Published on: January 26, 2025 / Update from: January 26, 2025 - Author: Konrad Wolfenstein
ChatGPT hype over? This is how companies fail because of AI potential – Image: Xpert.Digital
Productivity boost through AI? The disillusionment in many companies
Companies in the AI dilemma: What really falls short of expectations
The introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) into companies is often more difficult than expected - and this is not just due to the technology itself. Since the release of ChatGPT in autumn 2022, this technology has thrown both the economy and society into turmoil. It promises not only innovative products and services, but also new jobs and massive increases in productivity. Nevertheless, the productive use of AI in many companies falls short of expectations.
The hype and the reality
There is a real hype about AI, which has triggered billions of dollars in investments. But despite the enthusiasm, there are clear discrepancies between expectations and actual implementation. Companies are increasingly asking themselves:
- Which projects actually bring added value?
- How can employees be convinced of the usefulness of the technology?
- What structural adjustments are required to use AI sensibly?
These questions make it clear that the challenge lies not only in technological implementation, but also in strategic, organizational and cultural factors.
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Technological barriers
Although AI systems like ChatGPT have made impressive progress, integrating them into existing business processes requires significant technical effort. Companies need to upgrade their data infrastructure, train algorithms and continuously monitor systems. What is particularly problematic is:
- Data quality: AI systems require high-quality, structured data. However, many companies have data stored in silos or need to clean it up first.
- Complexity of integration: AI often has to be integrated into existing IT systems, which can lead to technical challenges.
- Security and data protection issues: Companies are faced with the task of protecting sensitive information while ensuring that AI systems comply with legal requirements.
Strategic challenges
In addition to the technological hurdles, there are strategic challenges that prevent companies from fully exploiting the potential of AI:
1. Lack of vision and purpose
Many companies invest in AI without having clear goals or a long-term strategy. The result is that projects often fail because they are not aligned with the overarching corporate strategy. To successfully implement AI, companies must precisely define what problems they want to solve and what results they expect.
2. Difficult prioritization of projects
Not every AI project is worth it. Companies face the difficult task of deciding between short-term profits and long-term investments. There is often a lack of criteria to effectively evaluate and prioritize projects.
3. Resistance in the company
The success of AI depends not only on technology, but also on the people who work with it. Employees may be skeptical or afraid that their jobs will be threatened by AI. Companies must therefore provide early information, offer training and clearly communicate the benefits of the technology.
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Organizational and cultural aspects
The use of AI requires not only technological adjustments, but also organizational and cultural changes. Companies must create a culture of innovation in which experimentation and tolerance for failure are encouraged. Some key factors are:
1. Collaboration between teams
AI projects require close collaboration between different departments, such as IT, marketing, production and management. Without an integrative way of working, projects can come to a standstill.
2. Further training of employees
Using AI requires new skills and competencies. Companies should invest in training their employees to ensure they understand and can use technology effectively.
3. Managers as drivers
The implementation of AI must be actively supported by management. Managers should act as role models and set the direction. Without clear support from the top, AI initiatives can quickly lose momentum.
Success factors for the use of AI
To overcome the challenges and make the use of AI successful, companies can pursue the following approaches:
1. Small, targeted pilot projects
Instead of immediately launching large-scale AI projects, companies should start with smaller pilot projects. These can help to gain initial experience, demonstrate success and gain the trust of employees.
2. Focus on added value
Every AI project should aim to create clear added value for the company or customers. These can be cost reductions, increases in efficiency or the development of new products and services.
3. Building a solid database
One of the most important prerequisites for the success of AI is a high-quality and well-structured database. Companies should invest in data management to ensure the necessary information is available.
4. Partnerships and networks
Not every company has to develop all competencies internally. Partnerships with technology providers, research institutes and start-ups can help gain expertise and make progress faster.
5. Continuous monitoring and adjustment
The use of AI is not a one-time project, but a continuous process. Companies should regularly monitor their systems, evaluate results and adapt strategies to meet changing needs.
The future of AI in companies
Despite the current challenges, the potential of AI is enormous. Companies that manage to successfully integrate the technology can gain a decisive competitive advantage. Future developments include:
- Personalization: AI will make it possible to tailor products and services even better to the individual needs of customers.
- Automation: Routine tasks can be automated through AI, significantly increasing efficiency.
- Innovation: The use of AI can create completely new business models and opportunities.
Act visionary: Why now is the right time to invest in AI
The use of artificial intelligence offers enormous opportunities, but is associated with significant challenges. Companies not only have to overcome technological hurdles, but also make strategic, organizational and cultural adjustments. With a clear vision, targeted investments and an open corporate culture, these challenges can be overcome and the benefits of AI can be fully exploited. Those who act now have the chance to secure a sustainable competitive advantage and actively shape the future.
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