Third of professional services leaders say poor data is blocking AI adoption – Dayshape

A third of professional services leaders believe poor data is blocking effective use of artificial intelligence (AI), according to research from Dayshape. 

61% viewed investing in new technology as a top business priority, with half also ranking it as their main personal focus for the year.

However, 34% pointed to poor data quality as the biggest barrier to using AI, while 32% highlighted problems integrating with existing systems. 

Cost and investment was cited by 28%, with 22% mentioning a lack of internal capability. 

Looking ahead, around a third said they planned to expand AI use in client delivery tools (32%), capacity modelling (32%), project and resource planning (31%) and workforce optimisation (30%).

Andrew Bone, VP of product at Dayshape, said: “Many people in professional services firms already struggle with poor data quality, disjointed systems and internal silos, placing a huge drag on operational effectiveness. 

“Similarly, AI initiatives will not meet expectations if they are layered on top of those foundations. 

“The organisations seeing the most value are the ones focusing not just on adopting AI, but on strengthening their data and building the internal capability to use these tools effectively.”