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DevOps vs. Vibe Coding

The Future of Software Development in the AI Era?  

Software development has always been a balance between structure and creativity, between strict processes and rapid iteration. With the rise of large AI models like ChatGPT, Cursor Composer, and SuperWhisper, a new approach is emerging: vibe coding. 

The term, recently described by Andrej Karpathy, former CTO of OpenAI, refers to an extremely AI-driven coding style where developers largely let AI write the code and interact through natural language. Instead of manually searching for where to adjust the padding in a sidebar, you simply say, “Make the padding half as big,” and let the AI take care of it. Code changes are accepted without review, bugs are fixed through trial and error, and the code grows beyond the direct understanding of the human developer. 

This raises a key question: Is vibe coding a disruptive method that can fundamentally change development work, or is it just a quick fix for prototyping? And how does it relate to established DevOps principles? 

Is vibe coding a disruptive method that can fundamentally change development work, or is it just a quick fix for prototyping?

What is Vibe Coding?

Vibe coding is an AI-driven way of coding that relies on intuitive interaction rather than strict code control. Instead of manually writing code structures and debugging, the developer lets the AI handle the details. This creates a more direct, conversation-based development experience where the programmer describes what they want rather than exactly how to implement it. This method enables a fast and creative development process, making it particularly useful for prototyping and experimental development.

However, it also comes with a lack of code understanding and a risk of technical debt, as the code is generated at a pace that makes it difficult to keep up. Since the AI creates and modifies the code freely, it can also become harder to scale and maintain larger systems over time. 

DevOps – Why It’s Still Necessary

For years, DevOps has been the standard in software development, built on continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD), version control, and automated testing. DevOps ensures that code is reproducible, scalable, and stable.

While vibecoding is primarily about speed and creative flow, DevOps focuses on structure, traceability, and quality assurance. Version control and code reviews ensure that everyone understands the codebase, while automated testing and security analyses minimize the risk of operational issues and security vulnerabilities. Infrastructure as Code (IaC) and CI/CD pipelines also make it possible to scale and update systems in a controlled manner. 

At the same time, AI has the potential to improve DevOps. Instead of replacing DevOps entirely, AI can contribute by automating pipeline configurations, analyzing logs, improving code quality, and debugging systems faster than a human developer. 

Can Vibe Coding and DevOps Coexist? 

Rather than positioning vibe coding and DevOps as opposites, they can be seen as complementary. One possible use case is that vibe coding serves as a tool for rapid innovation, while DevOps takes over when it’s time to scale up and production-proof the system. Another scenario is AI-assisted DevOps, where AI helps streamline and automate more stages of the development pipeline.

Instead of just generating code, AI can assist in building CI/CD pipelines, monitoring operations, and suggesting optimizations. Another potential development is that vibe-coding becomes more common in frontend and UI development, where interactive changes can be quickly implemented, while backend and infrastructure continue to require more traditional DevOps processes. 

What Does This Mean for Companies and Developers? 

We are at a turning point in software development where companies must balance speed and structure. AI can lower the barriers to development and make it easier to build digital solutions, which presents an enormous opportunity.

However, it also requires a strategic approach to avoid technical debt and ensure long-term sustainability.

  • Should companies create internal guidelines for AI-driven development?
  • How can code quality be ensured when it is generated by AI?
  • And what does this mean for the role of the developer – will we see a shift from traditional programmers to a new profession where prompt engineering becomes just as important as coding skills? 

These are just some of the questions organizations need to consider.

Future developers will need to navigate between AI-driven speed and DevOps precision—finding the right balance between intuition and control.

Conclusion

AI-driven development methods like vibe coding are exciting and could revolutionize rapid innovation, but they do not eliminate the need for structured processes in production and scalability. Future developers will need to navigate between AI-driven speed and DevOps precision – finding the right balance between intuition and control. AI is changing how we build software, but not why!

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At HiQ, we specialize in developing AI solutions that align with real business objectives.

AI: A Shield Against the New Reality of Trade Tariffs?

Can AI act as a shield for the manufacturing industry against the new reality of trade tariffs? A hypothesis in a shifting world – and why it deserves our attention right now!

There is no doubt that we will have to relate to trade tariffs in the years ahead. This has become particularly clear as Donald Trump, in his renewed presidential campaign, has announced plans for sweeping new tariffs targeting countries like China, the EU, and other major industrial powers. The signals are clear: the wave of protectionism that has swept across the globe in recent years is not receding — if anything, it’s accelerating.

