At Link Consulting, we are proud to be part of Linkroad, an international Group of technology companies created to deliver innovative solutions to the most complex business challenges. Today, we are excited to share a new chapter in the Linkroad journey: the integration of DECIDE, a Spanish consultancy specialized in applied artificial intelligence, mathematical optimization, and expert systems.

This strategic move reinforces our Group’s commitment to intelligent automation and advanced analytics, two areas where Link Consulting already plays an active role, particularly through its Data & AI expertise. With this announcement, we welcome a new company into our shared ecosystem, joining Link Consulting, Consultia IT, and Bemobile under the Linkroad umbrella, powered by Henko Partners.

A milestone for the Linkroad Group

Founded in 2008, DECIDE brings a proven track record in designing and delivering intelligent planning, demand forecasting, logistics optimization, dynamic pricing, and AI-powered resource management for major clients in finance, energy, retail, and transportation.

DECIDE’s integration marks an important step in Linkroad’s strategy to become a global reference in data-driven innovation and enterprise transformation. The Group continues to grow and now exceeds €70 million in revenue and 800 professionals across Spain, Portugal, Brazil, Panama, Abu Dhabi, and Saudi Arabia.

Strategic synergies

With DECIDE’s addition, Linkroad further enhances its ability to deliver comprehensive solutions around five synergistic pillars:

1. Data-AI and intelligent decision automation

2. Cloud integration and application lifecycle management

3. Digital strategy and customer experience

4. Technology consulting and SAP integration

5. GRC and ESG compliance technologies

This holistic model reflects Linkroad’s ambition to be a strategic partner for large enterprises, helping them navigate demanding environments and make smarter, faster decisions.

Leadership perspectives

“The addition of DECIDE marks a significant step towards becoming a leading partner in business transformation through artificial intelligence and advanced technologies,” said Ricardo Mellado, Director at Henko Partners. “Its decision-centric methodology and expertise in advanced analytics and artificial intelligence perfectly complement our value proposition and accelerate our impact on clients”.

“Joining LINKROAD will allow us to scale our solutions, share specialized talent, and strengthen our international reach,” added Arjen Heeres, CEO of DECIDE. “This move opens new opportunities across sectors and geographies, enabling us to offer clients a broader, integrated, and results-driven service portfolio”.

A shared vision

We believe that true innovation comes from collaboration, and DECIDE’s arrival is a testament to our Group’s long-term vision of creating a dynamic ecosystem where technology, strategy, and human expertise come together to drive transformation.

We are excited about the journey ahead and look forward to the value this new integration will bring to all our Group’s clients, teams, and partners around the world.

What if your business processes could be smarter, faster, and seamlessly connected across teams and partners? In a world where operational efficiency can make or break businesses, the ability to optimize, monitor, and enhance processes end-to-end cannot be a luxury. Enter eProcess, our new next-gen process monitoring solution.

The limitations of a traditional approach

Many organizations struggle with:

• Fragmented processes: Processes are often broken down into smaller workflows across multiple departments or external entities, limiting visibility and effectiveness.
• Lack of end-to-end monitoring: Without a unified view, defining and managing KPIs and SLAs becomes nearly impossible.
• Inflexibility in automation tools: Traditional tools fail to adapt to complex, multi-organization workflows or incorporate the latest technological advancements.
• Time and resource inefficiencies: Manual interventions and outdated systems lead to delays, errors, and increased costs.

These pain points underscore the need for a transformative solution that not only addresses them by improving processes’ time, cost, and quality, but also drives innovation and competitiveness.

Introducing eProcess: Redefining process monitoring

More than a BPM tool, eProcess is a hyperautomation platform powered by artificial intelligence, ontologies, and process mining. It’s designed to offer unparalleled flexibility, efficiency, and insights for businesses managing complex operations.

“eProcess allows companies to operate with unmatched autonomy while fostering collaboration and getting end-to-end control over their processes,” explains Fernando Faria, Product Director at Link. “It’s a game-changer in process monitoring.”

Key benefits are clear:

• Hyperautomation across borders: Seamlessly manage processes that span several units, organizations, or even industries.
• Real-time process monitoring: Gain visibility into every step of your workflows with robust KPIs, SLA tracking, and actionable insights.
• AI-driven enhancements: Leverage artificial intelligence for process design, optimization, and predictive analytics.

Defined metrics ensure processes are aligned with business goals, and process mining and conformance analysis give insights into rework efforts and bottlenecks to enhance efficiency. Threshold-based alerts allow to set specific triggers to ensure critical issues are addressed promptly, and context-driven notifications enable optimized performance.

How it works

The eProcess journey is a smooth blend of design, implementation, and optimization:

1. Design the process: Define the end-to-end workflow, incorporating internal and external entities.
2. Add complexity: Include suppliers, partners, and other stakeholders.
3. Input into the system: Configure the process schema within eProcess.
4. Review and refine: Validate the process to ensure alignment with objectives.
5. Implement and go live: Deploy the process and monitor its performance.

