Generative artificial intelligence’s (AI) potential for enhancing operational excellence (OPEX) is vast. Since the explosive emergence of the technology in 2022, businesses have been exploring how generative AI can streamline operations, improve efficiency and reduce costs. While the full extent to which generative AI will revolutionize operational performance remains uncertain, one thing is clear; the need for modern businesses to prioritize the impact of this advancing technology (both positive and negative) is high.

A recent Microsoft and IDC study of more than 4,000 global business leaders and AI decision-makers revealed a tipping point as AI gains momentum across industries. It found that for every $1 a company invests in generative AI, the return on investment (ROI) is $3.7x, with the top leaders using generative AI realizing an ROI of $10.3. Almost half of respondents (43 percent) cited productivity use cases as providing the greatest ROI, with most organizations planning to expand beyond pre-built AI solutions to advanced AI workloads that are customized or custom-built within the next two years. Download this report for full insights.