How AI Empowers Businesses to Thrive Amid Market Volatility Without Replacing People

Technology Should Help—Not Replace—People

Profiting from Volatility with the Help of AI

Global market uncertainty, fueled by trade tariffs and geopolitical tensions, is challenging companies to rethink their strategies. Instead of retreating, many businesses are leveraging this unpredictability to drive transformation through technology.

Wolfgang Kobek, executive vice president at Infor, points out that in today’s environment, planning beyond the immediate future is difficult. Yet, as Terry Smagh, senior vice president for Asia Pacific and Japan at Infor, observes, volatility can actually prompt fresh thinking and open doors for competitive advantage.

A recent survey by Infor reveals that over 80% of Southeast Asian companies plan to increase technology investments, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI). Around 85% intend to boost spending on tech innovations by more than 20%. This signals strong confidence in AI as a tool for growth and operational efficiency.

However, the path to practical AI implementation isn’t straightforward. Many organizations face challenges integrating isolated tools for process mining, automation, and AI. These fragmented approaches often lead to expensive, complex projects without clear value.

Kobek highlights a common problem: “Companies talk about AI but don’t know how to use it effectively or realize a return on multi-million-dollar investments.”

Infor’s response is the Velocity Suite, a unified platform combining process mining, automation, and AI into one package. This solution focuses on industry-specific needs to accelerate deployment and deliver measurable results faster.

One example is an Australian manufacturer that deployed Velocity Suite in under four months. Their goal was clear: streamline workflows and empower employees with AI to enhance productivity rather than replace them. Smagh emphasizes, “They wanted to upskill their people and enable higher-value work.”

For executives and operations leaders aiming to leverage AI effectively, the key lies in integrated solutions that balance technology adoption with workforce development. This approach minimizes risk and maximizes impact.

To explore practical AI training and tools that can support your organization’s growth, visit Complete AI Training.