CxO Insights: Tech, trade and transformation in ANZ with Cameron Greening
As businesses across Australia and New Zealand grapple with a shifting economic landscape and mounting global pressures, strategic clarity is more vital than ever. In this conversation, Cameron Greening, Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) APAC at Fortude, explores the challenges and opportunities shaping the digital future—from trade disruptions and evolving consumer expectations to the critical technologies driving transformation.
1. What impact is the economic slowdown having on tech adoption in ANZ?
“It’s about doing more with less—and doing it faster.”
Cam Greening: Tighter economic conditions are sharpening focus across the board. Rather than investing in broad, low-impact modernization efforts, ANZ businesses are directing IT spend toward technologies that drive operational efficiency and deliver fast ROI. Value, not volume, is the new benchmark for tech investment.
Global trade tensions, such as U.S.-driven tariffs, are further complicating matters—disrupting exports, inflating input costs, and forcing businesses to rethink supply routes. In this climate, efficiency isn’t just a goal—it’s a necessity.
Cybersecurity, too, has evolved from an IT concern to a board-level imperative. Zero-trust frameworks and stringent compliance with regulations like GDPR and ANZ data laws have become non-negotiables. There’s no room for shortcuts.
2. What other forces are reshaping how businesses approach technology?
“Agility is no longer a bonus—it’s a baseline.”
Cam Greening: Supply chain-driven businesses are learning that adaptability is essential to staying competitive. Platforms like Infor CloudSuite are enabling real-time responsiveness, whether scaling operations, managing cross-border suppliers, or reconfiguring workflows on demand.
Consumer expectations are also raising the bar. Gen Z demands a seamless, digital-first experience—from discovery on Instagram to one-click purchases. Brands that can’t deliver, risk becoming irrelevant.
Meanwhile, workforce expectations have changed permanently. Remote and hybrid work isn’t just about flexibility—it’s central to sustainability, accessibility, and inclusion. Technologies like Microsoft Teams and M3 Cloud integration are helping companies evolve their workplace strategies to meet these needs.
Despite upfront costs, digital transformation yields long-term value. Automation and RPA are freeing employees from repetitive tasks, improving productivity and morale. In tough times, collaboration is also increasing—particularly around ESG compliance, where standardized reporting is emerging as a shared priority across sectors like F&B.
3. Which industries in ANZ are leading the tech adoption curve—and why?
“Data and AI are becoming the backbone of modern business strategy.”
Cam Greening: Financial Services, EdTech, and Manufacturing are at the forefront. In finance, AI is being deployed for real-time fraud detection, risk analysis, and credit scoring. Retailers use it to enhance inventory forecasting, pricing, and personalized marketing. EdTech platforms are customizing learning and flagging at-risk students early.
Manufacturing is leveraging AI for predictive maintenance, quality assurance, and agile supply chains. Even the Energy sector is seeing gains—optimizing grids and integrating renewables through AI-powered forecasting and monitoring.
Across industries, data-driven decision-making is no longer a differentiator—it’s the foundation of future growth.
4. How critical is data-driven decision-making in ANZ?
Cam Greening: In export-driven economies like Australia and New Zealand, agility and insight are business-critical. Long, complex supply chains and volatile trade environments demand faster, smarter decisions.
AI-powered dashboards and predictive analytics are enabling real-time scenario planning—rerouting shipments, adjusting stock levels, and mitigating risk before disruptions occur. In an era of rapid regulatory change, the ability to pivot intelligently is a competitive advantage.
5. Are Australian companies moving quickly with AI—or more cautiously?
“They’re rolling it out with care—and with purpose.”
Cam Greening: AI adoption is on the rise, but Australian businesses are proceeding thoughtfully. Rather than launching sweeping overhauls, most are deploying AI in stages, prioritizing use cases with clear, measurable returns.
Ethical and regulatory considerations are also guiding adoption. Frameworks like the Australian Privacy Principles are influencing deployment strategies, particularly in highly regulated sectors such as finance, healthcare, and public services.
Many businesses are also still modernizing legacy systems, requiring a careful, layered approach to AI integration. Innovation is happening—but on Australia’s own steady, deliberate terms.
6. Beyond AI, what technologies are ANZ businesses prioritizing for 2025?
Cam Greening: Cloud computing is transforming industries—especially F&B—by enabling scalable production, accurate forecasting, and full traceability. Multi-cloud strategies are gaining traction as a way to build resilience amid ongoing uncertainty.
Cybersecurity remains top-of-mind, with businesses embracing Zero Trust and AI-powered threat detection to protect operations and maintain customer trust. Meanwhile, smart manufacturing powered by IoT is improving machine performance, cold chain deliveries, and reducing waste.
Immersive technologies are also emerging. AR is enhancing product transparency, while VR is streamlining employee training. Edge computing is gaining momentum, allowing real-time decision-making at the factory floor or field level—before problems escalate.
7. How is Fortude helping ANZ businesses accelerate transformation?
Cam Greening: Fortude’s partnership with one of Australia’s largest F&B manufacturers illustrates the power of smart transformation. Through Infor CloudSuite Food & Beverage, the company achieved full supply chain visibility, improved demand forecasting, and near-perfect product traceability. Automation and RPA cut finance cycle times and boosted accuracy to 99%. With Fortest—Fortude’s automated regression testing tool—system upgrades are now faster, smoother, and more cost-effective.
In another case, Fortude supported a ready-meal manufacturer in overhauling its disjointed systems. By expanding its Infor M3 ecosystem, Fortude closed integration gaps, automated procurement and production, and enabled real-time visibility across operations. Smart maintenance modules minimized downtime and unlocked new e-commerce channels.
8. What do the next 3–5 years of digital transformation look like in ANZ?
Cam Greening: The coming wave of transformation will be even more profound. Self-Optimizing Supply Networks (SOSNs) will become a reality—AI-powered systems dynamically adjusting logistics and sourcing in response to real-time demand, weather, and geopolitical shifts.
Blockchain-based food provenance platforms will empower consumers with instant insights into sourcing and sustainability. Carbon micro-tax algorithms will embed environmental accountability into daily operations, shaping everything from procurement to production.
Customer experiences will also become more intuitive, with sentiment AI personalizing interactions in real-time. For businesses in ANZ, the message is clear: the future isn’t about reacting to change—it’s about shaping it.
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