Syspro joins US manufacturers’ group to drive AI shift

Syspro has joined the National Association of Manufacturers as it seeks a larger role in the digital overhaul of US factories and supply chains.

The enterprise resource planning specialist will work within the manufacturing lobby group on technology adoption, supply chain resilience and workforce programmes. The move marks a push by the company to deepen its links with US industrial policy debates as manufacturers increase investment in artificial intelligence and data systems.

The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest industrial trade association in the US. It represents manufacturers of all sizes and sectors in every state.

Syspro focuses on software for manufacturing and distribution groups. The company is based in Tustin, California, and has operated for almost 50 years.

Digital shift

The collaboration comes as US manufacturers face pressure from global competition, skills shortages and energy costs. Industry groups say factory owners now treat data analytics, automation and AI as central elements of plant strategy.

Research from NAM indicates that a large majority of US manufacturers see AI as essential for growth or business continuity over the next decade. Many firms are now replacing legacy planning tools with cloud-based systems and connected production lines.

Syspro positions its software for mid-market manufacturers. It targets sectors such as industrial machinery, fabricated metals, plastics and rubber, and food and beverage.

The company says its platform supports functions such as planning, production, inventory, warehousing and distribution. It offers both on-premise and cloud deployment.

"For nearly five decades, Syspro has focused exclusively on helping the people who buy, make, move and sell. The professionals who keep the world's industries running," said Leanne Taylor, Chief Revenue Officer at Syspro. "Joining NAM aligns with our mission to equip manufacturers with technology engineered for the realities of modern production. We're proud to contribute to the conversation shaping the future of American manufacturing."

Policy engagement

NAM plays a prominent role in policy debates in Washington, DC. It lobbies on tax, trade, energy, environmental rules and workforce issues on behalf of factory owners.

Through its membership, Syspro will take part in NAM working groups and events. It plans to engage with policymakers, educators and manufacturing leaders on digitalisation and skills needs.

The company states that it aims to support initiatives focused on workforce development and long-term competitiveness. It also plans to participate in discussions on how factories deploy cloud and AI systems.

Syspro's tools use data from across a manufacturer's operations. The software provides reporting and analytics on areas such as production efficiency, stock levels and order fulfilment.

Its AI functions sit on top of this data. They support decision-making for areas such as forecasting, scheduling and quality control.

Mid-market focus

Syspro targets mid-sized manufacturers rather than very large global groups. These firms often operate multiple plants and warehouses but have smaller IT teams and budgets.

Many mid-market producers still run older ERP and planning systems. Vendors such as Syspro see demand from this segment for cloud migration, real-time visibility and automation of routine tasks.

Syspro says its software is built around manufacturing processes such as buying materials, making products, moving goods and selling into channels. It supports sectors that run complex bills of materials and batch processes.

The company reports that customers include Ken's Foods, AI Aluminium, Benchmade, Crown National, RFK Racing, Rae-line, Swartland, Toyota Racing Development, Verimark and Rhodes Food Group. These firms cover markets such as food, automotive components, consumer goods and racing teams.

Syspro's engagement with NAM also extends to education and training discussions. The association runs programmes that promote manufacturing careers and technical skills at schools, colleges and training centres.

Future priorities

Manufacturing groups are assessing how far they integrate AI into core operations. Many experiments remain at pilot stage, but organisations such as NAM expect wider deployment in areas such as predictive maintenance, demand planning and energy management.

Syspro argues that sector-specific ERP systems will sit at the centre of these changes. It says that cloud-first design and integrations with shopfloor equipment and other applications will shape the next phase of factory modernisation.

"Manufacturing is evolving faster than ever before, and technology is foundational," added Taylor. "Working alongside NAM, we're committed to helping manufacturers of all sizes modernize with confidence, strengthen supply chains, and create opportunities for the next generation of industry professionals."