Cutting Through the Noise Around AI Automation

Artificial intelligence and automation currently dominate ERP conversations. For manufacturers and distributors already stretched by labor shortages, margin pressure, and complex operations, the question is not whether AI automation matters. The real question is what delivers business value in 2026, and what is still hype.

This is where experience matters. Forseti Solutions works alongside manufacturers and distributors every day, helping them implement ERP systems that solve real operational problems. By leveraging IFS Solutions and strategic partnerships like Levata, Forseti helps organizations move beyond buzzwords and into practical, value-driven AI automation.

What AI Automation in ERP Is Actually Doing Today

Most ERP AI automation in 2026 is not about replacing human interaction. It is about augmenting decision-making and reducing manual friction.

In modern ERP environments, AI automation is already delivering value in areas such as:

• Demand forecasting that adapts to real-time supply and customer data

• Predictive maintenance that flags issues before downtime occurs

• Automated invoice matching and exception handling in finance

• Intelligent scheduling that balances labor, capacity, and delivery timelines

These use cases succeed because they focus on specific processes with measurable outcomes, not abstract intelligence. Within IFS-based ERP environments, AI capabilities are embedded directly into workflows instead of sitting in disconnected dashboards. That means insights show up where teams already work, which increases adoption and trust.

Did You Know? Organizations that are utilizing AI to analyze and understand consumer trends stay ahead of competitors and develop strategies based on their customers’ needs. 

Where the Hype Still Outpaces Reality

AI automation hype often shows up when expectations are not aligned with data readiness or process maturity. Many ERP buyers still hear promises of “plug-and-play AI” that requires little effort to deploy. In practice, this is rarely the case.

Common hype traps include:

• Assuming AI can fix broken or inconsistent data

• Expecting automation to work without process standardization

• Believing AI can fully replace experienced planners or finance teams

ERP AI is only as strong as the foundation beneath it. Clean master data, clearly defined workflows, and change management remain critical. Forseti frequently helps organizations reset expectations by identifying where AI automation makes sense today and where it should be phased in later.

This is also where Forseti’s partnership with Levata becomes especially valuable. Levata focuses on intelligent automation at the intersection of ERP, operations, and the physical world. Together, Forseti and Levata help clients design AI automation strategies that align digital systems with real operational constraints.

Did You Know? Industry research shows that poor data quality costs organizations an average of millions of dollars annually in inefficiencies and missed opportunities. AI automation amplifies both good and bad data, making data governance more important than ever.

What Is Delivering Real Business Value in 2026

The ERP AI automation initiatives delivering the strongest results in 2026 share three traits.
First, they are use-case driven. Successful organizations start with a clear problem, such as reducing inventory carrying costs or improving on-time delivery, and apply AI automation directly to that challenge.

Second, they are human-centered. AI supports planners, operators, HR teams, and executives instead of sidelining them. For example, AI-assisted forecasting allows planners to focus on exceptions and strategy rather than spreadsheet maintenance.

Third, they are integrated and scalable. By leveraging IFS Solutions alongside automation expertise from Levata, Forseti helps clients build ERP environments where AI grows with the business instead of becoming a one-off experiment.

The IFS.ai Difference: Embedded Industrial AI for Real Impact

One of the most significant developments in ERP AI is IFS.ai, a suite of industrial AI capabilities built directly into IFS Cloud. Unlike add-on AI tools that sit outside the core system, IFS.ai operates within ERP processes, enhancing everything from planning to execution. 

Here’s how IFS.ai delivers real business value:

1. 1. Embedded Decision Support:

2. IFS.ai provides role-specific insights in real time, helping everyone from operations planners to plant managers make smarter decisions without needing data science expertise.

3. 2. Workflow Automation and Optimization:

4. Rather than just showing insights, IFS.ai identifies repetitive tasks and streamlines them, eliminating bottlenecks and saving valuable time.

5. 3. Predictive and Prescriptive Intelligence:

6. By unifying data from operations, assets, and external sources, IFS.ai enables predictive maintenance, anomaly detection, and automated recommendations, shifting businesses from reactive to proactive execution.

7. 4. Copilot and User Interfaces Built for Adoption:

8. The embedded AI Copilot gives users context-aware guidance right in the user experience, making AI insights actionable without technical barriers.

9. What makes IFS.ai especially compelling for manufacturers and distributors is its alignment with real industry challenges, turning data into decisions and delivering insights where they matter most.

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Levata’s Role in AI-Enabled Automation

While ERP systems anchor an organization’s digital backbone, many companies also face challenges connecting people, devices, and assets across operations. This is where Forseti’s partnership with Levata’s services and automation expertise plays a significant role.

Levata helps organizations unlock the power of their technology investments by integrating hardware, software, and analytics into cohesive solutions. Their end-to-end services include:

•   Integrated IT strategy and consulting to identify transformation opportunities

•    Deployment, provisioning, and installation services

•    Managed services and ongoing support

•    Asset visibility and analytics portals for real-time insights 

For manufacturers and distributors, Levata’s strength lies in connecting operational data with real-time visibility and automation. Combined with ERP intelligence from IFS and strategic guidance from Forseti, this creates a powerful foundation for data-driven decision-making across the enterprise.

Turning AI Automation Into a Competitive Advantage

AI automation in ERP is no longer a future concept. In 2026, it is a practical tool that can drive efficiency, resilience, and smarter decision-making when applied correctly. The difference between hype and value comes down to strategy, execution, and partnership.

Forseti Solutions, in collaboration with Levata and experience in IFS Solutions, helps manufacturers and distributors move confidently from curiosity to results. By focusing on real business challenges and sustainable automation, organizations can turn AI from a talking point into a competitive advantage.

Ready to explore how AI automation can create measurable business value in your ERP environment? Contact Forseti Solutions to start a conversation about what is real, what is possible, and what makes sense for your organization today.