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HFS Research Unveils 2026 Services-as-Software™ Award Winners

On September 10, 2026, HFS Research announced the winners of the inaugural HFS Services-as-Software™ Awards, spotlighting organizations that are at the forefront of transforming enterprise delivery through the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation. With over 250 submissions, these awards celebrate the firms that are making significant progress in shifting from traditional, labor-intensive service models to innovative, AI-driven and scalable solutions.

The Shift to AI-led Delivery Models

As businesses face increasing pressure to enhance efficiency and cut costs, many are now seeking to integrate AI not just as an add-on tool but as the core of their operations. The concept of Services-as-Software, coined and trademarked by HFS, represents this fusion of services and technology, enabling organizations to focus on results rather than mere provision of labor. According to Phil Fersht, CEO of HFS Research, the legacy model is changing, as firms that adapt successfully will thrive in this new landscape.

The awards were categorized into four distinct areas, with each category recognizing different aspects of AI integration into enterprise functions:
1. Best Services-as-Software Transformation
2. Best Services Eating Software
3. Best Software Eating Services
4. Best Startup / Emerging Firm

Winners Overview

Best Services-as-Software Transformation

1. Ema - Ema's innovative AI Employee has revolutionized HR at Wipro, handling over three million queries efficiently, boosting employee satisfaction by 20%, and cutting HR costs by 50%.
2. Capgemini - This global leader has re-engineered their month-end closing process for a major electronics company, achieving an impressive 80% automation rate with 100% accuracy through AI.
3. Cognizant - With its AI-first innovation center, Cognizant developed a streamlined solution for Citizens Bank that achieved production readiness in under six months while targeting substantial yearly savings.

Best Services Eating Software

1. Genpact - Implementing an AI-driven operations model, Genpact serves over 70 enterprise clients, including 15% of the Fortune 100, replacing traditional labor-intensive systems in key areas of finance and procurement.
2. Firstsource - The company cut its labor-intensive collections model dramatically, moving to its innovative Kairos platform that has allowed for significant reductions in operational overhead.
3. IBM Consulting - This consulting powerhouse has harnessed hybrid-AI platforms to support thousands of consultants, creating software that aligns pricing based on productivity, rather than hours worked.

Best Software Eating Services

1. Humanize - By performing traditional consulting tasks with their humanAIze platform, Humanize has halved staffing requirements for implementing major enterprise software solutions.
2. Kognitos - This innovative firm allows business users to set up automations quickly, leading to significant efficiencies, especially in supply chain operations.
3. Celonis - The process intelligence platform enhances operational efficiency for Renault Group, replacing disconnected analytics systems with a streamlined execution layer.

Best Startup / Emerging Firm

1. KUNGFU.AI - This AI-native firm has automated a significant portion of annual loan factoring, drastically reducing funding time from days to seconds, demonstrating exceptional scalability in financial transactions.
2. Aokah - Their GCC Execution Intelligence platform leverages continuous AI to streamline decision-making processes, showing substantial time savings in governance tasks for major firms.
3. Veltris - By applying AI to healthcare revenue cycle processes, Veltris ensures high levels of efficiency while maintaining compliance and transparency in operations.

Insights from the Award Process

The winning organizations exemplify a major departure from conventional delivery models. They integrate AI within their operations not as isolated tools but rather as foundational elements that reshape workflows, expertise management, and deliver measurable outcomes. The trend points toward not merely automating existing tasks but fundamentally reorganizing how businesses operate.

In conclusion, the 2026 Services-as-Software™ Awards mark a pivotal moment in recognizing how AI and innovative technology can redefine business standards, offering a glimpse into the future of enterprise functions. The upcoming HFS webinars on September 15 and 29 will further explore the transformation stories of these winners, providing valuable insights into the evolving landscape of enterprise operations.

For more information about HFS Research and their mission to propel companies toward AI-led models, you can visit their website.