The process monitoring platform can be easily integrated with your existing systems via APIs or pre-built connectors, and is equipped with a comprehensive suite of tools:

• Document Management System: The backbone for handling documents and process execution.
• Process Designer: Enables intuitive process configuration, incorporating AI and ontology features for smarter workflows.
• Process Monitor: Offers analytics, KPI tracking, and process mining capabilities.
• Form Builder: Simplifies data input/output through custom forms for activities.
• Process Factory: Manages and optimizes process portfolios for scalability and efficiency.

What makes eProcess stand out?

eProcess uses cutting-edge AI algorithms to generate process models automatically, drastically  reducing the time and effort required for process setup and management. Its ontology-driven framework ensures processes are intuitive and efficient. All this allows organizations to focus on high-value activities and strategic decision-making, boosting productivity.

Additionally, the platform’s unmatched flexibility makes it adaptable to diverse business needs, whether operating independently or in shared environments. By seamlessly integrating suppliers, partners, and customers into the workflows, eProcess fosters a cohesive and collaborative ecosystem.

Last but not least, eProcess boasts a future-proof design. With a multi-engine framework and advanced tools, it is built to evolve alongside technological advancements.

“With eProcess, Link has made a strategic decision to address not only the challenges of operational and technological complexity but also to position itself as a market leader. We have created an end-to-end solution that transforms the way companies operate, interact, and thrive on a global stage,” concludes Fernando Faria.

See it to believe it? Contact us today to request a personalized demo and experience the future of process monitoring.

Link is opening an exciting new chapter in its growth story with the launch of its dedicated OutSystems Practice, under the leadership of Henrique Capela, who steps in as Business Unit Director.

With over two decades of experience in guiding OutSystems initiatives, Henrique brings the vision, strategy, and hands-on expertise to establish Link’s footprint in the low-code space. This move marks a significant milestone in Link’s continued commitment to expanding its portfolio of next-gen technology solutions.

A remarkable journey in tech leadership

Henrique Capela’s career is a testament to adaptability and innovation. With a degree in Economics from Universidade Católica Portuguesa, he quickly pivoted toward his true passion – technology. He began his career as a COBOL programmer, then moved on to become a systems engineer for IBM mainframes at IBM itself, later joining SIGIL, where he advanced from technical roles to Technical Director and ultimately General Manager, overseeing major conversion projects, including preparations for the Y2K bug.

In 2005, he embraced a new challenge by leading the OutSystems division at ROFF (later Inetum), successfully building and scaling the practice during twenty years. Now, in 2025, he brings this wealth of experience and a visionary mindset to Link Consulting, ready to lead the charge in OutSystems innovation.

“Although this is a new practice at Link, we are not starting from scratch,” says Henrique Capela. “We’re hitting the ground running with a team of experienced professionals and Link’s strong market presence, which gives us the perfect foundation to build something truly differentiated.”

Pioneering the future of low-code development

Low-code platforms have reshaped how organizations develop user-centric applications, combining speed, scalability, and business agility. While the market in Portugal is already mature, Henrique sees immense potential beyond borders.

“It’s an exciting challenge. The OutSystems market still has significant room to grow internationally. This fits perfectly with Link Group’s global expansion strategy.”

As Link accelerates its efforts in this domain, Henrique is already leading a series of distinctive initiatives that will position Link as a key player in the ecosystem. These initiatives, set to be revealed over the coming months, will focus on delivering rapid results, maximizing client autonomy, and embedding innovation at every step.

Building a Center of Excellence from day one

What makes this launch even more special is the creation of Link’s new OutSystems Center of Excellence in Bragança, established right from the start under Henrique’s leadership.

This new office represents Link’s investment in local talent and regional development while powering global ambitions. The new team in Bragança is already gearing up to deliver strategic projects, bringing fresh perspectives and energy to Link’s growing family.

“We are building a high-performance team with the right balance of experience and ambition, ready to make an impact from day one,” Henrique emphasizes.

Looking ahead

With Henrique Capela at the helm and a clear vision for growth, Link’s OutSystems Practice is poised to become a strategic driver of innovation and value for clients worldwide. Combining Henrique’s leadership, a team of seasoned experts, and Link’s proven experience in integration, cloud and agile delivery, this is just the beginning of an exciting journey.

Get in touch and discover how Link’s OutSystems Practice can accelerate your digital transformation.

The Regional Government of the Azores has entrusted Link Consulting with the development and implementation of SIGI.GRA, an integrated Information Management System designed to enhance efficiency, security, and interoperability across government entities. At the core of this transformation is edoclink v8, a cutting-edge platform that will drive the digitalization and modernization of administrative processes in the Azores’ public sector.

