Transforming the business does not require expensive technology changes, it can be accomplished through business partnership and better use of existing systems and information. In this episode, Rich Corbridge (CIO, SEGRO plc) joins Dan Twing and Tom O'Rourke to discuss how they are using automation and AI to significantly improve their ERP capabilities, without replacing their ERP systems. Focusing on business value, SEGRO is piloting AI-enable orchestration to create workbenches that tie together disparate systems for timely access to information, improving decision making.

Crucially, this approach introduces agentic AI within a centralized orchestration model, ensuring governance, consistency, and controlled deployment rather than uncoordinated agent sprawl.

 

Key Points

Business value drove technology selection and the decision to supplement existing ERP systems rather than replacing them

A centralized approach balances consistency with localized customizations

Partnering with two vendors with different engagement styles provided valuable insights

ROI was defined upfront, each pilot process had specific targets before testing began

Technology change is happening quickly, SEGRO's deliberate approach is making them culturally ready for rapid change.

Agentic AI is being deployed within a centralized orchestration framework to maintain control and avoid fragmented, independent agent development

 

Takeaways for Automation Leaders

Build alliances with business leaders before starting the technology selection process

A structured evaluation of AI-enabled orchestration outperforms giving everyone tools to built their own agents

Cultural change in the IT team is as important as cultural change in the business

Momentum comes from demonstrating what is possible

Success is defined as business impact, SEGRO is using orchestration to grow the business without increasing staff or operational costs