IT Leaders Need To Stop 'Pushing AI For The Sake Of AI'
IT Pro, Tuesday, August 25th, 2026
Enterprises should let business needs drive AI adoption instead of deploying it because executives mandate it.
Ross Kelly reports that Appian's Roger Lee is warning enterprises against deploying AI simply because leadership mandates it, urging companies to identify specific problems before adopting AI as a solution.
Recommendations include distinguishing AI agents from simpler rules-based automation for straightforward yes/no decisions, maintaining human oversight in regulated industries, and prioritizing 'business pull rather than technology push.'
The piece cites Accenture telling employees to curb unnecessary AI usage over rising costs, and Gartner research showing AI is often deployed poorly matched to actual operational needs.