A strategic leap towards digital transformation

By implementing SIGI.GRA, the Azorean government is taking a major step toward eliminating paper-based processes, ensuring a fully digital and interconnected administration. This initiative will streamline information exchange between different government departments, fostering greater agility and transparency.

Secure and compliant digital transactions

A key feature of the new Information Management System is the implementation of digital signatures, enabling government officials to authenticate documents using Citizen Card, Mobile Digital Key (CMD), or SCAP. These digital authentication methods will ensure enhanced security and legal compliance while significantly reducing administrative workload.

Smart process automation with AI and custom forms portal

The project will also introduce a Forms Portal, allowing the creation and publication of digital forms that can be seamlessly integrated with third-party applications. Additionally, AI-powered automation will be embedded into key workflows, accelerating task execution and increasing operational efficiency in the public sector.

edoclink v8: The intelligent core of SIGI.GRA

At the heart of SIGI.GRA Information Management System is Link’s edoclink v8, a powerhouse of automation and AI-driven capabilities that enable to operate smarter and faster. Some of the key advantages include:

· Seamless cloud integration for secure, scalable operations.

· AI-driven automation for optimized workflows and intelligent data processing.

· No-code adoption, ensuring quick deployment and ease of use.

· Advanced compliance features, including GDPR and audit traceability.

· Proven reliability, with over 220 implementations and 90,000 daily users.

With edoclink v8, the Azorean Government will benefit from a future-proof platform that not only streamlines operations today but also adapts to future needs, guaranteeing long-term efficiency, innovation, and digital resilience.

Driving innovation in public administration

This project reinforces Link Consulting’s commitment to driving digital transformation in the public sector, equipping government institutions with a modern, scalable, and secure Information Management System. By leveraging its expertise in cloud solutions, system integration, and AI, Link is ensuring that the Regional Government of the Azores is at the forefront of public administration modernization.

Would you like to explore how edoclink v8 and our expertise in digital governance can benefit your organization? Contact us today.

As part of its strategic investment in SAP, Link Consulting continues to strengthen its team with top-tier talent. Joana Sousa Pinto, a seasoned SAP expert with 25 years of experience in leading and delivering complex SAP projects, is the latest addition to its leadership. Joana joins as a key figure in driving the company’s SAP Practice growth, leveraging her vast expertise in logistics, sales, procurement, and system integration.

With a strong track record in optimizing processes and integrating SAP systems, Joana is set to play a crucial role in shaping Link’s SAP strategy and delivery model. Her appointment underscores Link’s dedication to providing high-impact SAP services to businesses navigating digital transformation.

A remarkable SAP journey spanning over two decades

Joana’s SAP career started at ABN Amro Bank, where she was part of the IT department preparing for the Year 2000 (Y2K) transition. She later joined Tecnidata, which evolved into ROFF and subsequently Inetum, where she played a pivotal role in major SAP implementations.

“I had the opportunity to take on diverse roles, from consultant to service manager, working on projects that shaped industries. One of the most challenging and rewarding experiences was the SAP implementation at TV Cabo and its system integration with MEO (then Portugal Telecom). It was a milestone project that showcased SAP’s ability to connect and optimize complex business operations,” Joana recalls.

Her journey also led her to structure and scale SAP support services, growing a team from a handful of consultants to over 60 professionals. Later, she moved into pre-sales and, most recently, led the SAP business development across Europe for Inetum, gaining extensive experience in the global SAP market and cross-cultural project management.

“Over the last seven years, I’ve worked extensively with international clients, which has broadened my perspective on how SAP is leveraged across different industries and geographies. This experience allows me to bring a global mindset to Link’s SAP strategy, ensuring we align with both local and international best practices,” she highlights.

Why Link? The opportunity to innovate and expand SAP solutions

Joana’s decision to join Link Consulting was driven by the company’s strong reputation for innovation and its commitment to digital transformation. She was particularly drawn to Link’s leadership in cloud and integration technologies, which complement the evolution of SAP’s cloud-native solutions.

“What excited me most about Link was the chance to be part of a dynamic and forward-thinking team with a strong presence in the Portuguese market and a growing international footprint,” Joana explains. “The opportunity to contribute to the expansion of the SAP Practice, strengthen Link’s portfolio, and drive new projects with innovative approaches was a key motivator.”

Joana envisions her role as a blend of strategy and execution. Her mission is to expand the SAP services, promote integration with cutting-edge technologies, and develop new business opportunities that bring tangible value to clients.

“I want to help align SAP with Link’s broader technology ecosystem, ensuring that businesses can seamlessly integrate SAP with other digital transformation initiatives. Whether it’s S/4HANA Cloud, Business Technology Platform (BTP), or other SAP innovations, our goal is to make these technologies work smarter and faster for our clients,” she adds.

