On November 25, consulting and technology firm Appficiency announced a strategic investment in AskCipher, which provides an AI-powered platform for enterprise software.
AskCipher’s platform serves as an AI interface layer on ERP systems, providing AI-driven assistance across specific business contexts and seamless integration across multiple enterprise platforms.
Johnny Than, chief executive officer of Appficiency, said, “This launch is a significant milestone in our company’s journey to address customer demands and the unique needs facing many industries.”
Than explained that traditional software was fragmented and hard to customize, while new AI tools added more complexity. “With AskCipher, we set out to fix that with a universal layer that adapts to every user, every workflow, and every system, at a global scale.”
Faster, More Efficient Deployments With AskCipher
Companies using traditional enterprise software often adapt their processes to fit software because of heavy configuration requirements, expensive integrations, and the complex training required. Many simply do not have the time, expertise, or budget to shape software to their needs, so they end up working around its limitations instead.
Appficiency’s investment in AskCipher seeks to change that dynamic.
The investment enables Appficiency to integrate AskCipher into its service offerings, which the company expects will accelerate ERP implementations and give clients a simpler way to interact with their enterprise software.
AskCipher will allow Appficiency to embed AI-driven automation, analytics, and customization into enterprise systems, speeding up deployments. As an example, AskCipher reportedly made NetSuite implementations “20% faster and cheaper.”
This is partly the result of AskCipher’s ability to reduce or eliminate time-consuming and labor-intensive tasks during the ERP implementation process. Its AI-powered, natural-language interface can automate documentation and workflow generation, while its adaptive memory learns and applies company-specific processes.
It is also because AskCipher’s AI interface introduces a new layer that eliminates the need for separate integrations across multiple platforms, allowing users to work across enterprise systems using natural-language commands without mastering each interface.
A Shift Toward AI-enabled ERP Consulting
Appficiency’s investment is part of a broader trend in IT consulting.
Firms are moving from traditional consultant-driven engagements toward AI-enabled implementations. AI provided by companies like AskCipher reduces dependency on manual labor, delivering faster, more affordable implementations.
Appficiency said in a press release that it was working with AskCipher to expand its capabilities to support additional enterprise platforms, orchestrate advanced multi-system environments, and enhance continuous learning with each client deployment.
As the investment followed AskCipher’s official release in October, both Appficiency and AskCipher appear set to expand their service offerings, particularly as AskCipher moves beyond its beta phase in February 2026.
What This Means for ERP Insiders
AI is transforming ERP engagements. Rather than adapting business processes to software constraints, organizations can work with companies like Appficiency, which are developing AI that adapts enterprise systems to clients’ unique requirements. This approach reduces manual setup time, accelerating deployment and enabling IT leaders to focus on more valuable strategic initiatives.
Cross-platform intelligence is breaking down silos. AI interface layers allow users to interact across systems like NetSuite, Salesforce, and QuickBase using natural-language commands, eliminating the need for custom integrations. This means faster access to data, fewer errors, and the ability to orchestrate workflows across platforms without increasing IT complexity or training overhead.
ERP consulting is becoming faster and more affordable. By embedding automation, analytics, and adaptive intelligence into ERP implementations, consulting firms can accelerate deployments while reducing costs. This could lower internal barriers to engaging outside consultants for businesses, helping organizations realize the full value of their enterprise software while reducing risk and manual effort.
