On the road to AI excellence: a study on the AI readiness of companies

Data foundation: the basis for digital HR processes

A robust database is essential for AI applications to function at all and achieve their full potential. However, according to the study, only 8% of companies have fully consistent data structures. Over a third of the companies surveyed are still struggling with isolated data silos - a serious obstacle to automation and data-based decisions. Areas such as human resources, which depend on reliable employee data, therefore benefit from structured data storage.

Technical requirements: Specialized systems are lagging behind

A flexible IT infrastructure in central systems such as ERP, CRM and HR creates the necessary basis for successful AI integration. Specialized applications such as business intelligence (BI) and supply chain management (SCM), on the other hand, often have compatibility issues that can make seamless integration difficult. These system discontinuities prevent the consistent use of data-driven processes - including in HR, for example in personnel analyses.

Integrated HR systems such as the Umantis HR-Suite provide a remedy here: with standardized workflows, interfaces and a clear data structure, they form the basis for strategically embedding AI projects - for example through the targeted analysis of development processes or training requirements.

Strategic objective: lots of potential, but little anchoring

65% of the companies surveyed see AI as part of their long-term strategy - but only 26% have actually anchored it centrally. Clear goals and KPIs are rare, which makes the success of AI initiatives difficult to measure and can hinder the expansion of AI use.

Security & privacy: minimum standards yes - certifications rare

Only 20% of companies comply with ISO/IEC 27001 standards . While many adhere to GDPR/DSG requirements, comprehensive security concepts are rare – particularly critical for AI projects involving sensitive employee data. For HR departments, this is a clear signal to structurally strengthen security and compliance . The cloud-based Umantis HR-Suite supports this with GDPR-compliant data storage , role-based access , and verifiable audit functions – key requirements for trustworthy AI applications.

Cultural dimension: between openness and uncertainty

According to the study, the majority of employees have an open attitude towards AI : 39% of companies are in favor of using AI, 47% have a mixed picture. Only 3% perceive pronounced skepticism. Nevertheless, clearly structured and regular feedback is crucial in order to reduce uncertainty and support learning processes in a targeted manner. Particularly in highly routine fields of work such as data processing or document management, the use of AI not only offers efficiency gains, but also noticeably relieves employees of monotonous tasks - which has a positive effect on their satisfaction. Whether new technologies can be accepted in the long term and their full potential exploited ultimately depends heavily on conscious cultural changes and targeted transformation measures.

Awareness and skills: Still plenty of room for improvement

51% of companies do not offer regular AI training. Only 9% rely on mandatory, comprehensive further training. Although basic knowledge is taught, strategic and technical aspects are often neglected. In addition, many companies struggle with a lack of specialist knowledge - whether internal or external. 39% of companies do not have an AI specialist in the company.