Strategic Planning and Governance Essential for Successful AI Implementation

In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly reliant on strategic planning, governance, and process orchestration. A recent survey conducted by SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc. highlights these elements as critical to the successful integration of AI across various sectors, particularly in financial services and healthcare.

The 2025 Global Enterprise AI survey, carried out by SS&C Blue Prism, gathered insights from 1,650 executives, technical leaders, and IT professionals across North and South America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region. The findings underscore that while AI adoption is accelerating, its success hinges on well-thought-out strategic frameworks and ethical governance practices.

Rob Stone, a senior executive at SS&C, emphasized that a deliberate approach to AI deployment is crucial for mitigating inefficiencies and security vulnerabilities. He noted that investing in employee training, establishing an ethical governance framework, and implementing foundational technologies such as process orchestration are vital for securing long-term success and maximizing opportunities in AI.

Key insights from the survey include:

  • Importance of Process Orchestration: Nearly 94% of respondents identified process orchestration as a fundamental component of their technology stack, essential for seamless AI management.
  • Data Challenges Persist: 44% of companies reported lacking systems for effectively transferring large datasets, while 41% faced challenges related to inaccurate and inconsistent data.
  • Workforce Transformation: A significant 84% of executives acknowledged AI's potential to transform traditional practices and foster innovative work methodologies, with around 40% of firms actively retraining employees for new or expanded roles.
  • Career Growth Opportunities: The introduction of AI has opened avenues for professional development, as 40% of employees anticipate new AI-specific responsibilities, 34% are focusing on supporting AI integration, and 31% are shifting towards more creative and strategic roles.
  • Valuing AI: While 88% of organizations strive to measure the value derived from AI, only 36% reported achieving consistent, recognizable benefits from their implementations, indicating a need for refined deployment strategies.
  • Emergence of Autonomous AI: 29% of respondents are already utilizing autonomous automation, with an additional 44% planning to adopt it within the next year. However, 78% expressed reservations about fully trusting the technology, pointing to the necessity for additional oversight tools.

Among the primary challenges hindering AI adoption, security and compliance concerns topped the list at 37%. This highlights the importance of safeguarding sensitive data while adhering to evolving regulations. Additionally, a skills gap continues to pose difficulties for 35% of organizations, reflecting the increasing demand for professionals skilled in the development and management of AI solutions. Furthermore, the complexities associated with integrating advanced AI systems into existing infrastructures without disrupting operations represent a significant barrier.

Addressing these challenges necessitates a proactive strategy that balances robust security protocols, targeted workforce development, and optimized implementation approaches. Stone reiterated that achieving the right equilibrium between speed, governance, and strategic alignment is vital in harnessing AI's full potential within organizations.

To access the complete report, click here.

For more information about SS&C Blue Prism's Enterprise AI solutions, visit their website.