Modernizing Legacy Systems with Generative AI and Smart Solutions
See how Akkodis helped a global client upgrade legacy IT through Generative AI Frameworks and a collaborative Managed Services model
5 minutes
1st of May, 2025
Enterprises often face major challenges when modernizing legacy systems. Akkodis has developed Generative AI Frameworks and Accelerators to simplify this process by uncovering hidden dependencies and streamlining system assessments with unmatched speed and precision.
The Genesis of an AI-Driven Modernization Approach
The inception of our project with a leading enterprise in the automotive dealer sales market underscored a pivotal shift from traditional assessments to an AI-driven paradigm. Our objective was clear - to not only modernize but fundamentally transform our client's IT Application Architecture and its Infrastructure using generative AI technologies to map and understand complex legacy systems.
Generative AI has enabled us to penetrate the layers of decades-old code and sprawling databases to extract actionable insights and precise system mappings that were once considered unattainable. The technology allowed us to automate the detection of intricate system interdependencies and outdated code segments, accelerating the assessment phase by an unprecedented scale.
Strategic Implementation and Tactical Wins
Our approach melded strategic oversight with tactical acumen. Initially, our team employed AI to perform a comprehensive scan of the existing AS/400 system, identifying critical business rules and data flows embedded within archaic code. This phase was crucial, as it laid the groundwork for what would become a streamlined migration strategy towards a cloud-based architecture.
Generative AI helped us identify priorities early, predict potential bottlenecks, and create a tailored cloud-based migration strategy that fit our client’s operational needs.
From Complexity to Clarity: Data Migration and Governance
One significant aspect of using Generative AI involved deciphering the complex legacy database schemas. Often, the legacy systems are so intertwined that traditional mapping methods fall short. However, with AI, we could generate detailed dependency graphs and precise database schemas that became the blueprint for our data migration strategy.
This capability transformed what was once a daunting challenge into a structured, manageable process, enabling the seamless transfer of critical data to a more robust and scalable cloud environment. Moreover, the Unified AI-driven insights facilitated the creation of a more resilient data governance framework, enhancing both compliance and data integrity.
Generative AI in Action: A Tactical Recap
Here is a snapshot of how Akkodis used Generative AI to modernize legacy systems:
- Legacy code analysis: Akkodis employed generative AI to dissect and document the AS/400 codebase, extracting business logic and database schemas.
- Modernization strategy, blueprint, and database migration strategy: the team devised a plan to transfer data from the legacy DB2 database to a modern SQL-based system on Azure, ensuring data integrity and minimal downtime.
- API-driven integration: We generated a microservices architecture to facilitate communication between various systems.
- IT system assessment: Akkodis delivered a comprehensive IT system assessment using generative AI, re-architecting, and migration planning.
The Human Touch in AI Deployment
While AI powered the modernization, human-centered design was key to its success. Akkodis provided customized training and change management programs, ensuring staff could smoothly transition to new workflows. This approach ensured that the transformation was not just technical—it was cultural.
Building a Smart Industry Future
As the project moves forward, the focus is on sustainability and adaptive growth. What we’ve implemented is not just a solution for today but a foundation for continuous innovation. The modern architecture is designed to accommodate emerging technologies, ensuring that the enterprise remains at the forefront of its industry.
A Commitment to Transformative Excellence
This journey from legacy constraints to a modern, Generative AI and Unified AI-enabled systems is more than a technical upgrade—it's a strategic transformation that positions our client for future success. This project exemplifies how generative AI can serve as both a catalyst and an accelerator for comprehensive digital transformation.
By documenting this experience, we not only share our journey but also ignite a conversation about the potential of AI in legacy modernization. We invite other enterprises to explore how this technology can revolutionize their IT strategies, ensuring they are not just participants but leaders in the digital age.
Author: Kishore Raj, Vice President & Enterprise Reinvention Leader — Digital Technology, AI & Transformation Partner