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Importance of Data Products for AI Success

As artificial intelligence (AI) transitions from experimental pilots to full production, the integrity and management of data emerge as crucial factors for success. According to a September 2026 study by Actian, the data and AI division of HCLSoftware, organizations that leverage data products—tools designed to enhance data reliability and usability—are significantly better positioned to achieve success with their AI initiatives.

In the report titled Data Products and Data Contracts in 2026: The Foundation for AI Success, a comprehensive global survey conducted in collaboration with BARC revealed that companies implementing data products are 3.4 times more likely to effectively transition AI projects into operational stages. The research highlights a marked increase in data product adoption, which has surged by 21 percentage points over just 13 months, climbing to 69% in 2026 from 48% in 2024.

The Case for Data Products

Emma McGrattan, Actian's Chief Technology Officer, pointed out, "AI is only as reliable as the data behind it." This statement underscores the research's findings: organizations with robust data management practices—those that view data as a product and employ active metadata and data contracts—are differentiating themselves by effectively scaling AI operations.

The motivation for companies to invest in data products stems from several compelling factors:

• - Trustworthy Inputs: 60% cite the need for reliable inputs for AI applications.
• - Decision-Making: 59% emphasize the necessity for high-quality data in informed decision-making.
• - Benefits include enhanced data quality (51%), improved access to data (47%), increased confidence in decision-making processes (45%), and boosted performance and reliability of AI systems (41%).

Performance Metrics of Data Product Adoption

Organizations that have adopted data products showcase notable performance when compared to those who haven't:

• - 85% of businesses with company-wide data product adoption report having three or more AI projects in production, whereas only 25% of those without data product strategies can claim the same.
• - 77% of companies using data products have at least one autonomous AI system functioning either in a limited or full capacity, as opposed to 23% of those who do not utilize such products.

Dr. Carsten Bange, founder and CEO of BARC, remarked, “Data products have transitioned from a theoretical concept to a fundamental necessity, as the market increasingly recognizes their importance.” He also noted a significant reduction in implementation difficulties, with the percentage of organizations struggling with governance and definition halving since 2024.

The Role of Data Contracts

An integral aspect of the effective use of data products is the adoption of data contracts, which set formal expectations regarding the structure, quality, and delivery of data between producers and consumers. The survey indicates 61% of organizations are currently utilizing data contracts, with an expected increase as 26% of respondents plan to enforce such agreements in the next 12 months.

Research Insights

The study conducted by Actian included input from over 300 qualified decision-makers in data and analytics, including roles such as Chief Data Officers (CDOs), Data VPs, Data Architects, and Machine Learning Engineers across various industries like financial services, healthcare, insurance, and technology, covering regions in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.

The findings highlight the importance of structured, reliable data management as the foundation for successful AI integration and innovation. In a landscape where data quality determines operational effectiveness, the push for robust data products and contracts is expected to become a defining trend in how organizations approach AI strategies moving forward.

For Further Reading

To delve deeper into the findings of this impactful research, the report titled Data Products and Data Contracts in 2026 can be downloaded from Actian's website, alongside a blog post titled The Data Product Advantage: Insights on AI Success in 2026.

About Actian

Actian specializes in empowering enterprises to manage and govern data effectively at scale. With a focus on simplifying complex data environments, their solutions enhance the delivery of AI-ready data across various operational landscapes, whether cloud-based or on-premises.

For more information about their offerings, visit Actian’s official site.