For the manufacturing industry, this means planning and strategy can no longer rely on a static trade landscape. Rather, companies must be prepared for rapid shifts, unexpected barriers, and cost changes that can severely impact both production and profitability. This is where AI comes in—not as a future vision, but as a practical tool for the present.

More and more industrial companies are realizing that AI can serve as a smart guide in a geopolitical terrain that is rapidly changing. By combining data from customs systems, logistics flows, and geopolitical analysis, AI can turn uncertainty into actionable insights. As Sofie Perslow, AI expert at HiQ, puts it: “In order for AI to predict the effects of trade tariffs in real time, it needs access to connected, quality-assured data from both internal systems and external sources. Logistics, customs information, and market shifts must be fed into the same data stream.”

Adjust in Real Time – or Lose Ground

When tariffs suddenly alter the cost structure, it is essential to react quickly. AI technology enables real-time analysis of the impact of tariffs at various stages of production, making it possible to swiftly adjust both pricing and component choices.

Companies can identify alternative materials with lower tariffs or adjust their sales prices based on regional conditions. Supplier contracts can be renegotiated automatically as trade policy evolves. It’s not just about numbers — it’s about staying competitive when the rules of the game are rewritten overnight.

From Bottleneck to Advantage in Logistics

Supply chains are often the first to feel the impact when new tariffs are introduced. AI can analyze thousands of logistics variables to suggest alternative routes, relocate inventory to tariff-friendly zones, and even automate customs documentation. During the US-China trade war, companies like Caterpillar and Whirlpool were forced into costly adjustments. With AI, many of these bottlenecks could have been anticipated — and mitigated.

“Agent-based AI makes it possible to automatically monitor supply chain changes, suggest renegotiations, or dynamically redirect flows. But systems must act in line with business logic — not just data-driven, but business-driven,” says Sofie Perslow.

“Agent-based AI makes it possible to automatically monitor supply chain changes, suggest renegotiations, or dynamically redirect flows. But systems must act in line with business logic — not just data-driven, but business-driven.”

Sofie Perslow, Head of AI, HiQ

See the Risks Before They Hit

Properly trained AI models can monitor trade patterns and geopolitical developments to predict upcoming risks. If a trade agreement is on the brink of collapse, or new tariffs are being signaled, AI can provide early warnings. This enables a more diversified supplier base and better-prepared scenarios for potential trade wars. A company like Harley-Davidson, which was hit hard by steel tariffs in 2018, might have made different decisions with access to such tools.

In a complex global economy, production optimization is critical. AI’s strength lies in its ability to weigh factors such as labor costs, energy prices, transportation options, and tariff rates. This enables companies to make strategic decisions about where production should be located — not just based on today’s costs, but tomorrow’s risks and opportunities. Apple, for example, has already begun relocating parts of its manufacturing from China to India and Vietnam. With AI, such decisions can be made faster, more accurately, and with lower risk.

The Right Product to the Right Market – Despite Barriers

Customer strategies must also be adapted to new tariff landscapes. AI-driven systems can analyze market data to recommend a shift in focus to regions with lower tariffs or adjust the product portfolio to minimize exposure to highly tariffed goods.

Even marketing efforts can be fine-tuned — for example, by using AI to optimize campaigns that account for price increases caused by tariffs. When the US threatened tariffs on Mexican goods in 2019, the auto industry was immediately affected. With the right AI support, companies could have reacted proactively.

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The Bureaucracy No One Wants – But Everyone Must Manage

Trade tariffs bring not only economic consequences but also increased bureaucracy. Classifying products, managing regulations, and generating customs documents require time and accuracy. AI can automate much of this work, update internal systems with regulatory changes in real time, and ensure compliance — without pulling resources away from core operations. But the technology must go hand in hand with human judgment.

“Only when AI is connected to human judgment through transparency, feedback loops, and manual overrides can we build trust and real business value in critical decisions affecting customers, costs, and societal outcomes,” Sofie Perslow emphasizes.

“Only when AI is connected to human judgment through transparency, feedback loops, and manual overrides can we build trust and real business value in critical decisions affecting customers, costs, and societal outcomes.”

Sofie Perslow, Head of AI, HiQ

But – AI Is No Magic Wand Without Data Access

Challenges remain. Many AI tools are built for retail, not for the complex ecosystem of the manufacturing industry. To fully leverage AI in mitigating the effects of trade tariffs, better integration with customs systems, access to updated trade data, and collaboration between tech providers, companies, and government authorities are essential.