Building the future of SAP at Link Consulting

Looking ahead, Joana has ambitious plans for Link’s SAP Practice, aiming to position it as a reference in the market. She believes that Link’s deep expertise in cloud, AI, and integration will be instrumental in delivering next-gen SAP solutions.

As Joana states, “My vision is to accelerate Link’s SAP growth, expand strategic partnerships, and deliver innovative SAP services that drive real business impact. We have a unique opportunity to transform businesses with SAP’s latest advancements, from cloud ERP implementations and migrations to intelligent process automation.”

A message to businesses navigating SAP transformation

For companies considering SAP solutions, Joana has a clear message: SAP is at the heart of digital transformation, and cloud is redefining how businesses operate.

“With SAP S/4HANA Cloud, BTP, and other innovations, organizations can achieve greater flexibility, scalability, and operational efficiency. However, successful SAP transformation requires expertise, strategic alignment, and a partner who understands both technology and business objectives,” she emphasizes.

At Link, the mission is to help businesses fully unlock SAP’s potential, ensuring a smooth transition to cloud environments while optimizing SAP systems to drive growth and agility.

Let’s talk about how Link’s SAP capabilities combined with 20+ years in deploying successful system integration and cloud projects can streamline your operations, enhance your business processes, and future-proof your technology landscape.

In a strategic step toward public sector digital transformation, Link Consulting has been awarded the contract to develop and implement an innovative information management platform for Portugal’s Ministry of Justice. The project, funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR), is set to revolutionize administrative processes across multiple government agencies, enhancing efficiency, security, and interoperability.

Driving digital transformation in public administration

The core goal of this initiative is to digitize and streamline document and process management within the Ministry of Justice, reducing reliance on paper-based workflows and increasing operational agility. This transformation ensures a seamless and structured approach to handling government records, improving access and classification while reinforcing compliance with regulatory standards.

A key aspect of the project is the implementation of the Public Information Classification and Evaluation Framework (CLAV) across all agencies under the Ministry. This structured framework will provide a standardized way of categorizing and managing governmental information, ensuring transparency, consistency, and accessibility.

Seamless interoperability across government entities

One of the most significant challenges in digital transformation is interoperability – guaranteeing that systems across different government agencies communicate effectively. Link Consulting’s solution is built with this in mind, creating an integrated digital ecosystem that allows seamless information exchange among the various institutes, directorates, and general secretariats under the Ministry of Justice.

Beyond internal communication, the platform will connect to other public administration entities via the iAP (interoperability platform) managed by Portugal’s Agency for Administrative Modernization (AMA). This integration ensures a cohesive infrastructure, improving coordination and collaboration across the public sector.

Enhancing security and compliance through digital dignatures

Security and data integrity are at the heart of this initiative. The new platform will enable digital document signing through multiple secure authentication methods, including:

• Citizen Card (Cartão de Cidadão)
• Digital Mobile Key (Chave Móvel Digital)
• SCAP Authentication System

This guarantees the authenticity and security of electronic transactions while reducing administrative bottlenecks and improving document traceability.

Additionally, the system will integrate with Electronic Invoicing in Public Administration (FE-AP), a solution managed by ESPAP (Shared Services Entity for Public Administration). This will optimize financial and administrative workflows for a more efficient and automated handling of transactions.

A collaborative effort across multiple government agencies

The impact of this digital transformation project extends across a wide range of institutions within the Ministry of Justice, including:

• National Institute of Forensic Medicine and Forensic Sciences (Instituto Nacional de Medicina Legal e Ciências Forenses)
• Institute for Financial Management and Justice Equipment (Instituto de Gestão Financeira e de Equipamento da Justiça)
• General Secretariat of the Ministry of Justice (Secretaria Geral do Ministério da Justiça)
• General Inspectorate of Justice (Inspeção Geral da Justiça)
• Directorate-General for Justice Policy (Direção Geral das Políticas de Justiça)
• Directorate-General for Justice Administration (Direção Geral de Administração da Justiça)
• Directorate-General for Reintegration and Prison Services (Direção Geral de Reinserção e Serviços Prisionais)
• Institute of Registries and Notaries (Instituto de Registos e Notariado)
• Judicial Studies Center (Centro de Estudos Judiciais)

With its extensive expertise in public sector digital transformation, Link Consulting is proudly playing a pivotal role in this ambitious modernization initiative.

Get in touch to learn more about our expertise in addressing the triple challenge of government and public entities: simpler, faster and better services for citizens; compliance and transparency in an ever-changing environment; and efficiency and cost improvement.

Link is doubling down on its commitment to engineering next-gen technology solutions by reinforcing its SAP practice – a move that aligns with the company’s strategic priorities for this year. To spearhead this effort, Mário Oliveira, an accomplished expert with over 30 years of SAP experience, has joined Link as the new Advisor to the Board.

