Potential and Impact of Integrating AI in Managing and Optimizing Business Processes

Thomas Weißenbacher, Richard Heininger and Christian Stary

Chapter 5 in Knowledge Management and Leadership in the AI Era:Harnessing Technology for Innovative Organizations, 2026, pp 97-117 from World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd.

Abstract: In this review study, we analyze the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for organizations when embedding AI applications in existing business processes. While such an integration enables significant efficiency improvements, particularly in the automation, analysis, and monitoring of processes, successful AI implementations depend heavily on the conditions under which companies operate, the industry sector, and the technological maturity of the company. When reviewing AI applications in the context of business process management, we looked for approaches to identify inefficiencies in business processes. The analysis shows that data-driven methods such as process mining with process discovery algorithms and machine learning offer effective ways to identify bottlenecks and inefficient business process steps at an early stage. We also examined the criteria companies can use to evaluate whether AI is suitable for process optimization. Such a decision is highly context-dependent and influenced by several factors, including technological aspects, the industry sector, the economic benefits, and the company’s strategic objectives. Overall, the successful implementation of AI requires not only technological adaptations but also significant investments in infrastructure, employee training, and change management processes.

Keywords: Business; Artificial Intelligence; Knowledge Management; Information Management; Leadership; Decision Making; Data Analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: L23 M15 O32 O33 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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