#United States #AI #Boston #Commerce #Akeneo

Akeneo's Latest Findings: Aligning AI Aspirations with Commerce Foundations

In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, organizations are under pressure to harness the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI). According to a recent study by Akeneo, a leader in product experience solutions, many companies are confident in their readiness to implement AI into their commerce strategies. However, beneath this confidence lies a complex and often challenging reality that centers on the foundational elements required for successful integration—namely, product data, technological integrations, and governance.

Survey Highlights: Confidence Amid Challenges

The Agentic Commerce Reality Check Report, which surveyed 1,000 senior IT decision-makers across the United States and Europe, offers insightful data on current attitudes towards AI. A striking 95% of the respondents expressed confidence that their organizations are prepared to embrace AI-driven commerce, with 87% anticipating an increase in AI budgets over the next one to two years. Notably, the U.S. respondents exhibited even greater levels of confidence, with 62% indicating they were very confident in their readiness.

Behind these positive statistics lie critical challenges. IT teams are being tasked with ensuring that AI operates effectively within established, often fragmented commerce environments. This involves addressing issues related to product information quality, proper technological integrations, and stringent data governance practices—all essential for creating a seamless AI experience.

Reassessing AI Readiness in Commerce

As AI returns to the forefront of corporate strategy, the focus is shifting. Organizations are no longer debating whether to adopt AI; instead, the conversation now centers on whether the underlying infrastructure can support its intrinsic complexities. Two-thirds of U.S. organizations report that IT departments are directly responsible for AI strategy, and more than 35% of senior IT decision-makers say AI has fundamentally changed how they perform their jobs. Despite the enthusiasm for AI, overcoming legacy issues—such as fragmented data and cumbersome workflows—remains a significant hurdle.

The Cost of Complexity: Data Preparation Is Key

A noteworthy finding from the report reveals that 44% of U.S. organizations allocate more than half of their AI project efforts to data preparation. This painstaking work, which addresses missing data attributes, inconsistent taxonomies, and conflicting product information, is necessary before AI can be effectively utilized. Romain Fouache, CEO of Akeneo, highlighted that while U.S. IT leaders showcase ambition toward AI, the real test lies in their ability to scale these initiatives sustainably. If organizations find themselves repetitively cleaning and restructuring data for each new initiative rather than developing a robust, scalable AI capability, they risk an endless cycle of inefficiency.

The Emergence of a New Discovery Layer

As organizations shift their focus toward AI-equipped product discovery features, the pressure to deliver quality product information intensifies. Nearly half of the surveyed organizations are investing in generative engine optimization (GEO), a trend that is gaining particular traction in the U.S. While the enthusiasm for GEO is palpable, challenges remain. Many organizations struggle with a lack of understanding and alignment across teams—barriers that can hinder the scaling of GEO initiatives.

As the new discovery layer solidifies, the quality of product information will greatly influence whether a product even enters consideration for purchase. Investing in a foundational system of trusted product data becomes crucial, enabling organizations to adapt quickly without recreating the wheel for each initiative.

Looking Ahead: Building a Sustainable Foundation

Moving forward, organizations that succeed will be those that prioritize establishing a resilient framework for trusted information, comprehensive integrations, and robust governance. This strategic emphasis will facilitate the scaling of AI capabilities while supporting existing commerce operations. The path to AI readiness will increasingly rely on strengthening the foundations that underpin today’s commerce rather than simply adding new tools and technologies.

To delve deeper into the survey findings and their implications for businesses, visit The Agentic Commerce Reality Check. Akeneo serves as a guide for organizations navigating this evolving landscape, providing insights that drive better business decisions through automated commerce solutions.

With industry leaders, including Chico's and TaylorMade Golf, leveraging Akeneo’s expertise, it is clear that companies committed to enhancing their product experience will stay ahead in today’s competitive AI-driven market.