How do technology leaders justify million-dollar investments in ERP systems, AI, automation, and robotics?

In this Tech Bytes segment, Ashish Barve breaks down a clear, practical framework for building strong business cases that can stand up to executive and board scrutiny.

Ashish explains that every successful tech business case comes down to three essentials:

• A clear business objective

• Strong alignment with company strategy

• Tangible, measurable value

From improving forecast accuracy and shop floor efficiency to aligning technology with broader business goals, this conversation cuts through the “shiny new tool” mindset and focuses on what actually drives approval and impact.

Fanny Dunagan also explores how this framework applies not just to large enterprises, but to mid-size companies and manufacturers with tighter budgets and fewer resources. The takeaway: when cash is limited, clarity on objective, strategy, and value becomes even more critical.

If you’re a CIO, IT leader, supply chain executive, or business leader evaluating technology investments, this segment offers a practical lens you can use immediately.

Forget the hype… this is what AI really looks like on the ground.

In this Tech Bytes clip from the ‪@techlegacies‬ podcast, Ashish Barve shares what it takes to build analytics teams that actually drive business results, not just dashboards. From his early work at P&G’s Target team to today’s supply chain shifts, Ashish breaks down how data-driven decision-making has evolved and what’s coming next.

You’ll hear how AI is changing the roles of people on the manufacturing floor, what skills tomorrow’s workforce will need, and why the future isn’t people or machines… but people with machines.

You’ll learn:

• What leaders really asked for in weekly retail analytics meetings
• Why data-driven doesn’t just mean “more dashboards”
• What new human roles will emerge in AI-powered supply chains
• Why human intelligence is still critical in an AI world

Watch the full episode for more insights from Ashish’s leadership journey across supply chain, tech, and talent.

What happens when technology leaders truly understand the business they support?

In this episode, we dive deep into the evolving role of IT and supply chain leadership with Ashish Barve, exploring why being “bilingual” in both business and technology is no longer optional—it’s essential.

From demand forecasting and analytics to automation, robotics, and AI, this conversation unpacks how modern IT organizations have evolved from back-office support teams into value-driving, consultative partners across the enterprise.

You’ll hear real-world examples from manufacturing, retail, and supply chain operations, including:

• Why understanding the business context makes technology far more effective

• How analytics teams evolved from dashboard builders to strategic insight partners

• Lessons learned from supply chain disruptions during COVID

• How AI is improving demand forecasting accuracy and shop floor productivity

• Where robotics, AR, and automation are already transforming operations

• Common misconceptions leaders have about AI—and how to set realistic expectations

• What new human roles will emerge in an AI-enabled supply chain world

Ashish also shares a grounded, human perspective on the future of work, explaining why AI isn’t about replacing people—but empowering them to do higher-value work.

If you’re a CIO, IT leader, supply chain executive, or business leader navigating digital transformation, this conversation will give you practical insight into how technology can drive real business outcomes—today and in the years ahead.