Future-Proofing with Flex Applications – Transitioning to .NET 8

Faster, safer, and smarter than ever. Throughout 2024, the development department at Flex Applications has been working tirelessly to upgrade the personnel system Flex HRM to the new platform .NET 8. We asked our Development Manager, Björn Lindqvist, to shed some light on this endeavor.

Firstly, what drove the decision to revamp the technology behind Flex HRM? Björn Lindqvist explains:
– At Flex, staying at the forefront of technology is crucial for providing our customers with the best user experience while ensuring the system remains safe and secure for years to come. .NET 8 is Microsoft's latest development platform version, boasting numerous enhancements, especially in terms of performance, security, and long-term maintenance.

He adds:
– Additionally, it allows us to leverage the latest smart technologies in our development work, crucial for effectively rolling out new innovative features to our customers.

Significant Time Savings with Generative AI

The migration project has posed challenges due to the complexity and scale of the system. Flex HRM consists of millions of lines of code requiring thorough adaptation to .NET 8. Additionally, the entire system must undergo meticulous testing to ensure performance and functionality are preserved across all areas. In essence, a project of this nature risks being both time and resource-intensive. For Flex, part of the solution came from AI.

Björn Lindqvist:
– In February 2024, we had the opportunity to participate in a pilot project at Visma, utilizing generative AI to transform all existing code to .NET 8, a venture that proved highly successful. By combining AI-based refactoring with manual testing and corrections, we estimate a time reduction of around 40% compared to a fully manual process.

In fact, the project has been such a success that other companies have been inspired by Flex's approach.
– Yes, some companies in our network have reached out seeking more information. It's gratifying to be able to share our experience and assist others on a similar journey, Björn says.

Now, Björn and his team eagerly anticipate customers benefiting from these enhancements.
– Starting from August 2024 and extending into the fall, the new version of Flex HRM, built on .NET 8, will gradually roll out to all our customers.