Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) solutions are set to treble over the next three years among businesses in Ireland, according to a new report by technology partner Expleo.
The survey of 200 business and IT leaders across the island of Ireland identified that 22% of businesses have already implemented AI/ML solutions within their organisations, with an additional 42% planning to do so within three years.
This will mean that almost two thirds (64%) of Irish businesses will be leveraging AI and ML by the end of 2023.
The research also illustrates how 40% of companies are automating more processes as a result of the pandemic, with 17% believing that automation will reduce backlogs caused by Covid-19.
Furthermore, almost one-in-five (19%) of business and IT leaders now view AI and Machine Learning as fundamental to their business success.
According to the research, the biggest impacts automation will have on organisations in the next three years are: help employees to focus on business-critical tasks (60%), speed up processes (69%), and reduce costs (63%).
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Expleo’s survey also highlighted firm levels of trust among staff in the aptitude of their business leaders during this time of uncertainty, with 87% believing their leadership team has the skills and ability to succeed in the post-Covid world.
The speed of their company’s decision making was also broadly endorsed by respondents. 45% believe their organisations acted faster than competitors to implement necessary changes brought on by the pandemic, while 42% viewed the speed of change implementation in line with that of competitors.
The findings have been aggregated and outlined in Expleo’s Business Transformation Index 2021 report, providing a comprehensive analysis of pandemic related opportunities and challenges for enterprises.
Commenting on the findings, Rebecca Keenan, Global Head of Process Automation, Expleo, said: “This research clearly signifies that we’re close to reaching a tipping point as the majority of Irish businesses turn to AI and Machine Learning to enhance service delivery, expedite processes and empower staff in the coming years.
"They have already embraced automation in a significant way to help overcome many business challenges caused by the pandemic.
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“It’s particularly interesting to see how many business and IT leaders view AI and ML as being fundamental to their business success. This mirrors what we are seeing in Ireland and across the group globally today, as more and more businesses harness technology to implement necessary changes to remain competitive and agile.
"These innovations are geared towards helping enterprises innovate at pace – particularly important as companies plan for post-pandemic growth. For example, we are seeing deployments of Robotic Process Automation (RPA) being used as a stepping stone into more advanced solutions. Creating an ecosystem of technology, driving cost savings and efficiencies, combining both human and digital talent is becoming more prevalent."
Source: Press release
