How App Studio and APIs are shaping the future of Unit4 

At the Unit4 User Group Technical Workshop on February 11, 2026, one theme dominated the conversation: the future of Unit4 is being shaped by App Studio, APIs and integration capability.

The Embridge Consulting team joined customers, partners and technical specialists to explore where Unit4 is heading and what this means in practice. Representing Embridge were Jon Simmonds, Managed Services Team Leader, and Dave Whybrow, Technical Solutions Consultant, who also delivered a live App Studio demonstration during the day.

Across every session, the direction of travel was clear: Unit4 ERP is entering a new phase where technical confidence, API literacy and automation strategy are becoming strategic differentiators. Organisations that understand how to use App Studio, Extension Kit and tools such as Power Automate are not just configuring their ERP system, they are actively reshaping how it works for their business.

The growing importance of App Studio and API skills in Unit4 ERP

A consistent theme across the Unit4 User Group Technical Workshop was the widening gap between traditional ERP configuration and modern, API-led development. As Unit4 continues to evolve, App Studio is becoming central to how organisations tailor their ERP. The ability to design custom screens, streamline user journeys, embed validation and integrate external systems directly into Unit4 is no longer a niche capability. It’s rapidly becoming part of the core conversation around digital transformation within Unit4 ERP.

With that shift comes a change in expectations. ERP teams are being asked to think beyond configuration and consider automation, integration architecture and connected platforms. As organisations look to link Unit4 with tools such as Microsoft Power Automate and wider cloud services, the conversation moves from “how do we configure this module?” to “how do we design an integrated process?”

The User Group Technical Workshop reinforced that the future of Unit4 ERP lies in connected ecosystems, rather than standalone systems. Those who embrace App Studio, APIs and integration will be better positioned to unlock efficiency, reduce manual intervention and build more resilient digital operations.

How is Unit4 App Studio transforming ERP customisation and integration?

A highlight of the day was Rachel George from Unit4 presenting the evolution and roadmap of App Studio. App Studio enables organisations to build tailored applications and screens within the Unit4 environment. Instead of working around cluttered or rigid standard layouts, teams can create purpose-built interfaces that surface only what users need, when they need it. This includes custom validation, improved cross-device access and integration with external systems via Extension Kit APIs.

The roadmap discussions reinforced that App Studio is being developed across both Cloud CR and ERPx environments, with ongoing API enhancements planned through 2026. While there are still functional constraints in certain areas, the direction of travel is clear. Unit4 is investing heavily in making App Studio a cornerstone of the platform.

For organisations considering a move to cloud or looking to modernise existing processes, App Studio represents an opportunity to rethink user experience and operational efficiency rather than simply replicate legacy setups.

Rethinking ERP customisation in the cloud

Another thought-provoking session during the Unit4 User Group Technical Workshop, led by Pete Davis of Panache Software, centred around customisation in Unit4 Cloud.

For many years, the prevailing advice during cloud migrations has been to remove customisations in favour of standard functionality. The argument has often been that bespoke developments complicate upgrades and increase technical debt. Yet the discussion at this workshop challenged that assumption – well-designed customisations, particularly those built using modern tools such as Extension Kit and supported by robust APIs, can continue to deliver long-term value without jeopardising upgrade paths.

The conversation is shifting from “strip back to standard” towards “re-engineer with purpose”. Instead of discarding legacy processes wholesale, organisations can evaluate what genuinely adds value and rebuild it using contemporary integration tools, automation frameworks and AI capabilities.

API integration for beginners: practical automation with Power Automate

Katrina Joost from Biffa also led a session demonstrating how even relatively simple API integrations can deliver measurable efficiency gains. Using Microsoft Forms and Power Automate, a basic integration was built to create supplier records directly in Unit4 via API. An eleven-field form captured supplier data and automatically posted it into the ERP system, eliminating manual rekeying from Word documents and reducing the risk of data entry errors.

The takeaway wasn’t just technical, it was cultural – you don’t need to be a seasoned developer to begin leveraging APIs within Unit4. With the right support, accessible tools and community resources, finance and operational teams can start automating repetitive processes and improving data accuracy. For many organisations, this kind of targeted automation represents a compelling business case for investing in API capability and Power Platform skills.

Unit4 App Studio meets Microsoft Teams: live demo of smarter workflows

Embridge’s own Dave Whybrow brought this theory to life with an exciting live App Studio demonstration. The demo showcased how a tailored application can be built to generate User Master File records from Resource records, complete with logic-driven user ID suggestions, duplicate checks and automated copying of template settings. Presented within a clean, intuitive interface featuring dropdowns, images and structured tables, the solution illustrated how significantly the user experience can be enhanced.

The integration with Microsoft Teams generated particular interest. When a new user record is created, an Adaptive Card is automatically sent to Teams for approval. Approvers can review and respond directly within Teams, triggering the relevant action in Unit4 without logging into the ERP system itself. This type of integration demonstrates how Unit4 can sit at the heart of a broader digital workplace strategy, connected seamlessly to collaboration tools and automation platforms.

Unlocking the full potential of Unit4: how integration, automation and expert support can transform your ERP

For Embridge, the workshop reinforced a clear message. The future of Unit4 ERP lies not only in configuration expertise but in integration capability, automation strategy and technical confidence with APIs and the Microsoft ecosystem.

Customers are increasingly looking for partners who can bridge the gap between ERP functionality and wider digital transformation goals. Whether that involves App Studio development, Power Automate workflows, API integration or cloud re-engineering, the demand for joined-up technical thinking is growing.

For organisations looking to get more from Unit4, Embridge brings over 15 years of experience helping customers transform their ERP, integration and automation capabilities. Our method is underpinned by emotionally intelligent and ‘elastic’ approach to change - designed to help business transformation adapt, stick and scale, We focus on three core principles to make change work in the real world: expandable services that adapt as priorities shift, excellence in technology that ensures secure and scalable solutions, and emotionally intelligent leadership that supports people through transformation. By applying these principles, we help organisations embed change that truly sticks.

We’re also running a dedicated App Studio workshop, designed to give your teams hands-on experience building tailored applications and automating processes within Unit4 App Studio. This upcoming workshop provides practical insight into what’s possible with App Studio, showing how workflows can be streamlined, approvals simplified, and user experiences enhanced.

Want to chat to one of our experienced consultants about how your organisation can unlock the full potential of Unit4? Get in touch today or follow us on LinkedIn for more insights and tips for your ERP.