WM Signal Enterprise
Large corporates must choose between resetting operating models now or carrying duplicated AI and core-system costs into FY27
Melbourne-headquartered firms are discovering that AI tools sit alongside rather than inside core processes. The resulting dual-run costs are visible in the current half-year numbers. Boards are asking for clear cut-over plans before capital allocation decisions in November.
01 · What matters
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Finance systems still require manual reconciliation for AI-generated transactions
Locks in extra headcount and audit risk through year end
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Customer teams running parallel legacy and AI workflows
Doubles support cost and slows response times
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Risk registers lack entries for AI model drift in production
Exposes the firm to regulatory scrutiny on financial and safety outcomes
Hard call · this week
Appoint single owner for AI-to-core cut-over with authority to stop parallel runs
Watch · weak signal
Rising number of shadow spreadsheets feeding AI outputs into core ledgers
If true Confirms operating model has not been updated
Do not
- Fund additional AI features while parallel run costs remain unaddressed
- Allow business units to extend legacy licences without central review
Questions for the room
- What is the earliest date a single business unit can run entirely on the new stack
- Which current controls break first when AI outputs enter the ledger directly
Other sectors this week