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Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly becoming an integral part of modern business processes, and its importance is set to grow further in the future. However, there are also various hurdles that companies must overcome on the path to profitable AI use. These are the findings of the study “The Value of AI,” conducted jointly by SAP and Oxford Economics. Around 1,600 executives in eight countries – including Germany, the United States, China, and Brazil – were surveyed for the study.
Seamless integration into business processes: SAP’s plans for AI
Growing proportion of AI-supported processes
The study provides valuable insights into the current use of artificial intelligence in companies worldwide. Already today, a quarter of business tasks are AI-supported. In the next two years, this share is expected to rise to over 40%. Artificial intelligence is used, for example, to automate tasks, improve decision-making processes, and personalize the customer experience. A particular strength of generative AI is its ability to efficiently analyze and process huge amounts of data.
The average expenditure on artificial intelligence amounts to around $26 million per company per year – a worthwhile investment given the return on investment of 16%. In addition, the companies surveyed expect the return on investment to rise to 31% within two years. These figures clearly show that the use of AI not only leads to greater efficiency and increased productivity, but can also bring significant financial benefits.
Where artificial intelligence still falls short
Despite the undisputed added value, companies also encounter challenges when using AI. The study shows that the introduction of AI is often uncoordinated. Forty-four percent of respondents describe their approach as “piecemeal,” while 15% report an ad hoc approach that is characterized more by improvisation than by a clear plan. In just under a third of companies, individual business departments are driving the use of AI. Only 9% pursue a strategic, holistic approach to artificial intelligence.
The uncontrolled use of AI tools within companies poses a risk. Almost two-thirds of respondents say that employees occasionally use unauthorized shadow AI applications. 77% express concerns about the associated risks. More than half of companies report inaccurate results, and many of them have also identified data leaks or security breaches.
Data: a key factor for AI
Data plays an essential role in the successful use of AI. 71% consider it critical for AI investment decisions. The biggest hurdles are incomplete or inconsistent data (75%), poor data quality (69%), and existing data silos (68%). These factors make it difficult to exploit the full potential of AI and require targeted measures in the area of data management. 55% of respondents doubt that they are able to share data responsibly across business units. 60% have concerns about integrating data with external partners.
Conclusion: Unlocking the full potential with the right measures
Artificial intelligence already has a significant impact on the business world today and promises even greater potential for the future. Enormous opportunities arise in particular from agent-based AI, which is capable of making decisions and performing tasks autonomously. In order to leverage the full potential of AI and reap the associated benefits to an even greater extent, companies must above all improve their data maturity. In addition, a clear overarching strategy and comprehensive training for employees are required to ensure the responsible use of AI. If they succeed in establishing a structured approach and overcoming existing data challenges, companies can achieve significant returns and competitive advantages with the help of artificial intelligence.
