From AI Exploration to Transformation - What AI Success Looks Like | AI Pulse Survey

Dive into the results of Protiviti's inaugural AI Pulse Survey that illuminates the global landscape of AI adoption and return on investment (ROI). Uncover how an organization's AI maturity as well as industry influences their ROI, how they gauge success as well as the diverse challenges they face in scaling AI adoption. Discover key takeaways and insights to help you advance on your AI journey.

AI Investment Satisfaction

The payoff is in the progression of AI maturity.

Key takeaways

• There's a strong case for continued AI investment and scaling, especially if early results are promising.
• High initial investments in AI can delay returns in early stages of adoption, making it vital to set realistic ROI expectations in the early stages and demonstrate the potential to scale over time.
• Enhancing AI capabilities systematically can improve ROI. Organizations should develop a roadmap to progress through AI maturity stages, focusing on scaling AI applications, improving data infrastructure, and investing in AI talent.
• While the transformation stage is rare across all sectors, there's a significant opportunity for first movers to gain competitive advantage by using AI not just for efficiency, but for innovation and market leadership.

Challenges in optimizing AI

AI Maturity drives varied challenges from use case confusion to data hurdles.

Key takeaways

• Integrating AI with legacy systems is challenging due to incompatible data formats, outdated architecture, and limited API capabilities. These challenges peak in the middle stages of AI adoption, suggesting that developing a robust integration strategy early can alleviate issues as AI deployment scales. Fixing the issue requires a holistic approach, considering data compatibility, system architecture, change management, and more.
• Quality data is crucial for AI success, yet often overlooked early on. Without proper data, infrastructures fall short. As projects mature, data gaps and challenges become evident. Organizations should prioritize data availability and quality from the outset by assessing data needs during the governance and approval process and ensuring that data is resilient and secure. Continuous monitoring and updating of data strategies will enhance project success. Additionally, infrastructure must support the seamless integration and management of data.
• Ongoing learning and adaptation are essential for understanding AI use cases. Organizations should remain agile and refine their AI strategies as they progress through AI maturity stages.

What AI Success Looks Like

AI maturity, industry and role drive AI success metrics.

Key Takeaways

• Cost savings and employee productivity are the most frequently cited key indicators of AI success, underscoring the universal importance of reducing costs and improving workforce efficiency.
• An organization's maturity stage influences which indicators are perceived to be the most important for AI success. As organizations progress, the focus shifts from cost savings and process efficiency to productivity, efficiency, and growth.
• Establish a continuous feedback loop to monitor AI performance and make necessary adjustments. Consider how AI projects will contribute to innovation and competitive advantage over time. Involve all relevant stakeholders early to ensure buy-in and set realistic expectations.

Support most needed for AI implementation

Build base capabilities to climb the maturity curve.

Key Takeaways

• People: Train and upskill the workforce to address AI literacy and technical skills gaps. Business leaders should continuously learn and adapt.
• Process: Set clear use cases, measurable goals, and transparent performance measures. Involve key stakeholders early and develop robust data governance practices.
• Technology: Ensure tools integrate with existing systems, are scalable, and secure. Design adaptable infrastructure and use monitoring tools for iterative improvements.