# Over Half of Project Managers Find AI Benefits in 3 Key Ways | Capterra > Learn how project managers are using AI and seeing positive results. AI is helping PMs improve their risk management strategies, increase efficiencies, and save time. Source: https://www.capterra.com/resources/more-than-half-of-project-managers-find-artificial-intelligence-powered-software-benefits-in-three-key-ways --- Project ManagementProgram & Project Management # More Than Half of Project Managers Find AI-Powered Software Benefits in Three Key Ways Written by: Olivia Montgomery Olivia MontgomeryAuthor Associate Principal Analyst Experience I’ve been an analyst at Capterra since November 2018, where my mission is to be a trusted thought leader in the projec... [See bio & all articles](https://www.capterra.com/resources/author/omontgomery/) and edited by: Lindsay Page Lindsay PageEditor Content Editor Experience I have been an editor at Capterra for three years, specializing in editing data-driven research and tech trends reports for small a... [See bio & all articles](https://www.capterra.com/resources/author/lindsay-page/) Published July 8, 2024 7 min read Table of Contents - [Positive ROI and PM confidence encouraging more investment](#positive-roi-and-pm-confidence-encouraging-more-investment) - [Top use cases of AI in PM](#top-use-cases-of-ai-in-pm-risk-management-task-automation-and-predictive-analytics) - [A deeper dive into using AI for risk management](#a-deeper-dive-into-using-ai-for-risk-management) - [Project managers expect AI to continue to improve rapidly](#project-managers-expect-ai-to-continue-to-improve-rapidly) ## 63% of PMs report increased productivity and efficiency as a top benefit of AI. PMs are seeing significant boosts to productivity and efficiency with artificial intelligence (AI), but it's easy to underestimate the complexity and run into problems. Our data shows that leveraging AI in risk management, task automation, and predictive analytics make the best path to early return on investment (ROI). As part of a larger study, we surveyed 2,500 project managers across 12 countries and found that 46% are currently using AI in their PM tools. This report is a deep dive into that 46% (1,153 project managers) to see how they’re using AI and the benefits they’re seeing.[\*](#methodology) Key highlights - **Positive ROI and PM confidence encouraging more investment:** On average, surveyed project managers report plans to increase AI investments by 36%. - **Top use cases of AI in project management today:** Risk management, task automation, and predictive analytics. - **A deeper dive into using AI for risk management:** 54% of surveyed PMs say they use AI for risk management, the top use case reported. - **PMs expect AI to continue to improve rapidly:** Areas of expected greatest impact in the next 12 months are automation of tasks, predictive analytics, and project planning. ## Positive ROI and PM confidence encouraging more investment The majority of project managers report success in their current AI investments, with 90% reporting a positive ROI in the last 12 months. This high level of success is likely encouraging increased confidence in the technology, as these businesses report plans to increase AI investments by an average of 36% by 2025. As AI adoption continues, so will the benefits. Today, 63% of PMs report increased productivity and efficiency as a top benefit of AI in their project management. These boosts can come from automation and task delegation as AI can be “assigned” tasks typically performed by the PM. Comfort in delegating important tasks to AI is high, with 88% of PMs feeling confident to do so. This delegation not only improves productivity and efficiency but also allows PMs to focus on more strategic aspects of project management, such as decision-making and stakeholder management. This blend of confidence, comfort, and awareness is driving momentum for further investment in AI, highlighting its role as an important tool in modern project management. ### However, there is a but… Nearly all (94%) of surveyed PMs feel confident in their ability to lead AI-implementation projects. But with only about half of them expressing skepticism toward AI, there’s indication that a considerable portion might underestimate the complexities and limitations associated with AI. Particularly the black-box nature of the inner workings. These PMs need training to increase their understanding of AI's rate of hallucinations, propensity for biases, and data dependencies. This education is crucial to help them effectively oversee AI implementation projects, make informed decisions, and manage the inherent risks. ## Top use cases of AI in PM: Risk management, task automation, and predictive analytics Current AI capabilities are pretty effective at providing PMs with deeper insights into potential risks, automating repetitive tasks, and providing more accurate forecasts. So it makes sense we see these as the top current use cases of AI by project managers. Together, these AI-driven improvements can lead to more efficient project management and increased project success rates, ultimately helping drive business growth and competitiveness. Let’s take a look at examples of what these top three use cases can look like. ### Risk management AI tools can analyze historical data to predict potential project risks and suggest mitigation strategies. By identifying and mitigating potential issues early, you and the project team can address risks proactively and avoid costly delays. _Deep dive in the next section._ - For example, let's say you’re starting a construction project. When you input the plan into your PM tool, the system identifies that a materials supplier you’re planning to use