The Integral Role of Process Intelligence in Achieving AI ROI

Rethinking Enterprise AI: The Role of Process Intelligence

As organizations accelerate their adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), the gap between expectation and reality continues to grow wider. The push for tangible return on investment (ROI) in AI initiatives has never been more critical, especially as enterprises face disruptions in supply chains and the rise of autonomous agents. According to Alex Rinke, co-founder and co-CEO of Celonis, successful enterprise AI cannot exist in a vacuum; it requires a deep understanding of business processes through process intelligence.

Understanding the AI ROI Challenge

The recent Celosphere 2025 event explored how businesses can derive measurable value from AI investments. With over 64% of board members prioritizing AI, only 10% of organizations report realizing meaningful financial returns. Celonis's approach emphasizes aligning AI with process optimization to tackle copycat implementations that yield lackluster results. The urgency for businesses to modernize outdated systems has never been clearer, as demonstrated by the findings from a Forrester study revealing that organizations using the Celonis platform achieved a staggering 383% ROI over three years.

A Lesson in Success: Real-World Applications of AI

One striking example presented at Celosphere was AstraZeneca, which used Celonis to enhance supply chain efficiency while maintaining critical medicine flows. Other attendees, like the State of Oklahoma, demonstrated how intelligent sourcing can unlock value exceeding $10 million by addressing procurement status at scale. These case studies not only spotlight successful applications of process intelligence but also underline the necessity of underpinned context in AI systems that guide operational efficiencies.

Raising the Stakes with Agentic AI

There's a marked shift from AI as a supporting tool to AI as an autonomous collaborator. Rinke highlights the potential risks when AI agents operate without comprehensive process context — an errant decision could trigger costly operational errors. The orchestration of AI requires robust frameworks to manage and integrate AI agents effectively within existing workflows. This orchestration helps prevent chaos from conflicting actions that may occur when multiple agents operate simultaneously.

Global Trade and Supply Chain Volatility

The volatility of global trade and the impact of new tariffs are reshaping how enterprises implement AI technologies. Organizations must now navigate real-time uncertainties while striving to remain efficient. Rinke warns of the operational nightmares posed by these rapid changes, urging leaders to closely monitor the alignment of AI strategies with business realities. Companies that prioritize adaptive AI deployment alongside proactive change management can mitigate risks and harness AI's disruptive potential.

Future-Casting: The Importance of Process Intelligence in Sustaining AI Growth

In moving beyond traditional frameworks, organizations must integrate process intelligence into their AI strategies to pave the way for sustainable growth. As customer expectations and market dynamics continue to evolve, adaptability in AI applications becomes crucial for maintaining competitive advantages. Investment in process intelligence will not only enhance operational effectiveness but also streamline workflows, ultimately leading to stronger ROI.

This emphasis on process intelligence reflects a broader trend identified in research from multiple sources. As businesses strive to optimize AI impacts, they must place greater focus on the foundational role of processes for successful execution. When AI is connected to clearly defined business objectives, the results can transform operational landscapes.

In summary, to harness the full potential of AI, organizations must commit to integrating process intelligence into their frameworks. As AI continues to evolve, so too must enterprise approaches, ensuring that technology provides value in real-world contexts while delivering on its promise of enhanced efficiencies and improved outcomes.

For businesses looking to maximize their investments in AI, consider investing in process intelligence tools that can align your initiatives with measurable objectives. This approach not only enhances operational efficiency but also significantly increases the likelihood of achieving meaningful ROI.