According to Gartner, 80% of executives see automation as a vital thread that supports informed business decisions. And they’re right. In today’s business landscape, automation has transcended a mere “nice-to-have” and become a fundamental driver of organizational success. It’s not just transforming tasks but reshaping businesses from the inside out. Enhanced resilience, richer customer experiences, and a sharper competitive edge are just the tip of the iceberg.

A December 2023 research report titled “AI and Automation: Laying the Foundation for the Autonomous Enterprise,” conducted in collaboration between my company and Sapio Research, found that the significance of automation takes center stage. The study extracts insights from an extensive survey involving 601 IT leaders based in the United States, overseeing technology decisions in large organizations (with more than 1,000 employees). These leaders represent diverse industries, including manufacturing, technology, retail/e-commerce, and financial services. The survey outcomes shed light on the pervasive adoption of AI and automation in enterprises, underscoring the pivotal role these technologies play in shaping existing and future business strategies.

AI Drives Shift Toward the Autonomous Enterprise

The survey reveals that strategic plans for increased automation, including AI, are on the agenda for 90% of IT decision-makers in the coming 12 months. Notably, 58% of these organizations are targeting the implementation of automation initiatives within the next six months. Enthusiasm for automation spans various sectors, with 26% planning to integrate more autonomous operations over the next five years, distributed between semi-autonomous (16%) and fully autonomous (10%) systems. Despite this push for automation, the importance of human involvement is underscored, as 30% reported that their organizations intend to maintain an equal balance of automation augmented with human intelligence.

The survey results underscore the acute awareness among IT leaders that the key to survival lies in the adoption of AI-powered automation. Companies are proactively boosting investments in this domain, utilizing these technologies to improve business key performance indicators (KPIs), enhance employee productivity, and elevate customer satisfaction. This concerted effort is driving them toward the sought-after status of an autonomous enterprise. The survey also provided additional insights across various operational areas, including:

• Navigating IT complexity: For 44% of respondents, the escalating challenge of IT complexity takes center stage, primarily linked to the intricacies of cloud migration and adoption. With 92% already implementing or planning a multi-vendor cloud strategy, two-thirds of IT leaders are gearing up to introduce additional IT automation in the next 12 months. This strategic move aims to streamline operations amidst the evolving landscape of technology.

• Automating for competitiveness: A sweeping automation wave is transforming various organizational departments, spearheaded by IT (90%), finance (89%), and customer support (89%). The report highlights that 74% have embraced generative AI, followed by workflow automation (68%) and AIOps (65%). Organizations are actively embracing automation as a strategic move to remain competitive and resilient in the face of technological disruption.

• AI’s influence on the workforce: The rapid integration of automation prompts contemplation on the future of the workforce. Surprisingly, 26% of IT leaders express concerns about workplace insecurity and potential job redundancy for employees. Paradoxically, 60% of decision-makers recognize that implementing automation has led to enhanced employee satisfaction and increased productivity. Striking a delicate balance between technological advancement and ensuring workforce well-being remains a pivotal challenge.

• Persistent concerns in cybersecurity: Cybersecurity takes the forefront as the primary external risk, with 54% of IT decision-makers highlighting it over concerns of a recession (36%). Despite this awareness, only 38% have deployed automation to address cybersecurity risks, indicating a gap between recognizing the threat and actively mitigating it. Nevertheless, 49% of respondents are gearing up to implement some form of automation within the next six months, signaling a growing awareness of the imperative need for proactive cybersecurity measures.

The report brings encouraging insights as enterprises shift toward autonomous operations, highlighting the pivotal role of AI and automation in ensuring success. Integral to this transformative journey is the adept navigation of challenges, addressing workforce concerns, and proactively managing cybersecurity risks. Acting as a guiding compass, the report directs organizations through the intricacies of the digital landscape, facilitating their embrace of a future powered by AI and automation.