Pronto Software, a leading Australian enterprise resource planning (ERP) and analytics software provider and IBM business partner, has signed an agreement with IBM Australia, enabling the integration of powerful agentic AI capabilities into its Pronto Xi ERP platform via watsonx, IBM’s portfolio of AI products.

Under the agreement, Pronto Software’s AI infrastructure will be complemented by IBM’s agentic AI tools, a transformative technology that supports autonomous decision-making, predictive analytics, and intelligent workflow automation.

This step forms part of Pronto Software’s ongoing commitment to empower its customers with practical, future-ready tools grounded in real-world business needs.

Specifically, IBM watsonx.ai will enable Pronto Software to build, deploy and manage powerful AI solutions that automate workflows and processes to increase productivity.

Watsonx.ai also seamlessly integrates with existing business systems and connects to any AI model or automation tool, enabling collaboration between your AI agents and assistants in one unified experience. This enables less manual work, faster decisions, and a more efficient business at scale.

While advanced forecasting and strategic analytics have traditionally been inaccessible to many professionals, this AI integration will enable Pronto Xi users across the business, from the warehouse floor to the front office, to generate inventory and sales forecasts using natural language.

Strengthening The Workforce

Chad Gates, Managing Director of Pronto Software, said the initiative is designed to democratise access to intelligence, helping businesses develop the capabilities of their teams.

“We are using AI to elevate workers, not replace them,” said Mr Gates. “Our customers, many of them family-run, mid-sized businesses, can enable staff to act strategically.

“Pronto Software can work with customers to build and deploy agentic AI that not only informs, but acts on the information, unlocking real business value without compromising security,” Gates said.

“With the new integration between IBM watsonx and Pronto Xi, workers can ask a question in plain English and instantly receive forward-looking insights that support smarter decisions.” he said.

This commitment to empowerment is clear in the new Pronto Software Virtual Assistant, delivering instant, accurate answers about Pronto Xi in natural language, helping users solve issues independently while maintaining strict privacy and data protection, securely hosted on Pronto Cloud.

“We see it as a fantastic tool for educating our staff on how to use the system more effectively,” said Pronto Software customer Steven Windsor, Southern Cross Transport Equipment Group.

“It will also empower them to troubleshoot and resolve issues independently as they arise, reducing reliance on support and enhancing overall productivity,” Mr Windsor said.

‘No hype’ agentic AI, designed for real business

Agentic AI enables systems to autonomously interpret data, initiate actions, and optimise workflows, all with the goal of enhancing productivity and decision-making.

By embedding this capability into the core ERP platform, Pronto Software ensures these tools are accessible where they are needed most in real operational environments.

Nick Flood, Managing Director of IBM Australia, said the collaboration highlights the power of AI when designed with trust and purpose.

“Our agreement with Pronto Software goes beyond technical integration. It reflects a shared commitment to client value, security and continuous innovation,” Mr Flood said.

“With watsonx.ai at the core of their AI offering, Pronto Software is now positioned to deliver a new generation of AI-powered ERP services driving business insights, operational efficiency and differentiated client experiences.” 

Trusted, secure, enterprise ready AI for everyone

Security, governance and trust are central to this collaboration. By integrating IBM’s capabilities, Pronto Software’s AI infrastructure will not only deliver powerful predictive and agentic capabilities, but also rigorous enterprise-grade safeguards.

This collaboration aligns with Pronto Software’s wider strategy to deliver innovation that is practical, grounded, and locally focused.

From Australian Owned certification to continuous delivery and now AI enablement, the company remains committed to helping customers optimise performance without losing sight of their people.

“AI doesn’t have to be overwhelming or intimidating,” Mr Gates added. “It should feel like a natural part of your workflow, and that’s exactly what we are delivering. With this new capability, Pronto Xi becomes not just a system of record, but a system of insight and empowerment.”

With this strategic integration, Pronto Software reinforces its position as a forward-looking Australian ERP provider, harnessing IBM’s agentic AI to deliver smarter, more autonomous solutions for businesses.

Recent analysis shows that the Australia Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) market is expected to grow with more than 9.50% CAGR from 2024 to 2029 due to ERP market evolution driven by cloud-based solutions