AI-Ready Processes Still a Challenge
Celonis' 2026 Process Optimization Report finds 85% of enterprises want AI-powered operations in three years, but 76% aren't ready. This is fueling demand for consultants skilled in process mapping, systems integration, and operational improvement to bridge the gap.
The Celonis report highlights a significant disconnect: While 85% of businesses want "agentic enterprises" powered by AI within three years, a large majority are struggling with operational readiness. This ambition is fueled by the belief that AI is a major competitive opportunity, with 89% expressing this view. This gap is creating demand for consultants who can bridge the divide between AI ambition and practical implementation. These consultants need skills in process mapping, systems integration, and operational improvement. Companies are recognizing that technology alone can't solve every challenge, and a people-focused approach is also needed. Enterprises face numerous AI implementation challenges, including poor data quality, outdated systems, unclear ROI, and weak governance. Addressing these challenges requires improving data quality, modernizing systems, managing expectations, and promoting adoption across teams. Consultants are also needed to address algorithm bias, data security, and system reliability. Celonis, a market leader in process mining, faces competition from companies like UiPath, SAP Signavio, and Fluxicon. These competitors offer process mining and business process management solutions designed to analyze, optimize, and automate business processes. Despite the competition, the demand for AI-related consulting is expected to grow, with AI consulting potentially accounting for 40% of revenue in the professional services sector by 2026.
