Study reveals lack of data systems for AI advancement

A new global study by SS&C Blue Prism has highlighted that most organisations do not have the necessary data systems in place to fully utilise the next generation of AI technology.

The research found only 44% of organisations are equipped with robust systems to effectively manage large datasets, which are vital for successful AI deployment. The same study revealed that a substantial 94% of organisations acknowledged process orchestration as a crucial component for end-to-end AI management.

The survey indicated a prevalent lack of trust in agentic AI, a next-generation AI technology, with 78% of organisations expressing reservations. Despite these concerns, 29% of respondents have already adopted agentic AI, and 44% plan to introduce it within the next year.

Rob Stone, Senior Vice President and General Manager of SS&C's Intelligent Automation and Analytics division, commented on the findings: "AI adoption is advancing rapidly. Success depends on careful strategic planning, ethical governance, and workforce readiness. Organizations realize these foundations are critical to minimizing risk inefficiencies and security vulnerabilities. Investing in upskilling, building ethical frameworks, and adopting enabling technologies such as process orchestration helps ensure long-term success and maximize opportunities."

The study, which collected responses from 1,650 CEOs, CTOs, and IT leaders in the financial services and healthcare sectors, highlighted several key findings. Notably, 84% of business leaders recognised AI's potential to disrupt existing practices and promote new working methods. Additionally, around 40% of companies are currently focused on upskilling employees to prepare them for new roles centred around AI.

Regarding employee development, 40% anticipate new, AI-specific roles emerging, while 34% are assisting with the adoption of AI, and 31% are focusing on more creative and strategic tasks as a result of AI integration.

While a significant majority, 88%, are tracking the value gained from AI deployments, only 36% have identified consistent, tangible benefits. This indicates a need for refining implementation strategies to better capture AI's potential advantages.

Rob Stone also remarked on the critical need for strategic balance in AI adoption: "Striking the right balance between speed, governance, and strategic alignment is crucial. The enterprise AI revolution is here. Unlocking its full potential depends on holistic, sustainable adoption strategies."

The survey highlighted security and compliance issues as the primary challenges facing AI adoption, with 37% of respondents citing these issues. Skill shortages and difficulties integrating AI into existing systems were also identified as significant barriers, each noted by 35% of participants.

The findings suggest that a proactive approach is necessary to address these challenges, emphasizing the importance of fortified security measures, targeted workforce training, and efficient implementation strategies.