Many companies are now deep into developing and deploying AI tools, especially within their IT teams. A recent survey by OutSystems highlights that AI has entered an early production phase for numerous organizations. However, while AI adoption accelerates, there are growing concerns about how well companies are managing and governing these new systems.

The Rise of AI in Enterprise IT

The survey, based on insights from 1,879 IT leaders, shows that most organizations are exploring or actively implementing AI agents. About half of those surveyed report their AI projects have moved from pilot stages into full production. Interestingly, Indian companies are leading the way, with half of them saying their AI initiatives are more than half successful. Many organizations are still figuring out where to deploy AI first and what controls to put in place.

Despite the enthusiasm, the report warns that AI adoption is outpacing governance. There’s a gap between what IT leaders want AI systems to do and what their organizations can safely oversee. This mismatch raises the risk of unmanaged or unsafe AI behaviors. Experts stress the need for companies to establish clear controls or guardrails, ensuring AI systems operate within safe and predictable boundaries. Integrating new AI tools smoothly into existing platforms is also essential to avoid fragmentation and maximize value.

AI’s Impact on Business Functions and Sector Differences

Survey data shows that AI’s most tangible benefits are seen in software development, where generative AI tools assist developers in writing code faster and more efficiently. Interestingly, while many companies hope AI will reduce costs or boost efficiency, only about 22% report these as the most effective outcomes. Instead, AI’s strongest impact is in improving software creation, which directly supports business growth.

Geographically, adoption rates and expertise levels vary widely. India stands out as the market with the highest share of users considering themselves experts in AI. Meanwhile, countries like Australia, Brazil, Germany, the Netherlands, the UK, and the US tend to be more cautious, with many organizations still at an intermediate stage. Germany and France, in particular, show the highest levels of skepticism, with Germany having the most leaders not using AI agents at all.

Different sectors show varied levels of AI adoption, especially in financial services and tech industries. These sectors are moving quickly from experimentation to full deployment, often in core business functions. They see clear links between automation and measurable financial results. The report suggests slower sectors could follow this model by starting small—focusing on high-volume, measurable workflows—and gradually expanding AI use, especially within IT teams.

Overall, the survey indicates that most organizations are adding AI capabilities on top of traditional coding and outsourcing methods. Fully AI-native stacks are still rare. Many companies are simply layering AI agents and generated code onto existing systems. This approach helps manage risks while gradually increasing automation. As AI tools become more integrated, companies can better understand their benefits and limitations, paving the way for smarter, safer AI use across industries.

Inspired by

• https://www.artificialintelligence-news.com/news/ai-workflows-developer-success-and-central-project-management-needs/

Sources

• outsystems.com