Mário Oliveira’s journey with SAP began in 1991 with the Mainframe version (R/2), marking the start of a notable trajectory in one of the world’s leading enterprise software systems. Early in his career, Mário had also the opportunity to work on one of the first R/3 projects in Portugal with Unilever Group. In 1996, he co-founded ROFF, where he served as Administrator, overseeing delivery and service development. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in establishing the company as a key player in the SAP consulting space, remaining in this function until the acquisition and rebranding to Inetum. Most recently, he led the global SAP practice, focusing on its growth across multiple countries.

Regarding his motivation for enriching Link’s team, Mário highlights that the company’s 20-year history of innovation, particularly in pioneering areas such as web, cloud, and artificial intelligence, was a key factor. “I firmly believe that the robust SAP applications will further enhance Link’s portfolio, while the modern BTP platform will enable the creation of impactful end-to-end solutions. My challenge is to translate this potential into tangible results by expanding SAP competencies and consolidating a strong SAP practice aligned with the needs of our clients. With a combination of cutting-edge technology and robust methodologies, we aim to position Link as a leader in SAP-driven digital transformation.”

Addressing businesses’ most pressing challenges with SAP

Fragmented systems, outdated procedures, and underutilized platforms hinder organizations from achieving their mission-critical objectives. As Mário emphasizes, “Many companies struggle to fully leverage the capabilities of their SAP solutions to drive innovation.” And that’s why he is especially enthusiastic about the SAP services Link brings to the table, structured around four core pillars to address these challenges: RISE with SAP, ERP transition to the cloud, application management services, and strategic maintenance and evolution.“SAP is no longer just a tool for supporting processes; it’s a transformative engine for reimagining business models,” adds Mário Oliveira.

Innovative methodologies for agile and scalable SAP solutions

What sets Link apart is its approach to SAP services, rooted in Agile methodologies and DevOps principles and focused on empowering businesses to continuously improve their SAP solutions in response to changing market demands. This approach is complemented by a deep understanding of SAP tools like LeanIX for architectural planning (check here Link’s success story with CGD) and Signavio for process modeling.

“SAP’s technological advancements over the last years, including the introduction of the in-memory HANA database, the Fiori web-based user experience, and the integration of AI, IoT, and Big Data, have revolutionized the way organizations operate. From diagnosis and consulting to implementation and optimization, our mission is to ensure that SAP technology effectively becomes a strategic enabler for businesses,” Mário Oliveira states.

Looking ahead

As Link strengthens its SAP capabilities, the company is setting ambitious goals for growth. The addition of Mário Oliveira to the leadership team marks a pivotal moment in this journey, leveraging his extensive know-how to spread the footprint and enhance Link Group’s SAP practice.

So, whether you’re looking to deploy new SAP solutions, modernize legacy systems, or evolve your existing SAP environment, Link has the expertise and vision to drive your transformation.

Contact us today to learn more about Link’s SAP value proposition and schedule a consultation with our team.

The fear and the reality of Artificial Intelligence in the workplace

While headlines often paint AI as either a miracle solution or an impending threat to jobs, the reality is more nuanced. The future of work isn’t about choosing between humans and AI – it’s about leveraging the strengths of both. AI’s role isn’t to replace human workers but to enhance their capabilities by handling repetitive tasks, allowing professionals to focus on areas where human insight and creativity are irreplaceable.

AI and Human collaboration

Artificial Intelligence excels at processing patterns and replicating human-like responses through sophisticated training on historical data. A huge advantage that we certainly all love is that AI never gets physically tired, or bored, and as long as it’s fed data it will keep going. It is perfect for lower-level routine tasks that are repetitive and take place within a close management system. However, its capabilities are based on existing data and defined parameters.

Humans, on the other hand, bring unique strengths to the table:

• The ability to navigate ambiguous situations
• Adaptability in open systems where external factors constantly change
• Creative problem-solving and innovation
• Emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills

When we combine these complementary strengths, we create what is called Augmented Intelligence – a powerful fusion of human and artificial capabilities that exceeds what either could achieve alone.

So, here’s how we see this combination benefiting our workflow and project outcomes:

AI’s capabilities:

• Routine, high-volume and repetitive tasks: AI algorithms are adept at managing tasks that require consistency and accuracy, such as data entry, scheduling, and basic customer queries.
• Data analysis and insights: AI processes vast amounts of data at unprecedented speeds, uncovering patterns and insights that inform better decision-making.
• 24/7 operation: Unlike humans, AI systems can operate continuously, providing constant support for critical operations and customer service needs.

Human strengths:

• Complex decision-making: Humans excel at tasks requiring nuanced judgment and ethical considerations, areas where AI may not fully grasp the broader context.
• Creativity and innovation: While AI can generate ideas based on existing data, true innovation often requires thinking outside the box, a distinctly human trait.
• Emotional intelligence: Building meaningful relationships and understanding subtle client needs remains a distinctly human capability.

