FINAL WORD than the CIO . Building and rolling out an AI-based system can seem like a large and unwieldy project for CIOs , fraught with risks . AI agents are emerging as solutions to these challenges .
AI agents are pre-built and highly customisable , capturing the attention of technologists and their business leaders . They also use data to execute complex , multistep workflows and can perform work with varying levels of autonomy .
Gartner predicts that by 2028 , at least 15 % of dayto-day work decisions will be made autonomously through agentic AI , up from 0 % in 2024 .
This is because AI agents can function as virtual workers who can conduct a series of tasks without supervision . They are touted as the next phase of AI and a major evolution of large language model-based AI from chat interfaces , operationalising automation at a scale like never before .
By embracing an agent-first approach , every CIO can redefine their business operations . CIOs must adopt and implement scale , speed , and optimisation of AI adoption . Scaling AI adoption in the enterprise must be a priority for 2025 . their line of business counterparts . These security issues often revolve around unsanctioned AI in the workplace , which puts company data , systems , and business relationships at risk . This has been caused by the adoption of mass-market Generative AI tools used by workers , which has ushered in a new era of shadow AI .
Research highlights that CIOs struggle to identify where to prioritise AI . Beyond the challenges of shoring up their data foundations , many CIOs are finding it difficult to define where and how AI should show up in the broader organisation . CIOs also feel uncertainty over how much budget to allocate toward AI in these early days of the technology . Only 47 % are confident they have allocated the correct amount of budget to AI initiatives .
AI agents are now the number one choice for CIOs as they come pre-built and can generate responses that are consistent with a company ’ s brand voice and guidelines using trusted business data .
Thierry Nicault , Area Vice President and General Manager , Salesforce Middle East
Shadow IT refers to software , hardware , applications and devices employees use that IT teams did not authorise . When there is a delay in adopting AI , employees typically turn to external tools that they think can help them do their jobs better , which highlights the urgency of implementing trusted tools within the workplace .
Preparing for AI agents
Define objectives
Start by defining what you want to achieve with AI . Whether it is reducing response times , enhancing
To harness employees ’ interest and enthusiasm for using AI in the workplace , without compromising data or security , CIOs need to act swiftly .
Leveraging AI agents
No one has a greater influence on whether a firm is successful or not when it comes to AI implementation
CIOs are finding it difficult to define where and how should AI show up in the broader organisation .
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