Bridging the gap between AI intent and execution

23 Jun 2026

Epicor’s research with Forrester Consulting - Modernising The Distribution Business With Intelligent ERP – shows that 78 percent of distributors in Australia and New Zealand plan to adopt or expand AI within their ERP systems. At the same time, only 35 percent have implemented AI meaningfully so far.

This gap between intent and execution highlights both the challenge and the opportunity. Local businesses are ambitious, but legacy systems, siloed data, and cultural resistance to change have slowed progress.

3 Key Learnings

  1. Australian and New Zealand manufacturers and distributors want to embrace AI, but only around one-third are successfully doing so currently.
  2. Legacy systems, siloed data and cultural resistance are the biggest hurdles slowing the adoption of AI. They can all easily be overcome.
  3. There are many practical ways to overcome these hurdles and companies who tackle this will build a competitive edge by embracing AI-enabled ERP.
Speakers
Graeme Evans
Graeme Evans, Regional Vice President AU/NZ & Pacific - Epicor