Bain study finds companies miss AI savings targets because humans keep getting in the way

2026-06-05

Summary

A Bain & Company survey of 951 companies revealed that nearly 40% achieved less than 10% in AI cost savings, falling short of their targets. Despite these results, 90% of companies plan to boost AI investments, particularly in AI agents. The study highlights excessive human involvement and data access challenges as key reasons for lagging savings.

Why This Matters

This study underscores the gap between AI investment expectations and actual returns, pointing to human involvement and data issues as significant barriers. Understanding these obstacles is crucial for businesses aiming to optimize their AI strategies and achieve better financial outcomes.

How You Can Use This Info

Professionals should consider evaluating their company's AI processes to identify areas where human intervention can be minimized and data accessibility improved. By addressing these issues, businesses can potentially enhance their AI efficiency and realize greater cost savings.

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