Why Agentic AI is the next frontier in enterprise innovation
The corporate world is undergoing a profound transformation as artificial intelligence (AI) agents emerge as a driving force behind operational efficiency, decision-making, and automation.
Unlike traditional AI systems, which primarily assist through data analysis and recommendations, AI agents possess autonomous decision-making capabilities, allowing them to act independently and optimise business functions with minimal human oversight.
The rise of Agentic AI
Agentic AI, or AI agents, represents a paradigm shift in enterprise technology. These solutions go beyond conventional AI assistants, which support users through information retrieval and task facilitation, and AI copilots, which provide guidance while still requiring user input.
AI agents, however, can independently execute complex tasks, adapt to changing conditions, and learn dynamically from their environments.
With the rapid demand for speed, personalisation, and automation, organisations are increasingly adopting AI agents across industries. From streamlining supply chains to enhancing customer experiences, these intelligent systems are reshaping the competitive business environment.
AI Agents create business value
Recent research conducted by SnapLogic in collaboration with 3GEM surveyed 1,000 IT decision makers (ITDMs) across the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Australia to assess the adoption and impact of AI agents in enterprise settings1.
The findings highlight a strong commitment to AI-driven transformation. An overwhelming majority of ITDMs reported that their organisations have already integrated generative AI (GenAI) into their IT strategies, with half of organisations currently using AI agents and another third planning implementation in the near future.
Confidence in AI agents' ability to deliver measurable business benefits is also high, with nearly all respondents expecting meaningful outcomes within the next 12 to 18 months.
Strategic deployment priorities
The survey also revealed key trends in AI agent deployment strategies. Nearly 80% of respondents identified AI agent implementation as a critical priority for the coming year. The IT department is expected to benefit the most, with data security, research and innovation, and finance teams also seeing significant productivity improvements.
Given that IT teams currently spend an average of 16 hours per week on AI-related tasks such as deployment, integration, and troubleshooting, the adoption of AI agents is projected to save them an average of 19 hours per week, allowing staff to focus on high-value strategic initiatives.
On average, enterprises currently operate 32 AI agents within their organisations, with plans to deploy an additional 30 agents during the next year. This expansion underscores the growing confidence in AI's ability to drive efficiency and innovation.
Investment trends further highlight the significance of AI agents in corporate strategy, with organisations committing substantial financial resources to AI deployment. The average planned investment during the next 12 months stands at $2.56 million, with Australian companies leading global AI investments at $3.15 million.
Overcoming adoption barriers
Despite the enthusiasm for AI agents, enterprises still face significant challenges in their deployment. Data security and privacy concerns remain the foremost obstacle, as businesses handling sensitive information worry about potential AI vulnerabilities.
Cultural and knowledge gaps further hinder adoption, with nearly a third of respondents reporting a lack of understanding among employees. Additionally, legacy technology integration challenges complicate AI deployment, as many organisations rely on outdated IT infrastructure.
There is also apprehension about AI accuracy, with concerns about AI hallucinations and unreliable outputs limiting trust in the technology.
To overcome these barriers, businesses must invest in data governance, modern infrastructure, employee education, and AI reliability frameworks to ensure seamless integration and responsible AI use.
Building the AI-driven enterprise
For organisations at the beginning of their AI journey, establishing an AI Centre of Excellence can streamline governance and deployment while ensuring AI initiatives align with broader business objectives. Prioritising low-risk, high-impact use cases, such as automating IT processes, can serve as a strong foundation for expanding AI capabilities.
The research underscores a clear trajectory: AI agents are no longer a futuristic concept but a critical component of enterprise transformation. As organisations continue to deploy these technologies at scale, they stand to unlock unprecedented levels of efficiency, agility, and competitive advantage.
By addressing adoption challenges head-on and fostering a culture of AI-driven innovation, businesses can position themselves at the forefront of the next wave of digital transformation.
With strategic investments and robust implementation strategies, AI agents will not only augment human capabilities but also redefine the future of enterprise operations in an increasingly automated world.
