Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to be embraced by businesses in their digital transformation journey for better efficiency, decision-making, and collaboration.

Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to be embraced by businesses in their digital transformation journey for better efficiency, decision-making, and collaboration. At Planisware, we recently hosted an exclusive webinar, “How is Generative AI Shaping the Future of PPM?” to explore the latest trends, challenges, and insights from industry experts.

The Evolution of AI in PPM

AI’s journey in project management has been decades in the making. From its inception in the 1940s with the development of neural networks to modern-day generative AI models, the technology has continuously evolved to meet the business needs of organizations.

Key milestones in AI development include:

  • 1948: Early neural networks and the introduction of the Turing Test by Alan Turing.
  • 1956: The term “Artificial Intelligence” was officially coined at the Dartmouth Conference.
  • 1980s: AI saw setbacks during the “AI Winter” but made a resurgence in the 1990s and 2000s with machine learning algorithms.
  • 2020s: The explosion of big data and advances in deep learning led to powerful generative AI models like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Microsoft’s Copilot.

Today, AI in PPM is now being used as a practical tool for automating tasks and predicting project risks. It is why Planisware conducted a survey in late 2024 to see how project leaders are using AI in their projects today.

Planisware’s AI Adoption Survey: Key Findings

As part of our commitment to understanding AI’s impact on PPM, Planisware conducted a survey involving over 300 project professionals. Here are some of the most compelling insights:

  • 76% of respondents work directly in project management, with 88% having over a decade of experience.
  • 45% of project professionals are already incorporating AI tools into their workflows.
  • Industries leading AI adoption include consulting and pharmaceuticals due to their data-driven nature and need for automation.
  • Top AI benefits cited by respondents include task automation, data aggregation, and knowledge capitalization.
  • Challenges to AI adoption include data security concerns, undetected errors, and a lack of AI expertise.

These results show that while AI adoption is accelerating, challenges remain in trust, implementation, and scalability.

Why is Trust in AI Still a Hurdle?

Despite AI’s growing adoption in project management, many professionals remain cautious. According to our survey:

  • Only 2% of respondents strongly trust AI in their workflows.
  • 39% are somewhat confident, while 30% somewhat disagree with trusting AI.
  • 16% actively distrust AI due to concerns over data security and lack of transparency.

Why does trust remain a challenge?

  1. Lack of Transparency – Many AI models function as “black boxes,” making it difficult for users to understand how decisions are made.
  2. Data Quality & Bias – Poor data governance can lead to biased AI outputs, creating skepticism.
  3. Control & Oversight – Many project managers want AI to assist rather than replace human decision-making.

To bridge this trust gap, organizations must prioritize AI explainability, governance, and ethical use.

AI’s Biggest Benefits in PPM

Despite trust concerns, AI is already delivering tangible value in project management. Based on our survey, the top benefits of AI include:

  1. Task Automation – AI streamlines repetitive tasks such as status reporting, scheduling, and risk tracking, allowing project managers to focus on strategic execution.
  2. Data Aggregation – AI-powered analytics collect and process vast amounts of project data, providing real-time insights, trend analysis, and predictive forecasting.
  3. Knowledge Capitalization – AI ensures that project knowledge is retained, structured, and easily accessible, reducing knowledge loss and improving collaboration.

Additionally, AI is playing a crucial role in risk mitigation, decision support, and resource optimization, making it a powerful asset for project leaders.

Challenges to AI Adoption & How to Overcome Them

While AI offers significant benefits, organizations still face hurdles in full-scale adoption. The top challenges include:

  • Data Security Risks – Organizations worry about confidentiality and data protection when using AI-driven tools.
  • Undetected Errors – AI models can sometimes produce incorrect outputs, leading to decision-making risks.
  • Knowledge Gaps – Many project professionals lack hands-on AI experience, slowing adoption.

How can companies address these challenges?

  1. Enhance Data Security – Implement AI governance frameworks that ensure compliance and risk mitigation.
  2. Maintain Human Oversight – Use AI as a decision-support tool rather than an autonomous system.
  3. Invest in AI Training – Educate teams on AI literacy and provide hands-on experience with AI-driven tools.

The Future of AI in PPM

Looking ahead, AI’s role in project management will continue to expand. Gartner predicts that 30% of generative AI projects will be abandoned by 2025, but the organizations that succeed will be those that integrate AI thoughtfully.

Some of the most promising AI trends in PPM include:

  • Predictive AI for Risk Management – AI will proactively flag project risks and suggest mitigation strategies.
  • AI-Powered Collaboration Tools – Chatbots and virtual assistants will enhance team communication and knowledge sharing.
  • SWARM Intelligence for Resource Allocation – AI will optimize resource distribution across complex project portfolios.

Planisware’s AI Innovations

At Planisware, we are at the forefront of AI-driven PPM innovation, embedding AI into project workflows to enhance efficiency and decision-making. Our AI-powered tools offer:

  • Generative AI for Work Breakdown Structures (WBS)
  • AI-driven predictive forecasting for resource management
  • SWARM intelligence for dynamic project scheduling
  • AI-powered chatbots for real-time information retrieval

As AI continues to evolve, Planisware remains committed to helping organizations embrace AI as a strategic partner in project execution.

AI is a Tool, Not a Replacement

The biggest takeaway from our webinar? AI is here to enhance, not replace, project managers. By automating repetitive tasks, providing data-driven insights, and optimizing workflows, AI empowers project teams to focus on high-value strategic initiatives.

For organizations looking to integrate AI into their PPM strategy, the key is to start small, experiment, and build trust gradually. AI adoption is not a one-size-fits-all process, but with the right approach, businesses can unlock its full potential.

Want to learn more? Contact us to explore AI-driven PPM solutions and improve your projects.

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