Why Architecture, Automation, and Integrity Matter More Than Ever in ERP
Austin, TX — On a new episode of the Driven by DCKAP podcast, Steven Levy, Vice President of Enterprise Architecture at Infor, offers a candid look at what’s keeping distributors up at night—and what’s helping them move forward.
In conversation with DCKAP Founder and CEO Karthik Chidambaram, Levy breaks down the role of architecture in ERP, real-world applications of AI, and why being honest—even when it’s hard—matters more than ever.
Highlights:
- Architecture with Purpose: Infor builds ERP systems by starting with the end in mind—aligning technology to the outcomes distributors need, now and in the future.
- AI That Actually Saves Time: From natural language search to document intent recognition, Infor is delivering automation that reduces labor and boosts profitability.
- Trust and Transparency: Levy shares how honesty and showing up for customers—sometimes even at a weekend warehouse count—builds lasting relationships.
Building With the End In Mind
Infor’s approach to product development is grounded in a principle more often found in architecture than software: start with the end in mind. Rather than reacting to current pain points, the company aligns its systems with where distributors want to go—solving today’s problems while preparing for what’s next.
“The most important tenet is don’t start with the present state. Always start with the end in mind,” Levy said. “We look at goals first—what distributors are trying to achieve—and make sure our systems support those outcomes over the next three to five years.”
Real-World AI Use Cases That Matter
Forget the hype—Levy brings AI down to earth, focusing on tools that create measurable value for distributors. Levy pointed to a standout example from Endries International, an innovative distributor known for embracing new technologies to improve efficiency and service. The company implemented Infor’s AI-powered natural language search to reduce time spent locating products across a vast catalog.
“One of the most exciting things we’re doing is using GenAI to interpret documents, split and automatically route customer requests, and generate ticket drafts,” Levy said. “At Endries, we saved 7,200 hours with just one use case—natural language search. That time wasn’t used to cut jobs. It gave people time to do more strategic sourcing, and that drove profit.”
Trust as Strategy
In an era of automated relationships, Levy still shows up—literally. From helping with inventory counts to delivering honest feedback, he sees trust as essential to product strategy and customer success.
“It’s a trust relationship with customers. I’m asking them questions that go beyond the typical software vendor–distributor dynamic. I’m asking distributors, like Kathryn Poehling Seymour of First Supply, what keeps her up at night—what she’s most afraid of and what she’s most excited about,” he said. “Sometimes I have to deliver bad news. But if you do it with integrity, people respect that. It’s not always fun, but it builds the kind of partnership where we can actually solve problems together.”
More Information
- For more details, visit the Driven Podcast portal or tune in on YouTube or Spotify.
- For information about ERP integration, check out the DCKAP Distributor Blog.
- Subscribe to the Driven by DCKAP Podcast.
About the Driven Podcast
The Driven by DCKAP Podcast is an audio and video show that explores leaders’ stories, digital journeys, and insights on trends in B2B and distribution. The podcast is hosted by Karthik Chidambaram, Founder & CEO of DCKAP, who grew the company from a start up to a global team of more than 200 employees. DCKAP earns several trust badges by G2.com, the world’s largest tech software marketplace, including category “Leader”, “High Performer Americas” and “Users Most Likely to Recommend.”
About DCKAP
DCKAP is a leader in digital solutions that help distributors systems’ talk to each other. Its technology solutions simplify software integrations, e-commerce, and product information management for B2B companies. DCKAP’s flagship product, DCKAP Integrator, helps distributors and manufacturers to automate data between ERP, e-commerce, and CRM systems. Founded in 2005, DCKAP is a global and distributed team headquartered in Austin, TX. Visit DCKAP at dckap.com or follow on LinkedIn.
About Infor
Infor is a global leader in business cloud software specialized by industry. With 17,000 employees and over 60,000 customers in more than 175 countries, Infor software is designed to meet the unique challenges of various sectors—including distribution. Infor’s comprehensive ERP solutions are built for the cloud and designed to be user-friendly, data-driven, and industry-specific. Learn more at www.infor.com.
