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What Actually Works: AI Applications That Deliver ROI

By Juan Beltrán · 2025-01-20

After 17 years of AI implementations, I've seen what delivers ROI and what doesn't. Here's what the vendors won't tell you.

Key takeaways

  • AI adoption success depends on data quality and change management, not just technology. Expect 60-80% of project effort in data preparation
  • The organizations that win aren't chasing every new model; they're building systematic capabilities to identify, implement, and scale AI
  • Start with the value thesis, not the technology. If you can't articulate the specific business problem in one sentence, you're not ready
  • We're at Level 2 (Reasoners) in OpenAI's AGI roadmap, entering Level 3 (Agents). The organizations building agent capabilities today will capture tomorrow's value

About the author

Juan Beltrán writes about AI transformation, CRM, data analytics and digital growth for enterprise leaders in complex B2B industries. Head of Digital Marketing, ABB Energy Industries. 17+ years in enterprise transformation. Based in Zug, Switzerland.

Disclaimer

This is a personal website. The views and opinions expressed here are my own and do not represent ABB or any current or former employer. All content is based on public information, personal experience and general professional knowledge. No confidential, proprietary, client-specific or employer-specific information is shared.

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