In complex enterprise resource planning environments, the difference between success and struggle often comes down to having a clear path forward — which is why a structured benchmark process is essential.

For many enterprises the methodology is rooted in understanding where they are starting from to establish a baseline for moving forward. That foundation supports a standard, step-by-step process that helps customers fully adopt the technology, according to Ricardo Leitao (pictured), senior vice president of global professional services, manufacturing and supply chain at QAD Inc.

QAD’s Ricardo Leitao talks with theCUBE about how AI accelerates manufacturing ERP modernization and systems of action.

“We are helping [our customers] to really be successful with this approach that we’re calling systems of action,” Leitao told theCUBE. “Really helping them to make decisions, not just looking, ‘Okay, what is my data?’ No, no — we want to give a tool that will enable them to successfully manage their manufacturing processes.”

Leitao spoke with Scott Hebner, principal analyst at theCUBE Research, and Paul Gillin, enterprise editor at SiliconANGLE, at the QAD Champions of Manufacturing event, during an exclusive broadcast on theCUBE, SiliconANGLE Media’s livestreaming studio. They discussed the prescriptive Champion Benchmark methodology for guiding customers through modernization and the growing role of artificial intelligence in accelerating implementation. (* Disclosure below.)

Why a structured benchmark process is key to enterprise success

Champion Benchmark is the starting point, a kickoff assessment designed to put customers on the right path toward modernization, according to Leitao. A structured benchmark process helps identify their business objectives and the key characteristics of their environment so the right roadmap can be defined.

“We’re going to say, based on your business objectives, based on your current IT landscape, your current situation with your solution right now, this is what we recommend and this is what we suggest,” Leitao said. “The Champion Benchmark is really the kickstart … for a customer to define, ‘How can I evolve from here? Give me the roadmap, give me the way on how I can be successful with your product.’”

AI accelerates the evaluation of a customer’s environment by quickly analyzing multiple aspects of the benchmark data. For example, it can rapidly identify changes made to older software versions, giving teams a clear picture of what needs to be updated or transformed, according to Leitao.

“Analysis of data — comparing two different models, could be two different programs — if you train the agent, within time the agent will know the context,” he said. “Then you start to refine the type of answer. That is where we are evolving.”

AI already helps identify key components in the evaluation process, but the next frontier is using generative AI not just to assess and document the current state, but to help create the future-state model itself, according to Leitao. Early elements of this capability are already on the way.

“We have some components of that embedded in our methodology today, and that will continue to evolve,” Leitao said. “We envision this point. For existing customers, they needed to evolve from where they are. The fastest we can do, the more features we can provide, and we can do that with quality. That’s the dream. There is no better use case for adopting AI agents and practices.”

Here’s the complete video interview, part of SiliconANGLE’s and theCUBE’s coverage of the QAD Champions of Manufacturing event:

(* Disclosure: TheCUBE is a paid media partner for the QAD Champions of Manufacturing event. Neither QAD, the sponsor of theCUBE’s event coverage, nor other sponsors have editorial control over content on theCUBE or SiliconANGLE.)

Photo: SiliconANGLE