AI in companies: 79% see ROI, but strategy is missing

Artificial intelligence has arrived in companies. This is shown by a recent study by SAP in collaboration with Oxford Economics, for which around 1,600 executives in eight countries (including Germany, China, and the United States) were surveyed.

The result: AI investments are already paying off.

79% of companies report measurable returns within one to three years from the use of AI. On average, companies invest around $26 million in AI solutions and currently expect a return of around 16% (an average of $4.7 million). According to the study, this figure is expected to rise to over 30% in the next two years.

At the same time, the study reveals a structural problem.

64% of companies say that employees use unauthorized AI tools.

This means that so-called shadow AI has long been part of everyday working life. This refers to the use of external AI applications outside of official guidelines, without central control or a coordinated database. As a result, many companies report inaccurate or unreliable results. Risks such as uncontrolled data transfers and security gaps are also mentioned.

And only 9% of companies pursue a clearly defined, holistic AI strategy.

For the majority, AI use remains fragmented. 44% describe their approach as consisting of many individual measures, 32% as department-driven, and another 15% as situational or ad hoc. As a result, there is often a lack of common prioritization and a comprehensive database.

But mostly only selectively, not as a scalable overall system.

Knowledge is the most effective starting point for AI

AI is particularly successful where knowledge is needed on a daily basis.

In customer contact. In consulting. But also in internal processes. Wherever the same questions are asked again and again and quick, reliable answers are required.

This is exactly where an AI assistant like homie comes in.

homie centrally bundles verified company knowledge and makes it available at any time. For customers as well as for internal teams. Product information, special features, arguments, or processes. Even for very large product ranges with over 100,000 products that no human being can keep track of completely.

homie acts as a digital training and knowledge tool. Once properly trained, the knowledge is permanently available. Employees have access to consistent, verified information at any time. Regardless of experience, training level, or daily business.

Curious about how homie works? Find out here.

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