Infor Makes ERP Architecture the Starting Point for Metal Fabrication AI
Why ERP Architecture Comes Before AI
For manufacturers looking to get more value from AI (artificial intelligence), the starting point may not be the AI itself—it may be the ERP (enterprise resource planning) architecture and data underneath it. A recent ERP Todayarticle examines how software giant Infor is approaching AI in metal fabrication, arguing that connected ERP data and industry-specific processes need to be in place before AI agents can deliver meaningful results.
Infor’s approach starts with the ERP foundation. Manufacturers often have ERP systems connected to manufacturing, engineering, supplier and other systems through years of custom integrations. That complexity can make it difficult for AI agents to access consistent, trustworthy information. The article highlights process mining as another important step. Rather than immediately deploying an AI agent, Infor’s Velocity Suite looks at how work is actually being done, identifies bottlenecks and determines where automation could make the biggest difference. From there, AI agents can be applied to specific workflows. Metal fabrication is a good example of why industry context matters. Information about material costs, inventory dimensions, production orders, quality, labor and project costs all needs to be connected for AI to make useful decisions. The article also points to a growing problem with ERP customization and technical debt. Customizations that once helped businesses adapt their ERP can now make it harder to standardize data and scale AI.
AI readiness starts with the systems and data underneath it. Before asking what AI can automate, manufacturers may need to ask whether their ERP environment gives AI the reliable information and processes it needs to work effectively.
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