Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to evolve and is becoming an integral part of business processes, with predictions suggesting it will soon become as essential yet unnoticed as electricity in daily workflows. Reports indicate that as AI agents automate an increasing share of monotonous tasks, they enhance worker productivity significantly. Deloitte's Chief Futurist, Mike Bechtel, referred to this transformation, stating, "One AI-enabled worker can do what used to take a team of dozens." This development is expected to lead to a shift from the concept of "there’s an app for that" to "there’s an agent for that," as referenced in Deloitte's Tech Trends 2025 report.
However, Bechtel cautioned that leveraging AI is not simply about reducing workforce numbers or costs to achieve success. As businesses navigate the complexities of AI adoption, they may face what is known as the automation paradox. Although AI can simplify tasks on the surface, it may also introduce significant complexity behind the scenes, necessitating advanced human oversight and infrastructure development. Bechtel explained that good AI deployments often demand a sophisticated data framework and specialized expertise, further complicating the integration and operation of these systems.
Deloitte's ongoing research highlights a shift in organisational attitudes towards AI implementations. Bechtel noted that in 2023, many companies viewed AI—both traditional machine learning and generative AI—as a means to perform existing tasks more efficiently, often implying a reduction in workforce size. As we approach 2024, however, there is a growing recognition that sustainable growth cannot be achieved solely through workforce reductions. Business leaders are beginning to understand that AI should enhance employee capabilities—sometimes referred to as a “super suit” or “force multiplier”—and are now asking how AI can enable entirely new types of work previously not possible.
Bechtel illustrated this evolution, stating, “If you automate Toby’s workload, you don’t necessarily replace Toby. You free Toby up for strategic work that was on the backlog. It’s about elevating people, not just replacing them.” He emphasized the necessity of learning from past technological advancements, cautioning against assuming that new innovations will automatically lead to success without addressing the foundational challenges of cost, talent, and adoption.
In addition to software innovations, hardware is re-emerging as a focal point for AI functionality. Following a prolonged period in which software was seen as the dominant force, AI's increasing requirements for specialized chips have prompted renewed investment in advanced hardware. Companies are now revamping data centres to serve as strategic assets capable of supporting AI demands. Bechtel pointed out the importance of sustainability alongside performance, as rising energy requirements highlight the need for efficient hardware solutions.
As the demand for AI becomes more tailored, Bechtel advocated for the use of specialised AI tools over generic solutions. He remarked, “Innovation loves constraints,” suggesting that domain-specific AI, such as Salesforce’s AgentForce or ServiceNow’s Xanadu, offers clear advantages in effectively addressing distinct business challenges. Embracing this focused approach can enable organisations to target specific needs without the confusion that comes with broader, less defined tools.
Data, as Bechtel highlighted, is a foundational element in effective AI deployment, often summarised by the phrase, “garbage in, garbage squared.” A recent Deloitte report indicated that 75% of surveyed organisations have increased their investments in data lifecycle management due to the importance of high-quality data in AI projects. Companies are recognising the need to ensure that data strategies are robust and geared towards future objectives, rather than merely reflecting historical biases.
The findings from Deloitte further indicate a changing role for IT departments, dubbing this shift “IT Amplified.” As AI systems mature, IT professionals are increasingly positioned to identify and tackle concrete problems, such as drastically reducing customer wait times, enhancing operational efficiency without forcing change through rigid processes. “If you lead with real problems, you welcome new tools because they solve something tangible,” Bechtel explained.
As businesses increasingly integrate AI into their strategies, the focus must be on rethinking human resources, processes, and the ethical dimensions of technology adoption. This comprehensive approach is essential for organisations seeking to harness the full potential of AI, acknowledging that successful implementation requires not only cutting-edge tools but a well-rounded understanding of the broader implications of AI in the workplace.
Source: Noah Wire Services