How AI and data security are shaping work in 2026

We are living through an unprecedented moment in the history of technology. What was once confined to dreams and the "hype" of possibilities has now, in 2026, solidified into a structural change that affects not only software code but the very nature of human work .

ERP Summit podcast , Roberto Arruda , CEO of Skyone , provided valuable insights into this transition: from transactional software to the era of autonomous agents . More than a technical evolution, we are facing a cultural challenge where leadership and data governance dictate who will have a competitive advantage in the market.

In this article, we explore the main pillars discussed at this historic meeting and how your company can prepare for this future that is already here.

1. The evolution of software: from ERPs to autonomous agents

The technological journey has accelerated dramatically in recent years. If at the end of 2022 we saw the emergence of Generative AI (GenAI) , we were soon introduced to Vibe Coding and, now, to the rise of AI agents .

Unlike traditional interfaces, these agents are capable of understanding objectives, planning actions, and autonomously executing complex tasks. This technology not only automates processes but also acts as an engine of prosperity, increasing creativity and productivity in sectors such as engineering, healthcare, and education.

The democratization of development

One of the most disruptive aspects of this new era is the ability of business areas to "build" their own solutions. Through conversational interfaces, processes that previously took months to develop via IT can now be carried out simply and quickly, bringing technology closer to those who truly experience the pain points of the business.

2. Culture and leadership: the human side of technology

Implementing AI in companies is not primarily a technological challenge, but rather a challenge of people and culture . As Arruda pointed out, human capacity is being expanded, allowing for faster and more efficient decisions.

For this transformation to be successful, leaders need to:

• Investing in a data culture: there is no effective AI without organized data. Like oil, poorly managed data can "leak" and cause losses.
• Empowering teams: an organization's greatest asset in 2026 is its people who know how to use AI to enhance their skills.
• Adopting a strategic role: it is up to leaders to guide employees in the transition to a hybrid and collaborative work environment between humans and machines.

3. Data security and cybersecurity on "zero day"

As technology becomes more powerful, the "shadow" of insecurity grows. Cybersecurity has ceased to be a purely technical issue and has become a strategic topic on boards of directors.

Skyone acts as a "safe haven," offering layers of protection that isolate devices and ensure secure access through architectures such as Zero Trust .

The three pillars of modern security:

1. Culture: constant awareness-raising among all partners and collaborators.
2. Governance: clear rules on what to do in case of incidents. Knowing who to report to and how to act is fundamental, as no company is 100% invulnerable.
3. Technology: the use of robust infrastructures, such as Skyone Autosky , which modernizes legacy systems without code changes, ensuring scalability and maximum performance.

4. The Skyone difference: efficiency and quality of life

The key market differentiator lies not only in the tool itself, but in the real impact it generates. Skyone currently serves over 25,000 clients in 35 countries , providing not only technology, but also security and peace of mind.

Through an integrated platform that eliminates silos and simplifies AI projects, Skyone enables companies to be leaner and more competitive. By automating the complex, more time is freed up for what really matters: innovation and human connection.

Conclusion: tomorrow starts now

The final message for companies and managers is clear: technology has evolved to change the nature of work. Those who do not use AI to augment their capabilities will face prohibitive operating costs and lose competitive advantage.

On the other hand, organizations that start today, from the basics, but with security from "day zero," will lead the digital transformation sustainably.

Want to delve deeper into this conversation? Check out the full episode with Ricardo Arruda and Luciano Itamar on the Portal ERP channel:

Written by Skyone