Almost every company is experimenting with AI these days. Yet only a small number of them succeed in creating tangible business value with it. Why is that? And more importantly: what sets organizations that are truly making progress with AI apart from those that get stuck in isolated pilot projects?
At Alistar, we see every day where the difference is made. Not in the technology itself, but in strategy, processes, and people.
Beyond the AI Hype: Why Success Hasn't Materialized
According to research (including studies by Gartner), only 10 to 20% of companies are successful in implementing AI. That seems surprising, given the rapid adoption of tools such as Copilot, ChatGPT, and Claude. On an individual level, these tools often save time quickly. But as soon as organizations want to use AI to optimize business processes, the complexity increases exponentially.
A major stumbling block? The lack of a clear definition of success. KPIs for AI aren’t self-evident, especially when technology disrupts existing processes and roles. Successful AI therefore requires a well-thought-out business case as well as change at the human and organizational levels.
From Experiment to “Frontier Firm”
Organizations that do get it right work step by step based on a clear vision. They evolve toward what Microsoft calls a ‘frontier firm’refers to: companies where AI is no longer an experiment, but an integral part of daily processes and decision-making.".
This evolution typically occurs in three stages:
- Accelerating Progress with Existing AI Tools
Employees use ready-made AI solutions to perform their daily tasks more efficiently. - AI agents as co-pilots
AI agents or “Copilot ”Coworkers" support employees by taking over or preparing work within existing processes. - Data-Driven Optimization and Strategy
AI is used to systematically improve processes and support strategic decisions.
Technology follows the process—not the other way around
A common misconception is that new technology automatically leads to improvement. In practice, we see that the design of the process is more important than the technology itself. This applies not only to AI, but also to ERP-, CRM– and cloud solutions.
True digital growth only occurs when people, data, and technology come together. That means: guidance, change management, and a focus on adoption. Because not every employee feels the same way about AI—ranging from hesitant to overly enthusiastic.
The Triple E Model: Enable, Extend, Envision
To provide targeted support to organizations in their AI journey, Alistar follows a three-step plan:
- Enable – Teaching employees to work safely and effectively with existing AI tools
- Extend – AI solutions are configured to make existing processes smarter (for example, in customer service, sales, or marketing automation)
- Envision – AI is being used to drive innovation in business models and strategic decisions
This phased approach not only increases the chances of success, but also builds support within the organization.
Out-of-the-box and Customized
The good news? AI solutions are becoming more mature. Within ecosystems such as Microsoft Dynamics 365 with Copilot Azure AI offers an ever-increasing range of powerful out-of-the-box features. Combined with customization, this creates a solid foundation for scalable, process-driven AI.
At Alistar, we always start with the business process. Not with technology, but with the question: What needs to be done better, faster, or smarter?
Want to see this in action? Come to Think Tech Speak Human
Alistar is organizing events on May 28 in Ghent and on June 2 in Barneveld Think tech, speak human. At this event, you'll discover how organizations are already successfully implementing agentic AI today. During "Think Tech, Speak Human," AI expert Mieke Geertrui Deketelaere will explain how your organization can succeed with AI right from the start.
What can you expect?
- Insights into AI Strategy and Organizational Transformation
- Specific examples of AI integration in ERP, CRM and business software
- Real-world stories from organizations that are actually using AI today
Sign up now and discover how to make AI work for both your people and your processes.
