groups

According to the annual Nastiest Malware Report from OpenText six groups have significantly shaped the year 2025.

1. Qilin (also known as Agenda) is behind over 200 confirmed attacks on hospitals, laboratories and community facilities. In one case, the failure of diagnostic services demonstrably led to the death of a patient. A feature in the ransomware control panel that allowed partners to chat directly with a negotiation consultant provided by Qilin was conspicuous. The aim was to standardize extortion and offer professional support even to inexperienced perpetrators. This form of professionalization sets a new benchmark for ransomware-as-a-service and shows just how much the criminal infrastructure in the digital underground has evolved.
2. Akira focused on financially strong companies and managed service providers and was responsible for almost one in five documented ransomware incidents worldwide. The group operates with technical precision and clear processes, including support structures and controlled negotiations. Discount campaigns and fixed rules are intended to signal reliability - an approach that is more reminiscent of corporate processes than cybercrime. Akira makes targeted use of VPN vulnerabilities, operates internationally and has developed into a professional ransomware-as-a-service platform.
3. Scattered Spider is one of the most influential groups in 2025. They used social engineering, SIM swapping and deepfake voice imitations to compromise large companies and even bypass modern identity and access systems.
   In September, coordinated arrests broke up the core team, but copycats and spin-offs continue the methods. The combination of technical sophistication, psychological manipulation and targeted identity abuse made the group a key player in the area of access procurement.
4. Play Ransomware was one of the most destructive groups despite receiving little media attention. It compromised entire customer environments by attacking more than 900 managed service providers. It is characterized by the use of intermittent encryption, in which only parts of files are affected. This speeds up execution and makes detection more difficult. In addition, the group uses customized binary files and expanded its toolkit to include modules for virtualized environments such as Linux and ESXi. The targeted exploitation of IT dependencies made Play one of the most dangerous actors of the year.
5. ShinyHunters is one of the most dangerous actors in 2025. The group infiltrates cloud platforms, often remains undetected for months and only publishes stolen data when it can be exploited. Global brands such as Google, Salesforce and Kering have been affected. A key feature is the targeted exploitation of regulatory obligations. In Europe, ShinyHunters often timed the disclosure to coincide with official GDPR notifications. As a result, reputational damage and compliance risks became part of the extortion. The attacks show how closely cybercrime and regulation are now linked.
6. Lumma Stealer is considered the backbone of many modern ransomware operations. The malware collects masses of access data, cookies and tokens from infected systems. This data circulates quickly on darknet marketplaces and is used by groups such as Akira, Qilin and Play as an entry point for targeted attacks. The combination with social engineering campaigns, such as fake CAPTCHA messages or error messages that trick users into executing malicious commands, is particularly effective. This hybrid method undermines many classic protection mechanisms. Lumma shows that even well-secured environments can become vulnerable if a single compromised account gets caught up in the collection routine.

What matters now

Despite improved protection measures and a growing number of organizations refusing to pay, the ransomware scene remains extremely lucrative. Although ransom demands and payments have leveled off at a high level after an increase at the beginning of the year, overall financial losses continue to rise. While some groups are struggling to enforce their claims, well-organized players continue to negotiate settlements in the millions with frightening precision.

This development underlines the extent to which ransomware has professionalized as a business model and how important it is to act in a structured manner on the defence side as well. Many effective measures are known: regular patches, credible backup strategies, robust access controls, hardened remote access and targeted awareness of social engineering. Those who firmly establish these principles in practice not only improve their own ability to react, but also reduce the attack surface in the long term.

Source: OpenText

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/malware-2025-die-gefaehrlichsten-gruppen-des-jahres/

«Many people start with a tool before they know what they want to achieve with it,» says Matthias Zwingli in the Text Academy's AI podcast with host Christoph Soltmannowski. For him, one thing is certain: AI agents should be treated like digital employees - with clearly defined tasks and measurable benefits. «If the training costs more than the benefits, there is no need for the job - and no need for an AI agent.»

Zwingli sees a lot of «FOMO», or fear of missing out, in the current AI euphoria. However, companies first need to understand where AI really creates added value: in repetitive, standardizable processes with a high volume of inquiries - for example in customer support or sales. This is where its use quickly pays off, provided you start small. «The most common mistake is to start too complex. It's better to test, adapt and expand step by step.»

For Zwingli, AI is not just a technology issue, but a cultural issue. Skepticism and fear of job loss are normal - until employees feel the effect. «After a few weeks, teams see that AI takes over the volume business and they can concentrate on complex cases.» Humans remain central because of empathy and social skills: «AI can imitate emotions, but it has none.»

Another success factor is data quality. «AI doesn't learn automatically,» emphasizes Zwingli. «It needs well-maintained data and good monitoring.» Connectai.ch therefore works with an iterative development process: minimum viable product, test phases, evaluation and ongoing optimization.

Data protection and digital sovereignty also play a central role. ConnectAI hosts its systems entirely in Switzerland for sensitive tasks. «Especially in sensitive industries, it is crucial to retain control over your own data.»

