As generative AI continues to make waves in the modern workplace, organisations worldwide are caught between the dual tides of optimism and concern. Amidst this enthusiasm and caution, The AI and Information Management Report 2024 conducted by AvePoint sheds light on the steps needed to navigate the intricate journey towards harnessing AI's full potential, emphasizing the pivotal role of education and proactive measures in bridging the gap between aspiration and reality.

It is interesting to note that while most organizations (88%) feel prepared for AI, almost all organizations (95%) experience challenges during AI implementation. The most common challenge organizations faced was the categorization and quality of their internal data. This is unsurprising, as this was one of respondents’ biggest concerns pre-implementation.

Despite widespread optimism around the promise of AI, organizations are concerned about its potential risks, especially as it relates to data privacy and security (71%), quality and categorization of internal data (61%), and integration complexity (59%). With 65% of organisations using ChatGPT, it continues to be the most used GenAI.  

Data security and privacy concerns also materialized as challenges when implementing AI, with 45% of organisations experiencing data exposures. This suggests that organisations need to take more proactive measures to address their data concerns before beginning their AI implementation.

According to the AI and Information Management Report 2024, 92% of organisations believe that AI will improve their business.

The gap between perceived readiness and reality

Although most organisations (80%) believe their data is ready for AI, more than half (52%) faced challenges with data quality and categorisation during implementation, highlighting a significant gap between perceived readiness and reality that must be addressed to successfully implement AI.

Concerns related to AI

The survey reveals that data privacy and security, quality, and categorization of internal data followed by integration complexity are the top concerns for organisations when considering an AI implementation.

Education is key

Organizations have invested heavily in AI, yet only 46% of organizations offer AI-specific training. Focusing on AI and information literacy can bridge the gap between access to technology and successful implementation.

To mitigate these data challenges, organisations must take more proactive measures to address data quality and security issues before implementing AI to realise its benefits and ensure smoother adoption of the technology.