Practical applications of AI at Link

We strategically deploy Artificial Intelligence to enhance our abilities and ensure we provide top-tier services.

That’s why we set up a forum to adopt AI as part of our production process, involving three stages – Investigate, Use, and Industrialize – and target five areas that enhance every stage of development:

1. Specifications – AI aids in accurately defining project scopes and requirements, ensuring clarity and precision.
2. Design and UX/UI – AI tools help create intuitive designs and user interfaces that enhance user experience and engagement.
3. Content creation – From generating textual content to designing visuals, AI supports our creative teams in crafting compelling materials.
4. Coding – AI accelerates the coding process, reducing time-to-market for software development.
5. Testing – AI streamlines quality assurance, improving the reliability and security of our solutions.

Our AI toolset

As a result, we are already exploring a range of cutting-edge tools as the backbone of our Artificial Intelligence integration:

• Cursor: An advanced IDE that enhances developer productivity through intelligent code suggestions and automation.
• Locofy: Streamlines the design-to-code process, ensuring efficient translation of creative designs into functional applications.
• Claude: A sophisticated LLM that supports our engineering teams in code writing and review processes.
• Dall-E: Utilized by our creative agency, Link 101, this AI generates compelling images for communication campaigns, enhancing our ability to produce visually engaging content rapidly.
• Runway: A revolutionary tool that transforms static images into dynamic video content, enhancing our marketing and digital presence with high-impact visuals.

The rise of AI Code Assistants

The evolution of AI-powered code assistants represents one of the most significant transformations in software development. These tools have progressed from simple code completion features to sophisticated programming partners that understand context, suggest solutions, and even engage in technical discussions.

How we leverage Code Assistants at Link

Our development teams utilize various code assistants strategically throughout the development lifecycle:

Development acceleration

• Rapid Prototyping:Generating initial code structures and boilerplate
• Code Completion:Smart suggestions that understand project context
• Documentation:Automated generation of code documentation and comments
• Bug Detection:Early identification of potential issues and security vulnerabilities

Learning and knowledge sharing

• Code Explanation:Breaking down complex code segments for team understanding
• Best Practices:Suggestions for code optimization and modern patterns
• Technology Migration:Assistance in updating legacy code to modern frameworks
• Team Onboarding:Accelerating new developer integration through contextual assistance

Problem-solving support

• Debug Assistance:Identifying and suggesting fixes for code issues
• Code Review:Automated initial review process highlighting potential improvements
• Performance Optimization:Suggestions for code efficiency improvements
• Security Scanning:Identification of potential security vulnerabilities

Real impact on development workflow

Our experience with code assistants has shown significant improvements:

Productivity gains

• Noticeable reduction in time spent on routine coding tasks, especially in areas like boilerplate code generation and repetitive implementations
• Faster bug resolution through intelligent debugging suggestions and pattern recognition
• More comprehensive and consistent code documentation
• Smoother onboarding process for new team members

We’ve observed these improvements through:

• Developer feedback
• Sprint completion rates
• Code review efficiency
• Team collaboration metrics

Best Practices for Code Assistant Integration

To maximize the benefits of code assistants while maintaining code quality:

Validation protocol

Successfully integrating code assistants into development workflows requires a thoughtful and structured approach. At the heart of our integration strategy lies a robust validation protocol where all AI-generated code undergoes thorough human review and testing. This ensures that while we benefit from AI’s efficiency, we maintain our high standards for code quality and security.

Team guidelines

Team enablement plays a crucial role in successful adoption. We’ve established clear guidelines for AI tool usage, complemented by regular training sessions that keep our teams updated on new features and capabilities. By encouraging open dialogue about AI tools, we’ve created an environment where teams freely share their successes and challenges, leading to continuous improvement in how we utilize these technologies.

Quality control

Quality control remains vital in our AI-assisted development process. Our approach combines traditional code review practices with specialized considerations for AI-generated solutions. This includes careful performance monitoring and security assessments, ensuring that every piece of code, regardless of its origin, meets our rigorous standards for production deployment. Through this balanced approach, we maintain the perfect blend of AI efficiency and human oversight.

The future of Code Assistance

Looking ahead, technology promises exciting transformations in software development. Here’s what we anticipate:

• Natural language evolution– The advancement in natural language processing will enable more intuitive developer-AI interactions, allowing teams to express complex programming concepts conversationally and streamline the development process.
• Enhanced context understanding– Future code assistants will comprehend entire codebases, architectures, and patterns, delivering more sophisticated suggestions that consider both immediate code context and broader architectural implications.
• Proactive security & optimization– These tools will evolve to automatically identify vulnerabilities and suggest optimizations earlier in the development cycle, strengthening our security strategy and reducing technical debt.
• Seamless Integration– Code assistants will become a natural extension of the developer’s toolkit, enhancing productivity while maintaining the crucial balance between automation and human oversight.