His conclusion: AI is worthwhile where companies have many recurring requests and clear goals. Zwingli's recommendation is: assessment - strategy - gradual development. And above all: take employees with you instead of overwhelming them. «AI doesn't replace jobs - it changes them.»

The St. Gallen entrepreneur and former Director of Digitalswitzerland founded the start-up in 2024 Connect AI, which develops specialized AI agents for customer service, sales and events. Connect relies on Swiss hosting, agile development and close collaboration with customers - from strategy to rollout.

The video podcast «AI and Society - Paths into the New World» is produced by the Text Academy Foundation. Two episodes are published monthly, on Spotify, Youtube and other podcast platforms.

Go to

On its 100th anniversary in 2025, Migros duly celebrated its origins, its values and its achievements. Now it is clearly looking to the future. The Board of Directors of the Federation of Migros Cooperatives has presented its Vision 2035 to the Assembly of Delegates. The Assembly of Delegates approved it unanimously.

The vision defines the long-term direction of the Migros Group, sets priorities for the coming years and provides employees with guidance for their daily actions. It is based on the guiding principle «A Switzerland worth living in for everyone» and is built on three central elements:

• Firstly: Migros is the first choice in everyday life.It sets standards for everyday services and focuses on people's needs. It delights customers with high-quality products and services in the areas of nutrition, health, everyday goods and finance. It makes no compromises when it comes to price and performance.
• Secondly, the strong Migros community is the driving force behind its success.Employees, Cooperative members and customers form the foundation of Migros and play an active role in shaping it. Together, they shape the success of the Group and promote identification. The Migros Group focuses on participation, opens up perspectives and creates trust.
• Thirdly, the Migros Group uses its economic success for the benefit of society. As a cooperative, it gives back a significant part of its success in a targeted manner: firstly to society through investments in education, culture, leisure and sustainability, and secondly to the Migros community, i.e. to customers, cooperative members and employees. Migros allows them to actively participate in its success.

Edith Spillmann, President of the Assembly of Delegates, says: «I am delighted that the vision was received so positively by the delegates. It shows how we can actively shape the future as a community.»

Migros is optimally positioned with its four strategic business segments to live the vision in everyday life: Food (including Migros, Denner, Migrolino), Non Food (Digitec Galaxus), Financial Services (Migros Bank) and Health (Medbase, movemi). These companies make a key contribution to the provision of basic services to the Swiss population and bring the vision of a Switzerland worth living in to life.

Ursula Nold, President of the Board of Directors: «Migros has always been more than just a company - it was also an idea for a better society. With this vision, we are building on this tradition and taking responsibility for the future. We want to be there for people and play an active role in shaping Switzerland.»

Building on the vision, the next steps will focus on how the role of the 2.3 million Cooperative members can be sharpened, how customer benefits can be strengthened across the entire Group and how the Migros Group can be further developed organizationally. In doing so, it will remain true to its claim of creating a Switzerland worth living in for everyone, today and tomorrow.

Source: Migros

«Willy Michel stands for entrepreneurial vision, innovative strength and social responsibility. With the companies Disetronic and Ypsomed, he has left a lasting mark on medical technology and strengthened Switzerland as a location for precision and innovation. His pioneering work, particularly in the field of insulin delivery, has set new standards and improved the lives of millions of people worldwide. We are honored to present him with this year's Prix Suisse,» says Stefan Linder, Head of Initiative Switzerland. Federal Councillor Albert Rösti presented the Prix Suisse 2025, which has been awarded annually since 2021 by the non-profit organization Initiative Switzerland to individuals who have made outstanding achievements for Switzerland with courage, creativity and vision. Previous winners include Peter Spuhler, honored in 2021 for his entrepreneurial achievements, Martine Clozel, honored in 2022 for her achievements in science, Marco Odermatt, honored in 2023 in sport, and Büne Huber, honored in 2024 for his cultural work. For Willy Michel, the Prix Suisse is a special recognition of his life's work and entrepreneurial commitment.

Fireside Chat with human rights lawyer Amal Clooney

A highlight of the evening was the Fireside Chat with Amal Clooney, one of the world's leading lawyers for human rights and international law. In an impressive conversation, she spoke about responsibility, justice and the protection of press freedom. Amal Clooney has been campaigning for victims of war crimes, genocide and abuse of power for many years. She represents personalities such as Julian Assange, Maria Ressa and Nadia Murad and works closely with the United Nations and the International Criminal Court in The Hague. As UN Special Advisor on Justice and Accountability, she campaigns worldwide for the prosecution of war crimes and the strengthening of international law. With the Clooney Foundation for Justice, she supports people who are disenfranchised because of their beliefs or background. The foundation offers free legal aid in over 40 countries and is committed to freedom of expression, equality and women's rights.

The gold, silver and bronze winners of the second «Best of Swiss Software» awards were announced on November 6, 2025 as part of a festive award night at the Zurich Kongresshaus and duly celebrated with over 450 guests. 30 nominated projects competed for the medals in four categories. The expert jury honored all nominated projects in an intensive Q&A session and selected the best works of the year. Best of Swiss Apps is supported by sponsors and partners such as Hostpoint, Swico, the University of Bern and Digicomp.

