A growing number of organizations are recognizing the potential of artificial intelligence to transform operations—but a clear gap remains between ambition and execution.
According to a newly released 2026 Learner Report from Astutis, while expectations around AI continue to rise, actual adoption and readiness across operational teams remain uneven.
Rising Expectations, Limited Adoption
The findings point to a familiar pattern across enterprise environments. While nearly three-quarters of respondents believe AI will play a significant role in their work within the next five years, only a small portion report actively using it today.
Many organizations are still in early experimentation phases, with others evaluating potential use cases but holding back from full deployment. This reflects a broader trend seen across enterprise systems, where interest in AI is accelerating faster than implementation.
The Skills and Training Gap
One of the most consistent barriers highlighted in the report is a lack of readiness at the workforce level. A large majority of respondents indicate they either lack the skills to use AI effectively or require additional training.
At the same time, training budgets are not keeping pace with expectations. This creates a disconnect between strategic intent and practical capability—one that is becoming increasingly visible across enterprise functions.
For organizations investing in ERP modernization and automation, this gap presents a clear challenge: technology alone is not enough without the skills to support it.
Balancing Innovation with Control
Another key theme emerging from the report is caution. While many professionals express optimism about AI’s potential, concerns around over-reliance remain high.
This is particularly relevant in operational environments where decision-making has real-world consequences. The need to balance automation with human judgment is becoming a central consideration—not just in safety-related roles, but across finance, supply chain, and broader enterprise processes.
Beyond Technology: The Execution Challenge
What the findings ultimately highlight is not a lack of interest in AI, but a lack of alignment.
Organizations understand the opportunity. Many are investing in tools and exploring new capabilities. But without clear governance, sufficient training, and realistic implementation strategies, progress remains fragmented.
This “readiness gap” is increasingly shaping how enterprises approach AI—not as a standalone initiative, but as part of a broader transformation that touches systems, processes, and people.
Why It Matters for ERP
For ERP leaders, the implications are clear.
As AI becomes more embedded in enterprise platforms—from predictive analytics to automated workflows—the success of these initiatives will depend less on the technology itself and more on how effectively organizations can operationalize it.
Bridging the gap between ambition and execution will be critical. And in many cases, that means rethinking not just systems, but skills, governance, and how decisions are made across the business.
A Broader Industry Shift
While the report focuses on a specific professional group, the underlying message extends far beyond a single function.
Across industries, enterprises are entering a new phase of AI adoption—one defined not by experimentation, but by the need to deliver real, measurable outcomes.
The challenge now is not whether AI will play a role, but how effectively organizations can turn that potential into operational reality.
ERP News Editorial Team
The ERPNews Editorial Team covers global developments in ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), enterprise software, cloud platforms, AI, automation, and digital transformation, providing independent news and editorial analysis for senior business and technology leaders. Our reporting focuses on market signals, strategic shifts, and enterprise impact across the ERP and enterprise technology ecosystem.
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