This evolution in code assistance technology continues to transform how we approach software development, making our teams more efficient while maintaining high quality standards.

What we’ve experienced

Here’s what we have been observing and learning from the impact of adopting these Artificial Intelligence technologies:

• Consistency and quality: AI ensures that all outputs adhere to predefined quality standards, maintaining consistency across projects.
• Developer satisfaction: By automating mundane tasks, AI has significantly boosted the morale and efficiency of our developers.
• Knowledge enhancement: AI tools have helped bridge gaps in technical knowledge, allowing our teams to tackle projects involving unfamiliar technologies. Additionally, it finds the ‘unfindable,’ detecting problems with incredible speed.
• Time saving: Our teams have reported saving between 20% to 60% of their time on tasks, significantly reducing the effort required for onboarding colleagues and ongoing project contributions.

The future is now

The integration of Artificial Intelligence into our operations has proven to be transformative, creating a powerful synergy between human creativity and technological efficiency. This combination accelerates innovation and helps us deliver superior solutions to our clients. We’re excited to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with AI-enhanced development and invite you to explore how these capabilities can benefit your next project.

Ready to leverage the power of human-AI collaboration for your business? Join us on this journey as we harness the power of AI to create superior value for you and a more rewarding workplace for our team.

Let’s talk about your next project!

Horários do Funchal – Transportes Públicos, SA has embarked on a groundbreaking project to revolutionize public transportation in Madeira and Porto Santo with the implementation of the GIRO intermodal ticketing system. Developed in collaboration with Link, Powerqubit, and Neves & Neves, GIRO aims to enhance mobility across the region with a unified solution and simplify the travel experience for residents and visitors alike.

The Challenge

For almost 40 years, Horários do Funchal has been a cornerstone of public transportation in Madeira. However, the evolving demands of its millions of passengers, coupled with the need for a more efficient and integrated transportation system, called for an innovative approach. The goal was to streamline the network under a single ticketing system, making it easier for users to navigate and for operators to manage.

The Solution

Link, in partnership with Powerqubit and Neves & Neves, introduced GIRO, a comprehensive intermodal ticketing system that aggregates all public transport operators in Madeira under the new brand SIGA.

This system offers:

• Interoperability: GIRO is based on an open data model, allowing the seamless use of a single card across multiple transport modes. It supports the evolution and lifecycle of products and fares controlled by Horários do Funchal and shares specifications and technological components with AML.
• Multichannel Sales Solution: Including on-board ticket machines, dedicated sales and personalized posts (soon also available in self-service vending machines, network of agents and Payshop). This ensures passengers can easily purchase tickets and access services from multiple points.
• Centralized Management: GIRO provides a single point for managing the commercial catalog and sales configurations, ensuring consistency across all channels and ease of updates.
• Passenger Information Systems: In the next phase, vehicle locations and arrival times will be displayed on vehicles and stops, enhancing the passenger experience.

The GIRO ticketing system will also include a mobile application as a modern alternative to physical cards. This app will provide QR code-based ticketing for easy and secure access, integrated purchase options (creating a “One Stop Shop” for occasional passengers), and real-time service information, route updates, and estimated arrival times.

The Exploration Support System integrated within GIRO ensures:

• Operational efficiency of resources and means.
• Implementation of eco-driving features to save fuel and improve service quality.
• Real-time data collection from operations to assess service levels and kilometers traveled.
• Capability for multimedia content broadcasting.
• APIs for open data to support external systems.

The implementation of GIRO is being carried out by a consortium that combines the expertise of three partners, each one playing a critical role. Link provides global integration, central management systems, and interoperability management. Neves & Neves supplies on-board equipment and solutions. And Powerqubit deliveres operational support systems and passenger information services.

Results

GIRO is leading to significant improvements in Madeira’s public transportation:

• Unified Ticketing: Passengers now benefit from a single card for all transport modes, simplifying travel and enhancing convenience.
• Improved Accessibility: The mobile app will enable easy ticket purchases and provide real-time updates, catering to both residents and tourists.
• Operational Efficiency: Centralized management capabilities and data collection (usage tracking and revenue distribution) ensure optimal resource utilization, service quality and transparency.
• Customer Insights: The system provides valuable insights into passenger demand and profiles, helping to tailor services more effectively.

“The GIRO system has revolutionized our approach to public transport, offering a digital integration experience, a comprehensive asset consultation application, and a secure communication channel with our organization. The partnership with Link and their innovative solutions has been instrumental in achieving our goals”, highlights Marco Louro at Horários do Funchal.

The GIRO project is expected to be fully operational by mid-2025, involves a total investment of around €3.8 million euros and stands as a testament to how technological innovation can transform public transportation. By providing a seamless, user-friendly, and integrated ticketing system, Horários do Funchal is setting a new standard for public transport in Madeira.

