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Johannesburg-based Syspro, an industrial AI company for manufacturing and distribution, has launched Syspro Torque, an industrial AI platform designed to help manufacturers spot operational problems, recommend next steps and automate approved actions within the systems they already use.
Torque works with existing ERP, manufacturing execution systems (MES), supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) platforms and warehouse systems.
The platform uses AI agents to analyse operational data and support decisions across inventory, production scheduling, suppliers, capacity, quality, costing and fulfilment.
“Manufacturers won’t hand decisions to a black box, and they shouldn’t. Torque connects to the ERP and the systems already on the floor, so its decisions reflect the whole operation. And most critically, Torque shows its work behind every action,” said Chris Lloyd, Chief Solutions & Technology Officer at Syspro.
A key focus is transparency. Rather than leaving manufacturers to trust an opaque AI system, Syspro Torque logs every recommendation and automated action, including the business rules, data sources and reasoning behind each decision.
Torque lets operations teams create AI agents using plain-language instructions, eliminating the need for traditional software development for these workflows.
It can operate across cloud, on-premises or hybrid environments. Through MCP connectors, Torque can also connect with legacy SCADA systems, MES platforms, warehouse equipment and other operational technologies without requiring bespoke middleware.
The platform runs most deeply with Syspro ERP, drawing on nearly five decades of manufacturing knowledge and operational logic to give its AI agents greater context when making decisions.
The company says Torque is built around its “Glass House” principle, giving operators visibility into how AI recommendations and actions are generated.
Manufacturers can choose the level of autonomy they want to give an agent. They can require approval for every action or allow trusted, repeatable workflows to run automatically.
Each transaction includes an audit trail showing the business rules applied, data used and tools involved. Operators can review actions and correct underlying data when needed.
Leanne Taylor, CEO at Syspro, said “For manufacturers mid-transformation, managing overlapping projects, distributed data and systems in flux, Torque provides a safe environment to keep moving forward. Every action is governed, visible and auditable. Change gets faster and smarter, not slower and riskier.”
Syspro has also designed Torque around AI cost management. Manufacturers receive an upfront cost estimate for each workflow before it runs, can set how frequently agents operate and can track the results delivered by individual agents.
The platform follows a usage-based pricing model, allowing businesses to start with a single workflow and expand their use of AI as individual applications demonstrate value.
Torque entered a controlled availability programme in August 2026, with participating manufacturers and distributors across sectors including food and beverage, industrial equipment and fabricated metals.
Participants range from mid-market businesses to distributors generating more than $2 billion in revenue. Each company works with Syspro to define which decisions Torque should recommend, which it can automate and how results will be measured.
Syspro is a platform for manufacturing and distribution, designed to assist mid-sized companies in their operations and growth. It uses cloud technology and AI, built on nearly 50 years of industry experience.
The platform aims to simplify complex processes, enhance supply chains, and provide better planning and execution.
Various types of businesses, from family-owned to large manufacturers, use Syspro to help manage their operations and make informed decisions.
