Should The Enterprise Systems Group Ignore Agentic AI?
Introduction
No! The Enterprise Systems Group should not ignore agentic AI. Agentic AI represents a fundamental shift in enterprise automation and digital transformation that aligns directly with the core responsibilities of Enterprise Systems Groups. Rather than being a passing trend, agentic AI is becoming essential infrastructure for competitive advantage in modern enterprise operations.
Understanding the Convergence
Agentic AI represents a natural evolution from traditional automation to intelligent, autonomous systems that can reason, plan, and execute complex workflows. For Enterprise Systems Groups, which are responsible for managing enterprise-wide information systems that support cross-functional business processes, agentic AI offers unprecedented opportunities to enhance operational efficiency and business value delivery. The technology has matured beyond simple chatbots or rule-based automation to become sophisticated systems capable of orchestrating complex, multi-step processes with minimal human oversight. This evolution directly addresses core Enterprise Systems Group challenges: managing complexity, optimizing resources, and aligning IT investments with business outcomes.
The Low-Code Platform Revolution
The rise of low-code platforms creates a compelling bridge to agentic AI adoption. Low-code development has evolved from simple application builders to comprehensive platforms that enable rapid development, AI integration, and enterprise-scale deployment. By 2029, enterprise low-code application platforms are projected to power 80% of mission-critical applications globally, representing a dramatic increase from 15% in 2024.
This evolution is particularly relevant for Enterprise Systems Groups because low-code platforms now offer:
-
AI-Enhanced Development. Modern low-code platforms incorporate AI capabilities directly into their development environments, enabling automatic code generation, intelligent workflow optimization, and predictive analytics
-
Enterprise Integration. Advanced integration capabilities allow seamless connection with existing ERP, CRM, and other enterprise systems without requiring complete infrastructure overhauls
-
Governance and Security – Enterprise-grade platforms provide the security frameworks, compliance tools, and governance structures that Enterprise Systems Groups require
Strategic Business Alignment
Enterprise Systems Groups must consider agentic AI within the broader context of digital transformation strategy. Digital transformation involves the strategic integration of technology across all business functions to improve operations, boost revenue, and increase competitiveness. Agentic AI directly supports these objectives by:
- Enabling Process Automation at Scale: Unlike traditional automation limited to predefined tasks, agentic AI can handle complex, end-to-end processes that require decision-making and adaptation. This capability allows Enterprise Systems Groups to automate workflows previously requiring extensive human intervention.
- Driving Operational Efficiency: Organizations implementing agentic AI report significant improvements in productivity and cost reduction. IBM research indicates that while AI ROI has moderated from initial spectacular gains, strategic implementations focusing on core business functions are delivering sustainable returns.
- Supporting Innovation: Agentic AI platforms enable rapid prototyping and deployment of intelligent solutions, allowing Enterprise Systems Groups to respond quickly to changing business requirements and market conditions.
Enterprise Systems Modernization Context
The evolution of enterprise systems toward cloud-native, AI-powered platforms creates natural synergies with agentic AI adoption. Modern ERP trends for 2025 emphasize AI-powered insights, cloud-first architectures, and intelligent automation. These developments align precisely with agentic AI capabilities:
-
Predictive Analytics – AI-enhanced enterprise systems can anticipate business challenges, from supply chain disruptions to financial forecasting
-
Intelligent Process Optimization – Modern enterprise systems leverage AI to optimize workflows, reduce manual workloads, and improve accuracy across business processes
-
Real-Time Decision Making – Advanced analytics and AI integration enable enterprise systems to provide actionable insights that support strategic decision-making
Implementation Challenges and Mitigation Strategies
While the strategic case for agentic AI adoption is compelling, Enterprise Systems Groups face significant implementation challenges that require careful consideration.
Integration Complexity: Agentic AI systems must seamlessly interact with existing enterprise applications, APIs, and legacy systems. Many organizations lack the modern, accessible APIs required for effective AI agent integration, necessitating middleware solutions or infrastructure modernization.
Security and Governance: Enterprise implementation requires robust access controls, audit logging, and governance frameworks to ensure AI agents operate within defined parameters. Fifty-three percent of organizations cite data privacy and compliance as their primary concern with agentic AI scaling.
