Automation Foundation Key to AI Success, Says Report
Converting the bet into visible value continues to remain a challenge for CIOs.
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Image Credit- Chetan Jha/ MIT Sloan Management Review Middle East
Enterprises across the globe, including those based in Saudi Arabia, are rapidly accelerating their adoption of artificial intelligence to stay ahead of competitors. However, this isn’t a foolproof strategy. Many Saudi organizations with AI initiatives are struggling to deliver measurable business value, according to a new report by Nintex.
Based on responses from C-suite and senior managers leading AI initiatives across 100 Saudi companies, the findings call for organizations to first establish strong automation foundations before getting started with AI adoption.
“Saudi organisations clearly recognise the potential of AI, but the organisations that realise the greatest value will be those that first put the right operational foundations in place,” said Samir Akel, Regional Vice President, Nintex. “Automation provides the structure that allows AI to operate effectively by connecting systems, improving data quality, and ensuring insights can translate into real operational improvements.”
Converting the bet into visible value remains a challenge for CIOs. About 62% noted that combining AI with automation delivered the strongest business outcomes, while 86% believed automation was a necessary first step before implementing AI in business processes.
In a bid to strengthen the foundation, 82% of Saudi organisations are planning to implement formal automation strategies within the next 7 to 12 months.
“AI has enormous potential to transform how organisations operate, but technology alone does not deliver business outcomes,” adds Akel. “What we are seeing across Saudi Arabia is a growing recognition that automation provides the operational foundation that allows AI to succeed. When organisations automate their processes and structure their data effectively, AI can deliver faster insights, support better decision-making, and ultimately drive measurable impact on the bottom line.”
Organisations are increasingly recognising the value of combining both technologies from the outset, with 50% reporting that the two were now being designed together from inception.
Organisations in Saudi Arabia are taking a structured approach to digital transformation. This includes prioritising automation and process orchestration to create the conditions for AI to deliver scalable, enterprise-wide value across sectors such as government, financial services, energy, and large-scale enterprises.