Still, the potential is clear: shifting from gut feeling to pattern recognition, from guesswork to simulation.

Conclusion

In a world where conditions change rapidly, AI is becoming the manufacturing industry’s most important tool for adapting — and excelling. It’s no longer about following developments, but about leading them.

Companies that begin using AI as a strategic partner today will have a competitive edge tomorrow — regardless of which way the geopolitical winds are blowing.

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Unlocking Efficiency with Starhive as Asset Management System

The digital transformation presents companies with the challenge of managing their assets efficiently, automating processes, and ensuring high data quality. IT and asset management teams often have to deal with outdated systems or isolated data sources. In this context, Starhive emerges as a modern asset management system,

Benefits of an Asset Management System

An asset management system is essential for managing a company’s assets. These can range from IT equipment and machinery to intangible assets. It enables organizations to record, track and utilize their assets in a structured and efficient manner.

Respectively, Starhive enables centralized management of all company assets, significantly improving transparency, control, and maintenance. However, the real advantage lies in its intelligent integration with existing IT systems. A key factor here is the hundreds of import connections that Starhive provides.

Thanks to numerous import connections, Starhive offers easy integration of its solution.

Seamless Integration with Import Connections

An asset management system only reaches its full potential when it seamlessly communicates with other enterprise systems such as ERP, CRM, or IoT platforms. Starhive offers a wide range of import connections – from Salesforce, and Microsoft Entra ID to Google Workspace and Jira.

These predefined interfaces enable simple, fast, and secure one-way data imports from various sources without requiring extensive custom programming. This means that Starhive automatically synchronizes with external data sources, ensuring up-to-date information in the asset management system. 

However, the import connectors are designed for data imports only and do not transmit data back to the source system. For two-way communication, additional API-based solutions or custom webhook integrations can be implemented. With Starhive’s upcoming webhook automation feature, such integrations will be even easier to set up – offering companies a near out-of-the-box solution to extend their data synchronization capabilities.

With Starhive, companies benefit from:

  • Automated data transfer to avoid manual input errors
  • Time savings through rapid connection
  • Consistent data quality across all systems
  • Scalability for future system expansions

Conclusion

With Starhive, users not only gain a centralized solution for managing their corporate assets but also benefit from seamless integration into your existing system landscape – for greater efficiency, transparency, and future-proof operations. 

The asset management system combines versatile functionality with a wide range of import connectors. As Starhive partner, we support you in the implementation of Starhive and enable your teams to work optimally with the solution. Take your asset management to the next level. 

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Anna Mair

Anna has extensive expertise in project management and digitalization processes. During her time as a Quality and Process Manager at a German logistics company, she gained in-depth knowledge in software implementation and process optimization.

Header image with the caption "HiQ in Germany"

HiQ in Germany: A new chapter begins

It’s official: Scandio is now HiQ in Germany! With more than 20 years of experience and success as a company, we are taking the next step and are now fully part of the European HiQ Group, or HiQ for short.

But what exactly does this mean and what makes HiQ so special? Take a look behind the scenes.

HiQ: Europe’s digital transformation partner

Founded 30 years ago in Sweden, HiQ is at its core a technology consultancy with Nordic roots –and so much more. As HiQ in Germany, we are part of a community of 1,700 brilliant minds who believe that technology is changing the world.

Our experts combine technical expertise with creativity to drive businesses forward. Whether it’s Atlassian consulting, software development, cloud engineering, AI, cybersecurity and more, our goal is to transform complexity into customer success with technology and know-how.

HiQ combines local expertise with European strength: our teams are deeply rooted in their local markets, drawing on the expertise of colleagues in 23 locations across four countries. In Sweden, Finland, Poland and now Germany, HiQ offers the perfect mix of personal proximity and transnational reach.

From Scandio to HiQ: why now?

Anyone who has been following us as a company in Germany for any length of time knows that Scandio has been an independent part of the Swedish HiQ Group since mid-2021. We are now fully aligning our brands and companies to become a real European champion in technology consulting. That is why Scandio is now HiQ in Germany.

The expansion of the HiQ brand comes at a time when the demand for high-quality, tailored digital solutions is growing across Europe. Companies are facing the challenges of digitalisation and need partners with in-depth technical expertise who can offer competent solutions both locally and across borders.

As part of the HiQ Group, we are ideally positioned to meet this demand for digital solutions across Europe.

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Martin Grebner

Martin is part of the HiQ marketing team. When he’s not hiking in the Alps, he enjoys a good science fiction novel.