Zalaris wins Large Enterprise Transformation Award for Ryanair project; Onapsis named runner-up for security-led transformation.
Transformation at the enterprise level is often defined by complexity. Most initiatives require coordinating global operations, managing risk, and delivering change at scale, all without disrupting business continuity.
In particular, large-scale transformation requires precision and control. The Transformation Project of the Year Award for Large Businesses recognizes organizations that successfully execute complex change across global operations.
Winner: Zalaris and Ryanair Reimagine Global Payroll 
Zalaris won in this category for its project, “Ryanair’s Payroll Transformation—Future-Ready Global Payroll with Zalaris,” which focused on modernizing payroll for one of Europe’s largest airlines, replacing fragmented processes with a more unified, scalable model.
Ryanair needed a payroll operation that could support a large international workforce, handle complexity across multiple regions, and maintain accuracy in a high-volume environment. Zalaris delivered a future-ready payroll platform designed to improve consistency, compliance, and operational control. The implementation strengthened visibility across payroll operations and gave teams a more reliable foundation for managing workforce data. By standardizing processes and improving automation, the project reduced manual effort and helped payroll teams work with greater speed and accuracy.
Judges focused on the complexity of the environment and the quality of execution. Payroll transformation at this level demands precision, careful oversight, and close alignment between technology and business needs. The project stood out because it improved a critical enterprise function while giving Ryanair a platform to support future growth and workforce agility.
“We’re delighted to receive this recognition alongside Ryanair. The award is a testament to what can be achieved through true partnership, combining deep expertise, commitment and close collaboration between our two organizations,” Stephen Burr, Executive Vice President, Zalaris UK & Ireland, tells ERP Today.
“The creation of a one-stop shop payroll for Ryanair has revolutionized how we process payroll,” adds Sandra Fallon, Head of Payroll, Ryanair. “Having data processed in one place is hugely efficient and allows for end to end oversight of the data.”
Runner-Up: Onapsis Positions Security as Transformation 
Onapsis was recognized as the runner-up for its ERP security transformation program, which reframes security and compliance as central to enterprise transformation. The project focused on protecting mission-critical ERP systems and strengthening operational resilience.
In large enterprises, ERP platforms sit at the center of finance, supply chain, procurement, HR, and customer operations. Onapsis showed how security and compliance can support transformation by reducing risk across the systems that keep the business running. The work improved visibility into vulnerabilities, compliance gaps, and threats. By helping organizations identify and address risk before disruption occurs, the program supports stronger business continuity and better governance.
Judges highlighted the project’s strategic relevance. Security is often treated as a technical control, but this submission showed its role in enabling confidence, resilience, and long-term transformation. Onapsis stood out for reframing ERP protection as a business-critical capability with direct implications for continuity, compliance, and enterprise performance.
“We are honored to be recognized by ERP Today for our Onapsis Secure RISE Accelerator in the Large Enterprise Transformation category,” says Sadik Al-Abdulla, Chief Product Officer at Onapsis. “Our Secure RISE Accelerator helps reduce risk and remove security and compliance barriers, enabling enterprises to complete their transformations on time and in budget without compromising security. It is our mission to help protect an enterprise’s most business-critical applications so they can focus on their business operations and delivering value to their customers.”
What This Means for ERP Today Awards in 2026
Most enterprise transformations are about managing complexity at scale. The most successful projects are those that can deliver change across global operations without disruption. In 2026, judges will expect to see even greater emphasis on scalability and resilience.
Back-office functions play a larger role in driving business performance. Projects like payroll transformation demonstrate that traditionally administrative processes can deliver significant business value. Future nominees should look beyond front-office innovation.
Security is emerging as a core pillar of transformation. As risk environments become more complex, protecting ERP systems is no longer optional—it is foundational. Expect 2026 submissions to place greater emphasis on security, compliance, and resilience as transformation drivers.
