LeanIX and 'Rethink! IT' publish study on the use of Artificial Intelligence

• The survey reveals that customer service is and remains the hotspot for Artificial Intelligence
• 71% of companies plan to intensify the use of Artificial Intelligence
• A poll among more than 140 high-level IT decision-makers from leading European companies identifies hurdles in implementation

Bonn / London, 25 April 2017 - LeanIX, the start-up from Bonn, in collaboration with "Rethink! IT Europe ", the leading IT event across Europe, published a study on the use of Artificial Intelligence. Over 140 high-ranking CIOs and IT decision-makers from leading European companies participated in the survey. The goal was to provide a meaningful answer to the questions of how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is already being adapted and applied in everyday practice, whether companies are planning the introduction of AI and what obstacles must be overcome during implementation.

Artificial Intelligence will be “either the best, or the worst thing, ever to happen to humanity”, according to renowned scientist Stephen Hawking. The study by LeanIX and "Rethink! IT Europe" on this subject presents remarkable results.

For instance, 33 percent of respondents do not currently use AI technology and do not plan to implement it. Just as many respondents said they had begun planning and have also tested the first AI prototypes. Another 23 percent plan and 11 percent are already using Artificial Intelligence. This shows that almost two-thirds of the study participants are in favor of the use of AI. In addition, more than 70 percent want to intensify the use of AI in the course of the year.

"The result is remarkable," says André Christ, founder and co-CEO of LeanIX. "Enterprises have identified the increasing automation of processes, foreseeable maintenance, new business models, and error reduction as the key benefits of AI technologies."

So why do a third of the leading European companies not plan to use AI in the future? The study identifies the main obstacles for the introduction of AI technology as lack of knowledge and experts (41%), complexity of the topic (28%), legacy processes and systems (21%) and internal politics (3%).

The companies that have already implemented AI have focused primarily on six core areas and are planning further growth. For example, 30 percent of the surveyed companies used Artificial Intelligence mainly in the field of customer service. 37 percent are planning to implement AI technology in exactly this area in the foreseeable future. An interesting finding was that only 7 percent use AI for their sales department. However, 15 percent of companies plan to change this in the short term.

"The LeanIX study has proven that the leading European companies are keen to build on Artificial Intelligence and want to intensify this even further this year," said Taz Shariff, Chief Conector and Co-Founder UK from We.CONECT, the organizers of the "Rethink ! IT Europe ".

A total of 82 percent of respondents are positive about the use of Artificial Intelligence, and some have already implemented AI in the business processes in order to optimize the processes. Only 14 percent fear large and uncontrollable damage caused by the use of AI.

About LeanIX

LeanIX offers an innovative software-as-a-service solution for Enterprise Architecture Management (EAM), based either in a public cloud or the client's data center. The web-based platform has compelling advantages over traditional approaches, including an intuitive interface, flexible reporting and open APIs. This makes it possible to rapidly roll out LeanIX in an enterprise with minimal training required so as to start reaping added value within a short period of time. Both SMEs and corporations from an array of industries are utilizing the solution – for example Axel Springer, Helvetia, RWE, Vaillant and Trusted Shops. Businesses of all sizes are being acquired as customers, firms which used to be reluctant regarding EAM or had frustrating experiences with cumbersome tools. LeanIX GmbH was founded in 2012 by Jörg G. Beyer and André Christ. With headquarters in Bonn, the company's large partner network expands throughout Europe, Australia and the US.

About We.CONECT

We.CONECT is an independent, owner-managed, medium-sized company based in Berlin and London. As one of the leading business information companies, it is developing and providing B2B Digital Media, Business Information, Business Events and Business Communities. Its founders Daniel Wolter, Henry Fuchs and Jörg Thinius are all having a long-term experience in the field of B2B services and are each specialised in different corporate categories. We.CONECT has a comprehensive product portfolio and numerous successful events series. Therefore, it’s providing his customers, which are global market leaders, medium-sized companies and hidden champions in DACH, Europe and the USA, with exclusive business information, communities, business events and platforms. For more information, please visit http://we-conect.com/.