The Ayna Insights podcast features prominent leaders and influencers shaping the industrial and industrial technology sectors, discussing topics that are critical for executives, boards, and investors. Ayna Insights is brought to you by Ayna, a premier advisory and implementation firm in the industrial technology space, providing transformation and consulting services to its clients.
To learn more about Ayna, please visit our website at www.ayna.ai.
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The Ayna Insights podcast features prominent leaders and influencers shaping the industrial and industrial technology sectors, discussing topics that are critical for executives, boards, and investors. Ayna Insights is brought to you by Ayna, a premier advisory and implementation firm in the industrial technology space, providing transformation and consulting services to its clients.
To learn more about Ayna, please visit our website at www.ayna.ai.
The views, information, and opinions presented in this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Ayna.AI or its affiliates. This podcast should not be considered financial or investment advice. Ayna.AI or its affiliates do not verify for accuracy any of the information contained in this podcast.
Jeff DeSandre: Navigating Digital Transformation in Industrial Environments
Ayna Insights
19 minutes 9 seconds
5 months ago
Jeff DeSandre: Navigating Digital Transformation in Industrial Environments
“Data is not just a reporting tool; it's now a strategic asset. It's the key to everything.” - Jeff DeSandre
In this episode of our Titanium Economy series, host Parthesh Shastri speaks with Jeff DeSandre, former CIO at Harrington Process Solutions and America Royal, about digital transformation in industrial settings. DeSandre emphasizes the importance of starting with clear business outcomes and a strong data foundation—particularly around master data management. He shares practical strategies for modernizing legacy systems through hybrid architecture using API gateways and microservices and explains how metrics like inventory accuracy and freight cost optimization can clearly demonstrate transformation value.
With decades of IT leadership experience, DeSandre now serves as a Fractional CIO and Principal Consultant at CatalystCIO, advising mid-sized enterprises on digital strategy. His expertise spans legacy system integration, cybersecurity, cloud architecture, and strategic data analytics. At both Harrington and America Royal, he led complex ERP implementations, drove IT strategy during M&A, and built modern technology frameworks that delivered measurable business impact across the industrial sector.
Discussion Points
(01:30) Digital Transformation & Legacy Systems – DeSandre stresses the need for clear business goals and strong data visibility, advocating API gateways and microservices to modernize without disrupting operations.
(04:50) Measuring Success & Avoiding Pitfalls – He shares how his team boosted inventory accuracy by 90% and warns against overlooking master data and security in digital initiatives.
(08:38) IT's Strategic Role & Staying Current – DeSandre discusses IT’s shift to a strategic function and his methods for staying up to date—daily research, vendor input, and tool evaluation.
(11:58) Cloud & AI in Industrial Environments – He recommends a hybrid cloud approach starting with analytics and CRM and urges leaders to grasp AI fundamentals before rollout.
(15:45) High-Impact Tech & CIO Advice – From EDI to process mining, DeSandre highlights valuable tools and advises new CIOs to listen, build trust, secure quick wins, and align closely with strategy.
Ayna is a premier advisory and implementation firm in the industrial technology space, leveraging a team of experienced leaders to help companies and investors drive performance improvement and value creation. The host of this episode is Anya’s Parthesh Shastri.
For More Information
Jeff DeSandre LinkedIn
Catalyst CIO
Ayna.AI Website
Parthesh Shastri LinkedIn
Ayna Insights
The Ayna Insights podcast features prominent leaders and influencers shaping the industrial and industrial technology sectors, discussing topics that are critical for executives, boards, and investors. Ayna Insights is brought to you by Ayna, a premier advisory and implementation firm in the industrial technology space, providing transformation and consulting services to its clients.
To learn more about Ayna, please visit our website at www.ayna.ai.
The views, information, and opinions presented in this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Ayna.AI or its affiliates. This podcast should not be considered financial or investment advice. Ayna.AI or its affiliates do not verify for accuracy any of the information contained in this podcast.
