Artificial intelligence has rapidly moved from experimentation to mainstream business adoption. Around 78% of organizations reported using AI in 2025, reflecting how quickly the technology has become embedded across business operations. Yet, only 25% of organizations said most of their AI initiatives achieved their expected return on investment, highlighting a growing gap between adoption and measurable impact. Against that backdrop, Dan MacDonald, founder and CEO of BIS Safety Software, believes many organizations assume they are embracing AI in meaningful ways when, in reality, they are only scratching the surface.
MacDonald observes what he explains as a growing divide between organizations that are integrating AI deeply into their operations, those that have largely ignored it, and a third group that believes it is transforming their business despite seeing little measurable impact.
His concern is particularly relevant in safety-critical industries where operational efficiency and workforce performance carry significant consequences. MacDonald believes this distinction is becoming increasingly visible across industries as organizations accelerate AI adoption while struggling to translate that investment into measurable operational outcomes.
