AI is increasingly recognized as a transformative tool for businesses, but its effectiveness hinges on understanding business processes. According to Celonis’ recently released 2025 ‘Process Optimization Report’, 89 percent of surveyed business leaders say that AI cannot deliver expected results without Process Intelligence providing critical operational context.
These findings emphasize the importance of integrating Process Intelligence into AI strategies as Celonis notes that its technology provides AI with the context needed to understand an organization’s unique operations. With Celonis Process Intelligence, businesses can ensure that AI agents deliver actionable insights and informed recommendations.
AI adoption on the rise
The report reveals that 99 percent of surveyed companies are deploying AI, with 81 percent planning to use it specifically to improve processes in the coming year. Furthermore, 74 percent of respondents indicate growing AI budgets and 64 percent expect significant returns on investment. However, concerns persist as 58 percent of leaders fear that process inefficiencies could limit AI’s potential.
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The finance and shared services perspective
Finance and Shared Services departments are uniquely positioned to lead process improvement due to their broad organizational reach. Survey data shows that 88 percent of leaders in these areas believe greater process visibility is crucial and 91 percent identify untapped value within their processes. Automation is also strong, with 73 percent of financial processes already partially automated and more investments planned in tasks like fraud detection and financial forecasting.
As AI’s value lies in its ability to analyze data and make decisions, without a clear understanding of how processes operate, its impact can diminish. For this reason, Celonis co-CEO Alex Rinke explains: “AI agents need to be process-aware – just like a GPS needs a map.” Celonis’ platform aims to provide this map by creating a living digital twin of a business’ processes and enabling AI to interact with contextual data, such as key performance indicators and approval workflows.
The road ahead
Business leaders are optimistic about AI’s potential but acknowledge that process optimization is critical. Celonis’ research suggests that solutions like the Process Intelligence Graph can uncover inefficiencies and enable AI to work effectively. As organizations seek to improve productivity and drive innovation, feeding AI with robust Process Intelligence will be vital to achieving sustainable success.
What it means for ERP insiders
Revolutionizing the day-to-day for ERP professionals: For ERP managers, finance leads and shared services professionals, the integration of AI and Process Intelligence promises to redefine daily operations. Imagine leveraging AI not just to automate routine tasks but to deliver actionable insights that drive smarter decisions and measurable results. Celonis’ latest offerings, highlighted in the 2025 ‘Process Optimization Report,’ showcase how its Process Intelligence technology provides the operational context necessary for AI to excel. Whether it’s streamlining approval workflows or enhancing financial forecasting, this technology can equip ERP end-users to unlock untapped process value, reducing inefficiencies and paving the way for scalable innovation. This marks a significant shift from reactive management to proactive, data-driven leadership in enterprise resource planning.
Macro trends and the competitive landscape: The broader market for AI and process optimization technologies is experiencing exponential growth, with AI adoption in enterprises surpassing 90 percent, according to recent industry reports. This surge is driven by an increasing need for efficiency in an era of economic uncertainty, where every operational improvement contributes to competitive advantage. Market leaders like Celonis are not alone; competitors such as UiPath and Signavio are also expanding their footprints with complementary automation and process mining solutions. The combined AI and Process Intelligence sector is projected to reach a market size exceeding $50 billion by 2030, fueled by rising investments and a clear trajectory toward process-centric AI applications. The message is clear: businesses are betting on the marriage of AI and Process Intelligence to drive transformative change.
What ERP professionals should prioritize: When evaluating technology providers in the AI and Process Intelligence space, ERP end-users should prioritize key criteria. These include the ability to seamlessly integrate with existing ERP systems, scalability to adapt as business needs evolve and user-centric interfaces that simplify adoption across teams. The depth of process insights – such as the creation of detailed digital twins – should also be a determining factor, ensuring that AI solutions can interact meaningfully with contextual data. Vendors that demonstrate a proven ROI and provide robust support for process optimization, like Celonis, stand out in this competitive landscape. Ultimately, the goal is to partner with a provider capable of delivering sustained value through smarter processes and empowered decision-making.