Equipment complemented with the respective application and management systems, developed exclusively by the consortium

Leading the way in urban mobility

If you are inspired by the success of GIRO and also looking for an state-of-the-art ticketing system, know more about our offering and contact us to learn how it can transform your transportation network. Besides Madeira, Link has already implemented it in major interoperability regions such as Lisbon, Genoa, Brussels, and Israel. Be the next one to prove its effectiveness and adaptability

And these losses are not limited to monetary damages. The reputational harm and downtime caused by incidents can be catastrophic, especially for organizations that rely heavily on uninterrupted digital services.

The growing cyber threat landscape

Last year there were 2,365 cyberattacks, with 343,338,964 victims, and 72% increase in data breaches since 2021, which held the previous all-time record. Threat actors are targeting not only large corporations but also small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are often viewed as easy targets due to their limited resources. With the rise of ransomware, phishing schemes, and advanced persistent threats (APTs), businesses need to adopt a proactive, multi-layered approach to cybersecurity.

However, protecting against modern cyber threats requires more than just basic firewalls and antivirus software. It demands a holistic strategy that addresses vulnerabilities across all layers of an organization’s infrastructure – from its internet domain to its critical applications and systems.

How can businesses stay ahead of cyber threats?

To effectively combat these threats, companies need to build their cybersecurity framework around industry best practices, such as the NIST Framework, which emphasizes these key pillars:

• Govern: Stablish a risk management strategy, expectations, and policy.
• Identify: Understand your assets and risks.
• Protect: Implement safeguards to ensure essential service delivery.
• Detect: Recognize cybersecurity threats in real time.
• Respond: Take action to mitigate attacks as they happen.
• Recover: Ensure the business can quickly resume operations after an incident.

While this framework is critical, its materialization requires the right tools and expertise. This is where Link’s Atlas Risk Secure solution comes into play.

Atlas Risk Secure: A 360º approach to cybersecurity

Combining the deep experience in this area with its enterprise architecture proven know-how, Link has developed Atlas Risk Secure, an integrated and 360º solution designed to help businesses mitigate cyber risks and maintain the security of their digital assets. Atlas Risk Secure addresses vulnerabilities across multiple layers, ensuring a comprehensive defense against cyber threats.

Here’s how Atlas Risk Secure helps your organization stay protected:

1. Three layers of protection

• Domain Level: Detects and responds to malicious activities such as phishing attempts and impersonation schemes targeting your organization’s internet domain. By neutralizing these threats, the solution enhances the safety of online interactions.
• Application Level: Atlas Risk Secure continuously scans for vulnerabilities in your applications, providing real-time alerts when issues are detected. This enables swift remediation and minimizes the risk of application-layer breaches.
• Host and System Level: Monitors your operating systems and devices, detecting vulnerabilities and attacks. With near-instant response times, the system acts immediately to prevent further damage and ensure operational continuity.

2. Comprehensive Risk Management

Atlas Risk Secure goes beyond simple detection and response. Its advanced risk management capabilities allow organizations to configure a complete risk assessment framework tailored to their business needs. By mapping out the infrastructure and business dependencies, it identifies how vulnerabilities in one area could affect the entire organization. This holistic view enables to proactively manage risks, reducing the chances of critical incidents that could disrupt operations.

3. Automation and proactive alerts

With automation built into its core, Atlas Risk Secure automatically scans your infrastructure for vulnerabilities and propagates risks through your business architecture. It delivers automated risk assessments, enabling quick decision-making, and sends proactive alerts based on risk levels, ensuring you’re always one step ahead of potential threats.

4. NIST-compliant

Atlas Risk Secure aligns with the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, supporting its key pillars. This ensures that your strategy adheres to international best practices and provides thorough coverage across your entire digital ecosystem.

Atlas Risk Secure is already helping numerous businesses prevent cyberattacks and manage risks. By leveraging its Security Operations Center (SOC) for continuous monitoring, organizations can detect potential threats before they escalate, significantly reducing downtime and ensuring the safety of their critical systems.

Why choose Atlas Risk Secure?

The current threat landscape demands a dynamic and flexible approach to cybersecurity. Unlike traditional solutions, Atlas Risk Secure adapts to the unique requirements of each organization. It not

only mitigates risks but also ensures compliance with legal requirements through automated reporting and audits.

With its ability to seamlessly integrate with your existing infrastructure and provide real-time insights, Atlas Risk Secure empowers your organization to:

• Stay compliant with evolving regulations
• Protect sensitive data from breaches
• Minimize operational disruptions due to cyberattacks
• Enhance overall business resilience

The consequences of inaction are too great, as data breaches and cyberattacks continue to rise. With Link’s Atlas Risk Secure, your organization will be equipped with the tools and knowledge to protect against current and future threats, ensuring that your business not only survives but thrives in an increasingly hostile cyber landscape. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

Ask for a demo and secure your future today.