Eliassen Group recently surveyed 1,000 technology leaders across the United States about how their organizations are preparing for the arrival of operational AI. Over 75% of tech leaders we surveyed said they plan to invest in new technologies or expand existing resources in 2025. Over half of respondents reported that AI was among the technologies their organizations planned to invest in within the next two years. Nearly one in five companies surveyed said they planned to make AI a key focus over the next 12 months, prioritizing it above any other technology or process improvement. Enterprise companies were the most likely (27%) to say their departments were focusing on AI in the next 12 months.
1. Define Your Goals
We all know generative AI is coming, and companies are waiting to see what that means in practice. However, organizations still need to determine what AI can do for their operations, revenue, and workforce. Before racing towards AI implementation, IT leaders should:
- Decide where AI should be tested or deployed.
- Determine what AI should — or even can — do.
- Consider who should be involved in the project.
- Organize a plan to communicate these changes effectively and openly.
The best approach is to sit down with key stakeholders and create a clear plan of action to implement AI in your organization. You can begin by identifying your goals and assessing your current available resources for these initiatives. Don't just throw AI at every business problem and see what sticks. Instead, think strategically about how AI can help you reach your goals. Clearly define your goals for AI in your organization, whether customer-facing or internal. Launching measured, internally facing AI experiments or pilots, in addition to planning strategically to secure the talent you need for tomorrow (while upskilling the resources you have on hand right now), are two key steps IT leaders can take to position their organizations for success, no matter what the future holds. Focus on staying flexible, and don't be afraid to pivot if your priorities change.
2. Streamline Operations with Process Automation
One of the most common ways businesses can use AI is to automate repetitive and time-consuming tasks. AI-powered tools can now handle data entry, invoice processing, and supply chain logistics, among other tasks that usually require a heavy time investment from employees. For example, a manufacturing company could deploy AI-powered tools using predictive analytics to monitor equipment performance, reducing downtime and extending machine lifespans. By automating routine processes, companies can free up their workforce to focus on more strategic tasks.
3. Enhance Customer Experiences with AI Chatbots
Customer experience is a critical differentiator for businesses today, and AI chatbots are becoming an indispensable tool. AI-powered virtual assistants can handle customer inquiries 24/7 with quick and accurate responses to commonly asked questions. For example, an e-commerce company can use chatbots to guide customers through product searches or troubleshoot real-time order issues. By integrating AI chatbots into their customer service operations, businesses can improve satisfaction rates while reducing the workload on support teams.
4. Data-Driven Decision-Making with Predictive Analytics
AI excels at analyzing vast amounts of data to understand patterns and make predictions, which can help organizations make more informed decisions. Retail companies, for example, can use AI to forecast inventory needs based on sales trends and customer behavior, reducing overstock or understock issues. Similarly, healthcare organizations can implement AI algorithms to predict patient outcomes and personalize treatment plans. With predictive analytics, businesses can turn raw data into actionable insights that drive growth and efficiency.
5. Partner with the Experts
If your organization lacks in-house AI expertise, consider working with a trusted partner experienced in AI integration. The right partner can help you identify, design, and implement the right generative AI tools to operationalize AI and realize practical, immediate benefits quickly. The right partner can help you choose or design appropriate AI models, provide insights into industry-specific challenges, and ensure compliance with best practices. Collaborating with experienced professionals can save you time, reduce risk, and accelerate your AI journey.
Implementing AI is a transformative journey that requires careful planning, cross-functional collaboration, and ongoing evaluation. By addressing these considerations, your organization can harness the power of generative AI to drive innovation, efficiency, and growth.