Technical Infrastructure: Effective agentic AI deployment requires significant computing resources, reliable system integration, and persistent memory capabilities – organizations must invest in cloud architectures and performance monitoring tools specifically designed for autonomous agent workflows.
Strategic Recommendations
Enterprise Systems Groups should approach agentic AI adoption strategically rather than experimentally:
1. Pilot with Core Business Processes. Begin with high-impact, internal use cases such as IT operations automation, approval workflows, or data orchestration that demonstrate clear ROI while building organizational capability.
2. Leverage Low-Code Integration. Utilize modern low-code platforms that offer built-in AI capabilities and enterprise integration features to accelerate development while maintaining governance standards.
3. Focus on Data Foundation. Ensure robust data governance, quality standards, and unified data pipelines before scaling agentic AI implementations. Poor data quality significantly impacts agent effectiveness and reliability.
4. Invest in Skills Development. Develop hybrid teams that understand both technical implementation and business context, as successful agentic AI deployment requires bridging technology and business domains.
5. Establish Governance Frameworks. Implement comprehensive governance structures including bias detection, human oversight mechanisms, and continuous monitoring before expanding agent autonomy.
Competitive Imperative
The competitive landscape increasingly favors organizations that effectively integrate intelligent automation into their operations. Research shows that 96% of organizations plan to expand their use of AI agents in 2025, with 84% believing agents are essential to staying competitive. McKinsey analysis suggests that organizations implementing AI with robust capabilities demonstrate superior outcomes across revenue growth, operating profits, and customer satisfaction compared to those pursuing fragmented approaches. For Enterprise Systems Groups, ignoring agentic AI means potentially falling behind in the fundamental capabilities required to support modern business operations. The technology represents not just an operational improvement but a strategic enabler for digital transformation and competitive advantage.
Conclusion
Enterprise Systems Groups should not ignore agentic AI but rather embrace it as a natural evolution of their core mission to manage and optimize enterprise-wide information systems. The convergence of agentic AI with low-code platforms and modern enterprise systems creates unprecedented opportunities for operational efficiency, innovation, and business value creation.
Success requires strategic implementation focusing on business outcomes, robust governance, and careful integration with existing enterprise infrastructure. Organizations that thoughtfully adopt agentic AI within their Enterprise Systems Group strategy will be better positioned to support business transformation and maintain competitive advantage in an increasingly AI-driven business environment.
The question is not whether Enterprise Systems Groups should engage with agentic AI, but how quickly and effectively they can integrate these capabilities into their strategic technology portfolio while maintaining the security, governance, and reliability standards that enterprise operations demand.
References:
- https://www.coveo.com/blog/agentic-ai/
- https://aws.amazon.com/blogs/aws-insights/the-rise-of-autonomous-agents-what-enterprise-leaders-need-to-know-about-the-next-wave-of-ai/
- https://www.planetcrust.com/enterprise-systems-group-definition-functions-role/
- https://www.moveworks.com/us/en/resources/blog/agentic-ai-examples-use-cases
- https://www.jitterbit.com/blog/the-future-of-low-code/
- https://www.lanciaconsult.com/insights/evolving-with-low-code-and-ai-for-agile-innovation-2
- https://www.superblocks.com/blog/enterprise-low-code
- https://appian.com/blog/acp/low-code/what-is-low-code-integration-is-it-right-for-your-enterprise
- https://www.appsmith.com/blog/top-low-code-ai-platforms
- https://www.matillion.com/learn/blog/top-low-code-integration-platforms-ai-automation
- https://www.ibm.com/think/insights/digital-transformation-strategy
- https://www.uipath.com/ai/agentic-ai
- https://www.glean.com/blog/ai-agents-enterprise
- https://www.ibm.com/thought-leadership/institute-business-value/en-us/report/agentic-ai-profits