The winning projects of Best of Swiss Software 2025

Business Solutions
In this category, awards are given to individual software that automates and optimizes complex business processes and thus contributes to increasing efficiency in everyday working life.

• Gold: Online hut reservation system (OHRS). Client Swiss Alpine Club SAC, Contractor Elca Informatik
• Silver: Jazz 2.0 Workforce Management Solution
• Bronze: AIQuans

Cloud Native Solutions
The award recognizes individual software projects that are consistently optimized for cloud platforms and take modern architecture and development principles into account.

• Gold: Forward Publishing - A scalable, cloud-based publishing architecture for all CH Media news portals. Client CH Regionalmedien, Contractor G+D Netcetera
• Silver: Swiss made Identity and Access Management for the next generation
• Bronze: Energy dashboard

Data & AI Solutions
This category evaluates individual solutions that build company-wide data platforms, create data applications and train AI models or develop generative AI solutions based on them.

• Gold: Sanitas Data Platform. Client Sanitas, contractor Valtech and IPT
• Silver: Open Datastack - Business Intelligence & Data Quality Management
• Bronze: Energy dashboard

Enterprise Software Solutions
This category focuses on integration projects for ERP, CRM and industry software platforms. Implementations that are optimally adapted to individual company processes are convincing here.

• Gold: ForstControl. Client Siabit, Contractor Siabit
• Silver: ITSENSE strengthens digitalization in Liechtenstein: CoreOne Suite as access gateway and eVertretungs-Portal as key component for e-government
• Bronze: Hitobito for the Swiss Alpine Club

Best of Swiss Software sets quality standards

Best of Swiss Software honors the best Swiss individual software and system integration projects. The aim is to support innovation and make outstanding achievements visible. In this way, Best of Swiss Software sets quality standards and puts the best teams and companies in the Swiss software industry in the spotlight.

In a two-stage judging process, the submitted projects are carefully examined for their quality and innovative strength. In the first stage, the assessment partner, the Institute of Information Systems at the University of Bern, evaluates the submitted projects. A maximum of 12 projects per award category are nominated for the award. In the second step, on the jury day, the nominated projects are presented to the expert jury in a Q&A session.

Source: Best of Swiss Web GmbH

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/die-besten-schweizer-software-projekte-2025/

The latest BPM study by the ZHAW School of Management and Law in collaboration with the BOC Group analyzes the maturity level of business process management (BPM) in companies in the DACH region. The study examined how organizations manage their processes, the extent to which AI and agentic process automation are used, the goals companies pursue with BPM and the challenges they face in doing so. Over 290 experts were surveyed.

Importance of BPM: efficiency, transparency and digitalization are key

The results show that business process management continues to gain strategic importance and increasingly forms the foundation for AI-based automation. At the same time, companies are facing clearly identifiable maturity limits and implementation barriers. «BPM remains central for Swiss companies and will gain in importance in the future with AI. Our study shows that AI adoption is only just beginning and will only develop its potential on the basis of solid process foundations,» concludes Dr. Tim Geppert, lecturer in process management at the ZHAW School of Management and Law.

The study shows that companies are increasingly using BPM as a central management tool. 75% of the organizations surveyed cite increased efficiency as their primary goal, followed by the creation of transparency and traceability as well as the creation of a basis for the digitalization of processes and business models. In regulated industries in particular, BPM is also seen as a tool for ensuring compliance and governance.

Agentic Process Automation in the early stages - AI use in BPM still hesitant

Many companies see Agentic Process Automation (APA) as the next step in the development of process automation. 49% of experts expect APA to become increasingly important in the coming years. However, actual use is still at a low level: only 6% are currently experimenting with pilot projects. The study classifies APA as an AI-supported further development of workflow automation. APA has the potential to autonomously plan, control and dynamically adapt business processes.

According to the study, the biggest hurdles to the integration of AI in process management are data protection and security concerns (70%), a lack of internal expertise (59%) and high implementation costs. These factors show that AI-supported BPM is not just a technological issue, but requires far-reaching organizational and regulatory changes.

Relevance of BPM tools is increasing significantly across all industries

The survey shows that the use of BPM software is playing an increasingly important role in almost all sectors. This trend is particularly pronounced in the public sector, where 84% of respondents expect BPM tools to become increasingly important. A clear increase in importance is also predicted in IT (71 %), industry (68 %) and the finance and insurance sector (63 %).

The results make it clear that BPM tools are no longer just seen as operational support, but increasingly as a strategic building block for increasing efficiency, digital process control and compliance with regulatory requirements. «Our study proves it: BPM is the indispensable foundation for optimization, digitalization of value creation and regulatory compliance. At the same time, we recognize The AI potential is immense - but we are still at the very beginning when it comes to implementation. That is why it is now crucial to strategically anchor BPM in order to create a database with reliable information (‚golden source‘) and unleash real added value in the age of AI.»

Source: BOC Group

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/bpm-studie-2025-effizienz-treibt-unternehmen-ki-stoesst-auf-grenzen/