Aston Martin uses back-end AI, bans customer-facing agents

Aston Martin is deploying AI in back-end operations such as configure-price-quote systems while deliberately keeping AI agents off its customer-facing website. CIO Steve O'Connor describes the company as AI delayers rather than deniers, screening every use case for profit-and-loss impact before proceeding. Working with Infor's CloudSuite Automotive, Aston Martin gains new AI features rapidly without large upgrade programs. Each AI agent has a designated business owner to maintain accountability. O'Connor also cautions leaders to fix data and processes before building AI on top of ERP systems.