- https://www.aziro.com/blog/low-code-and-ai-integration-a-powerful-combination-for-the-future/
- https://labs.sogeti.com/low-code-as-the-path-to-gen-ai-solutions-in-the-enterprise/
- https://www.panorama-consulting.com/the-future-of-erp-trends-to-adopt-in-2025/
- https://www.netsuite.com/portal/resource/articles/erp/erp-trends.shtml
- https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/erp-trends-2025-evolution-enterprise-technology-avaniko-tech-sl03c
- https://gigster.com/blog/why-your-enterprise-isnt-ready-for-agentic-ai-workflows/
- https://www.cloudera.com/blog/business/ready-to-scale-tackling-the-top-challenges-of-agentic-ai-adoption.html
- https://www.captechconsulting.com/articles/navigating-the-challenges-5-common-pitfalls-in-agentic-ai-adoption
- https://everworker.ai/blog/agentic-ai-use-cases-that-deliver-real-business-impact
- https://seniorexecutive.com/autonomous-ai-agents-enterprise-risks-rewards-governance/
- https://aisera.com/blog/agentic-ai/
- https://mobidev.biz/blog/agentic-ai-explained-for-businesses
- https://www.smartosc.com/what-are-autonomous-ai-agents-a-complete-guide/
- https://www.salesforce.com/blog/agentic-ai-for-small-business/
- https://www.salesforce.com/eu/agentforce/what-is-agentic-ai/
- https://www.atscale.com/glossary/agentic-ai/
- https://www.irishfunds.ie/news-knowledge/newsletter/industry-insights-the-rise-of-agentic-ai-navigating-the-next-wave-of-artificial-intelligence/
- https://www.teksystems.com/en/insights/version-next-now/2025/agentic-ai
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agentic_AI
- https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/quantumblack/our-insights/seizing-the-agentic-ai-advantage
- https://www.zartis.com/autonomous-ai-agents-understanding-their-role-and-impact/
- https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/agentic-ai
- https://hbr.org/2024/12/what-is-agentic-ai-and-how-will-it-change-work
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enterprise_resource_planning
- https://www.ptc.com/en/blogs/corporate/digital-transformation-strategy
- https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/enterprise-resource-planning
- https://www.dmireland.org/digital-capability-digital-transformation-strategy/
- https://www.sap.com/products/erp/what-is-erp.html
- https://dev.to/arjun98k/the-rise-of-low-codeno-code-development-platforms-ce1
- https://www.imd.org/blog/digital-transformation/digital-transformation-strategies/
- https://www.investopedia.com/terms/e/erp.asp
- https://genexus.blog/en_US/software-development/the-rise-of-low-code/
- https://www.planetcrust.com/mastering-enterprise-systems-your-overview-guide/
- https://www.e-spincorp.com/what-is-low-code-development-platform-lcdp/
- https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/mckinsey-explainers/what-is-digital-transformation
- https://www.the365people.com/en-ie/enterprise-resource-planning
- https://testsigma.com/blog/the-era-of-low-code-no-code-platforms-what-you-should-know/
- https://www.accenture.com/ie-en/insights/digital-transformation-index
- https://www.oracle.com/erp/what-is-erp/
- https://kissflow.com/low-code/history-of-low-code-development-platforms/
- https://www.planetcrust.com/enterprise-systems-group-supply-chain-management/
- https://www.epcc.edu/Administration/HumanResources/JobDescriptions/Enterprise%20Systems%20Administrator.pdf
- https://www.reddit.com/r/nocode/comments/1bb0t5o/best_no_or_low_code_tools_to_build_ai_apps/
- https://www.getguru.com/reference/enterprise-systems-manager
- https://www.kognitos.com/blog/the-untold-weaknesses-of-agentic-ai-why-enterprise-adoption-will-falter-without-process/
- https://aimagazine.com/ai-applications/top-10-no-code-ai-platforms
- https://standardbusiness.info/enterprise-system/manager-role/enterprise-manager-role/
- https://www.outsystems.com
- https://uk.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/types-of-enterprise-systems
- https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform
- https://www.dssolution.jp/en/enterprise-systems-the-backbone-of-modern-businesses/
- https://www.pwc.ie/services/consulting/insights/agentic-ai.html
- https://www.appzen.com/blog/roi-of-agentic-ai-in-finance-operations
- https://relinns.com/blogs/what-are-the-benefits-of-low-code-development-for-enterprises
- https://www.mercer.com/en-ie/insights/people-strategy/hr-transformation/heads-up-hr-2025-is-the-year-of-agentic-ai/
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!