The demand for Generative AI (GenAI) has grown significantly, but its impact may be leveling off due to integration challenges and governance issues. A new report from UiPath shows that Agentic AI could fill this gap by combining automation and human input, allowing for complex workflows and better interactions with enterprise systems. Many IT leaders are optimistic, with 90% believing their processes could benefit from Agentic AI. Key advantages include increased automation and improved accuracy. However, concerns about security, cost, and the need for human oversight remain. To address these challenges, UiPath suggests starting with small projects and ensuring human involvement for better control and governance.
Demand for GenAI has surged over the past few years, but a recent survey by UiPath suggests that its value as a standalone technology might be stabilizing. Companies are facing challenges such as integration issues, limited autonomy, and concerns about governance that are slowing down the technology’s adoption.
Enter Agentic AI, which may offer a solution by integrating AI agents with automation and human input. Unlike traditional GenAI, these intelligent agents can perform complex tasks and interact with various enterprise applications. According to the UiPath report, 92% of U.S. IT executives are keen to leverage agentic AI, with 37% already implementing it in their operations. Even though some industry experts say GenAI hasn’t yet delivered expected returns, IT leaders are optimistic. A significant 77% of them plan to invest more in agentic AI this year.
Max Ioffe, a top director at Wesco Distribution, emphasized the role of robotic process automation (RPA) in orchestrating these intelligent agents. For larger processes, a clear orchestration and governance framework is essential, and RPA plays a vital role.
IT leaders are particularly worried about security, complex development, and integration challenges when implementing AI. With GenAI and large language models (LLMs), major concerns include data quality (47% of respondents), IT security risk (33%), and the lack of explainability in results (31%).
Moreover, a remarkable 90% of IT leaders believe they have business processes that can benefit from agentic AI. The biggest advantages cited include improved automation (55%), enhanced problem-solving (53%), and increased accuracy (53%).
Andy Fanning, an expert in automation and AI, stated that agentic AI represents an evolution in computing, requiring less human involvement. He envisions AI agents as decision-makers and referees, particularly in sectors like healthcare, where reliable data is abundant.
Despite its potential, agentic AI isn’t free from challenges. Security, costs, and integration remain significant issues according to the UiPath survey. There’s also a need for human oversight, with concerns about ensuring employees upskill to work effectively alongside this technology.
As Abhishek Mittal from Wolters Kluwer remarked, while automation is prevalent, human review remains crucial in many regulated activities and high-stake transactions.
To address the hurdles of agentic AI adoption, UiPath suggests focusing on small, internal tasks with lower financial or security risks initially. They advise employing orchestration to manage agents effectively and keeping humans involved for better control and accountability.
Tags: GenAI, Agentic AI, UiPath, Automation, IT Executives, Robotic Process Automation, Technology Adoption
What is Agentic AI?
Agentic AI refers to advanced software that can make decisions and take actions based on its understanding of the data it processes. It can work independently to solve problems or streamline tasks, making it useful in various business contexts.
Why do IT executives want to invest in Agentic AI?
IT executives see the potential of Agentic AI to improve efficiency and productivity. By automating tasks and analyzing data quickly, companies can save time and resources, allowing human workers to focus on more complex issues.
What industries are most interested in Agentic AI?
Several industries, including finance, healthcare, and manufacturing, are keen on investing in Agentic AI. These sectors benefit from fast data analysis, risk assessment, and process automation, which can lead to better outcomes and lower costs.
How can Agentic AI improve my business?
Agentic AI can help your business by reducing repetitive tasks, enhancing data analysis, and improving decision-making. This leads to faster operations, better resource management, and more informed choices, ultimately driving growth and success.
Is it safe to use Agentic AI in business?
Yes, when properly implemented, Agentic AI is generally safe. Companies should consider data privacy and security measures, ensuring the AI systems are designed to handle sensitive information responsibly. Regular assessments and audits can further enhance safety.
