April 2025 Newsletter - A Springboard for Success: AI, ERP, & Strategy Insights

As April winds down, we're reminded of the fresh energy this season brings—longer days, new opportunities, and a renewed focus on growth. For many, Easter marked a meaningful pause, a time to reflect and reset both personally and professionally. At Brewster, we've embraced this momentum to help our clients realign their business strategies and gear up for what’s next, especially in the ever-evolving landscape of Artificial Intelligence. 

 AI and Business Operations: Are You Ready to Integrate?

In today’s rapidly evolving world, AI is no longer an emerging trend—it’s a present-day reality impacting everything from personal convenience to business efficiency. But while the appeal of AI is strong, the path to successful integration isn’t as simple as flipping a switch. 

Many small to mid-sized businesses are eager to adopt AI but overlook foundational requirements—like structured data, well-defined processes, and a strategic framework. Rushing into AI adoption without these essentials often leads to wasted time, money, and effort. 

A recent Forbes article, “How Business Leaders Are Unlocking AI’s Full Potential,” warns that companies lacking disciplined data systems and structured implementation frameworks risk seeing their AI projects fragment and fail. The article reinforces what we at Brewster see regularly: businesses that succeed with AI are those that build structured ecosystems first. 

In fact, what Forbes is highlighting is exactly what we've been telling our clients for some time now: successful AI integration requires more than excitement—it demands preparation, structure, and intentional strategy. 

Recognizing this growing gap between the desire to adopt AI and the readiness to do so, we developed the AI Maturity Framework. We foresaw that without the right foundation, businesses risk falling into the same traps many are now experiencing—fragmented projects, wasted resources, and stalled initiatives. 

Our framework was built specifically to help businesses navigate this complexity, providing them with a clear, actionable roadmap to ensure that AI isn't just an exciting idea, but a sustainable, value-driving part of their operations. It’s not just about adopting AI—it’s about building an ecosystem where AI can truly thrive. 

The Brewster AI Maturity Framework

The AI Maturity Framework is built to guide businesses through this complex journey. Designed to assess your organization's current capabilities and provide a roadmap toward full AI integration, our framework ensures that AI initiatives are not only exciting, but sustainable. 

To support this, we also offer an AI Maturity Audit: 

 A hands-on, practical tool that evaluates your AI readiness and outlines actionable steps to advance your business to the next level. 

Why it matters: Implementing AI before your business is ready can do more harm than good. Our goal isn’t to slow down innovation, but to ensure it’s done right, so the results last. Even if it takes a little longer, thoughtful planning saves far more time and resources in the long run. Each stage of the AI maturity framework focuses on specific areas that businesses must address to advance their AI capabilities and achieve meaningful results.

Want a detailed walkthrough? We’ve created a 7-part video series that explains each level of our AI Maturity Framework. Stay tuned—Video #6 drops soon! Subscribe to our YouTube channel so you don’t miss a thing. 

Watch this introductory video to get started!

Upcoming Webinar: Let's Talk AI Integration

We’re thrilled to invite you to an exciting opportunity to dive deeper into AI integration and business readiness, live and interactive. 

Date: Tuesday, May 6th 

Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM CT 

Location: Online Webinar  

What you’ll gain from attending: 

• Learn why so many AI initiatives fail—and how to avoid the most common traps. 

• Discover the stages of AI maturity, from early experimentation to full operational integration. 

• Find out how to assess where your business currently stands and uncover practical "quick wins" you can implement immediately. 

• Explore real-world examples of companies like yours who are successfully adopting AI. 

• Get a clear, structured framework that will guide you toward operationalizing AI efficiently and responsibly. 

Why this matters:  This isn’t just a lecture, it’s a live discussion designed to meet you where you are. You’ll have the chance to hear directly from Kade Brewster, who brings hands-on experience helping businesses transition into AI-driven operations. It’s also an excellent opportunity to ask your specific questions, whether it's about your industry, your operations, or your business’s unique challenges. 

If you've been wondering how AI fits into your business, or how to even start thinking about integrating it, this webinar is the perfect place to get answers, advice, and clarity in a no-pressure environment. 

Save your spot here! - Webinar Registration Link

The Foundation: Why Data Governance Matters 

Whether or not AI is in your immediate plans, data governance is a foundational element no business can afford to ignore. Strong governance: 

• Ensures consistent, high-quality data 

• Supports compliance and risk management 

• Improves operational efficiency 

• Enables future innovations like AI to succeed 

For a deeper dive, check out our latest article: Why Data Governance Is the First Step Toward AI Maturity

Choosing the Right AI Tools and Terms Defined

Need help navigating AI tools like Large Language Models (LLMs), understanding context windows, or figuring out what an MCP is? We've got you covered. 

Our new Business + AI YouTube Series breaks down these concepts and shows how they apply to real-world business functions. Watch the first two episodes now and drop your questions in the comments—we’re here to help. 

ERP Implementations: Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Let’s shift gears for a moment. While AI may be the buzz, many businesses are still navigating a different, but equally transformative, change: ERP implementation. 

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is the integration of core business processes into a single system, enabling streamlined operations, improved reporting, and better decision-making. But make no mistake—implementing an ERP system is no small feat. 

Here are just a few common mistakes we see: 

• Inadequate planning and resourcing – Businesses underestimate the time, staffing, and training required. 

• No data strategy – An ERP system is only as good as the structure and quality of the data it receives. 

• Undefined processes – If your internal workflows aren't clearly mapped before implementation, the ERP can't be configured correctly. 

To understand more, read: Why Most ERP Projects Fail Before They Even Start

The road to successful transformation—whether through AI or ERP—is paved with preparation, strategy, and a clear understanding of your business's current state. At Brewster, we’re passionate about equipping businesses with the insights and tools they need to avoid common pitfalls and make confident, informed decisions. 

If you’re ready to explore how Brewster can support your next steps, visit our website or reach out directly. Whether it's AI, ERP, or foundational strategy support, we're here to help. 

Here’s to building smarter, more resilient businesses together. 

Learn More About Us & Get in Touch!  

Thank you for reading all the way through Brews for Thought! We are here to help you or any businesses you know who could benefit from our services. All our services start with data. In order to build an optimal environment for solving organizational problems, companies must commit to using data to drive key decisions. We focus on unlocking client data to help drive those decisions and then help drive key initiatives forward to accomplish meaningful outcomes.  

To learn more, head on over to our YouTube channel to check out our recent discussions and thoughts on the ever-changing business world.  

If you are wondering if Brewster Consulting Group can solve your business needs while unlocking more revenue for the company, let’s chat! You can call or text at 918-917-9099, send us an email, or schedule time on our calendar directly!