A recent poll conducted by Salesforce has shed light on the pivotal role that AI and automation will play in empowering enterprise IT teams to navigate the challenges posed by a volatile macroeconomic environment.
The study, undertaken between the months of February and April 2023, engaged 4,000 individuals responsible for making IT decisions in regions spanning North America, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, and Europe. The survey aimed to understand the perspectives, preferences, and challenges of these leaders in the existing business landscape. The results illuminated a pressing necessity to enhance effectiveness and output, with a clear emphasis on the integration of AI and automation.
Adding to the concern is the expectation that these values will only surge further in the next 18 months, with a significant 74% of respondents anticipating a rise in demand. Commenting on the situation, Param Kahlon, EVP and GM of automation and integration at Salesforce highlighted the significance of CIOs and IT executives giving precedence to operational streamlining and achieving excellence in processes. Such a focus would empower teams to elevate their productivity levels and attain triumph in their business endeavors in the future.
Notably, automation has proven to be a game-changer, resulting in a remarkable average weekly time-saving of 1.9 hours for each employee. The integration of automation of workflows encompassing order management, IT operations management, IT service management, IT asset management, and customer service has significantly streamlined processes for IT teams.
In particular, a crucial component of mainstream artificial intelligence, generative AI, is anticipated to play a significant role behind these apps. A distinct poll taken in March revealed that 57% of IT executives regarded generative AI as a revolutionary technology, capable of enriching both consumer and worker experiences.
The most recent study now reflects a stronger sentiment towards this technology, as 86% of IT decision-makers anticipate generative AI becoming a prevalent component within their corporations in the coming times. Encouragingly, the majority of these leaders also confirmed that their workforce and shareholders comprehensively grasp the effective utilization of generative AI.
Presently, only 42% of IT executives report satisfaction with the current state of automation in their companies. However, an overwhelming 87% anticipate a surge in investment within this realm during the forthcoming 18-month period.
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The study, undertaken between the months of February and April 2023, engaged 4,000 individuals responsible for making IT decisions in regions spanning North America, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, and Europe. The survey aimed to understand the perspectives, preferences, and challenges of these leaders in the existing business landscape. The results illuminated a pressing necessity to enhance effectiveness and output, with a clear emphasis on the integration of AI and automation.
The Obstacles
As consumer and company requirements continue to evolve, IT leaders face the daunting task of preparing stakeholders for future success while demonstrating tangible value. Nevertheless, this challenge looms large, with a staggering 62% of IT decision-makers finding it increasingly difficult to meet the escalating demands of businesses.
Adding to the concern is the expectation that these values will only surge further in the next 18 months, with a significant 74% of respondents anticipating a rise in demand. Commenting on the situation, Param Kahlon, EVP and GM of automation and integration at Salesforce highlighted the significance of CIOs and IT executives giving precedence to operational streamlining and achieving excellence in processes. Such a focus would empower teams to elevate their productivity levels and attain triumph in their business endeavors in the future.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence and Automation
Despite the long-standing assistance that AI and automation have provided to enterprises, present-day IT requirements strategically align these innovations for widespread integration. According to the survey's findings, 78% of IT decision-makers assert that AI's function within their respective corporations has already been clearly defined. The primary use cases cited for AI adoption include the optimization of service operations, the development of novel AI-based items, and the utilization of AI for customer service metrics and consumer categorization.Notably, automation has proven to be a game-changer, resulting in a remarkable average weekly time-saving of 1.9 hours for each employee. The integration of automation of workflows encompassing order management, IT operations management, IT service management, IT asset management, and customer service has significantly streamlined processes for IT teams.
In particular, a crucial component of mainstream artificial intelligence, generative AI, is anticipated to play a significant role behind these apps. A distinct poll taken in March revealed that 57% of IT executives regarded generative AI as a revolutionary technology, capable of enriching both consumer and worker experiences.
The most recent study now reflects a stronger sentiment towards this technology, as 86% of IT decision-makers anticipate generative AI becoming a prevalent component within their corporations in the coming times. Encouragingly, the majority of these leaders also confirmed that their workforce and shareholders comprehensively grasp the effective utilization of generative AI.
Examining AI and Automation Apprehensions
Despite the numerous benefits AI and automation offer, there remain doubts and concerns among IT leaders. The study reveals that approximately 64% of IT decision-makers are apprehensive regarding the moral consequences of generative AI. Whereas 62% are concerned about how it might affect their employment. Additionally, automation presents its own set of challenges, encompassing issues over safety and confidentiality, compatibility problems with outdated equipment, insufficient financial allocation, competing preferences, team capacity limitations, and the challenges of sourcing appropriate technology solutions.Presently, only 42% of IT executives report satisfaction with the current state of automation in their companies. However, an overwhelming 87% anticipate a surge in investment within this realm during the forthcoming 18-month period.
The Bright Future
Despite reservations and challenges, the outlook for AI and automation remains promising. IDC predicts that worldwide investment in AI will surge by 26.9% in 2023 alone, signifying growing confidence in these technologies' potential to revolutionize various industries.Read next: 91% of Female LinkedIn Users Face Inappropriate Interactions
