Marzetti, a leading food company based in Ohio, is shifting its focus towards expanding the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) following a successful multiyear Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) overhaul. CIO Liam Durbin shared that the previous ERP project, though challenging, has set the groundwork for further modernization and innovation within the organization.
Durbin expressed his excitement about the company’s readiness for AI implementation, stating, “We are absolutely locked and loaded for AI. We have all of our data ready to go, building out use cases, and have projects lined up for deployment.” The IT organization, which was previously preoccupied with the ERP project, is now becoming more comfortable with integrating AI into various workflows, including finance and HR.
Unlike many companies that rushed into AI adoption, Marzetti took a strategic approach by ensuring a solid data foundation before diving into AI projects. Durbin emphasized the importance of a cohesive data environment for successful AI implementation, stating, “You can’t do AI on top of a fractured and fragmented data environment.”
To prepare the organization for upcoming AI projects, Marzetti has been focusing on enhancing AI literacy among employees. This includes circulating acceptable use policies and conducting weekly prompts to familiarize workers with interacting with large language models. The company plans to roll out ChatGPT, a generative AI assistant, to all knowledge workers in the next six months.
Lessons learned from the ERP overhaul have been instrumental in guiding Marzetti’s AI journey. The company faced challenges during the migration project, including delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and operational adjustments for the new systems. However, with strong alignment among decision-makers, employees, and the board, Marzetti was able to navigate through the complexities of the ERP migration successfully.
Durbin highlighted the importance of upfront conversations, establishing a full roadmap, and securing buy-in early for successful technology transformations. The change management team was restructured to become a center of excellence, allowing for better prioritization of requests and alignment with business needs.
In conclusion, Marzetti’s strategic approach to AI adoption, coupled with the lessons learned from the ERP overhaul, has positioned the company for future growth and innovation in the rapidly evolving food industry. Durbin’s leadership in driving technology initiatives and fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptation has been instrumental in Marzetti’s success.