has historically delivered late and over budget. The system can bring this to your attention so you can make the determination if a change in supplier is needed or if a risk mitigation strategy would be acceptable. ### Task automation AI can handle repetitive tasks such as project status updates, task notifications, and generate reports which typically takes the project team hours, even days, a week. Automation allows the team to focus more on critical, high-value activities, thereby accelerating project timelines and improving overall output. - For example, a marketing agency’s PM tool might automatically update the project status and task assignments based on data received by integrating the [workflow management software](https://www.capterra.com/workflow-management-software/) and [customer communication platforms](https://www.capterra.com/customer-communications-management-software/). When a client reviews a deliverable and indicates their approval, the AI-enhanced PM tool will know to move the project forward. ### Predictive analytics AI-driven predictive analytics can help you design an effective project plan and identify potential risks before they happen. These tools can forecast potential timeline and budget overruns by analyzing historical data and finding trends and patterns. This foresight helps you plan more accurately, allocate resources better, and ultimately, execute projects with fewer disruptions. - For example, construction project managers can use AI to predict the likelihood of price increases in key materials based on market trends and historical data. The system could receive information on a rate increase on materials, such as steel, and notify the PM, allowing them to plan for contingencies and adjust budgets accordingly. ## A deeper dive into using AI for risk management From improved planning to data aggregation, PMs are using AI tools to improve their ability to lead projects and manage risks. Since the most common use case for AI is project risk management, let’s take a closer look at exactly how different types of AI are helping. **Running what-if scenarios:** Simulate various what-if scenarios—also known as risk modeling—by changing project variables such as due dates, budget, and resource allocations to see the impact they could have.  - An AI-enhanced scheduling feature might evaluate the impact of a potential delay in a critical supplier's delivery by adjusting the project schedule accordingly and predicting downstream effects on overall project completion.  - [Generative AI](https://www.capterra.com/generative-ai-software/) can be used to ideate various risks your project might see, help you prepare to discuss the risks with key stakeholders, and provide guidance on mitigation strategies. **NLP for unstructured data analysis:** Leverage [natural language processing (NLP)](https://www.capterra.com/natural-language-processing-software/) to analyze large volumes of unstructured data, such as emails, meeting notes, and progress reports. By extracting and summarizing insights, you can proactively address issues before they escalate. - NLP tools can scan through project-related communications to identify warning signs of potential risks, such as frequent mentions of "delays" or "resource shortages."  **Combine multiple data points for insights**: When integrated with other systems, AI tools can use data from various sources, such as budget reports and team performance metrics, to identify risks of project overruns.  - For example, the AI combines data from the [project management software](https://www.capterra.com/project-management-software/), [enterprise resource planning (ERP)](https://www.capterra.com/enterprise-resource-planning-software/), and [market research tools](https://www.capterra.com/market-research-software/) to forecast potential budget overruns due to rising material costs. These use cases of AI can help you identify the most vulnerable aspects of your project and help develop contingency plans more quickly and effectively. It could save you hours, perhaps days, of gathering information and analyzing all the different possible outcomes on your own. ## Project managers expect AI to continue to improve rapidly As AI technologies continue to advance, PMs report expecting significant advancements in task automation, predictive analytics, and project planning in the next 12 months. If you’re planning to start or increase investment in AI for your project management, we suggest focusing on these three areas for now. These AI-enhanced features will help PMs to focus their time on strategic decision-making and creative problem-solving, anticipate and mitigate risks with greater precision. AI can save you time and identify ways to optimize project resources, timelines, and outcomes. By preparing for these advancements and actively integrating AI into existing workflows, businesses can empower project managers to deliver projects more successfully. ### Recommended reading [6 Top-Rated AI Project Management Software](https://www.capterra.com/resources/top-ai-project-management-software/) This article lists six top-rated AI project management tools based on verified user reviews and our research team’s analysis. These tools use predictive analytics, machine learning, and generative AI models to help optimize workflows and mitigate risks related to project delays and budget overruns. [**What Is Project Risk Management? Everything You Need To Know**](https://www.capterra.com/resources/what-is-project-risk-management/) Projects can be risky endeavors, and if not managed properly, they can quickly go off the rails. In this guide, we explain everything you need to know about risk management in project management. [**4 Risk Management Strategies for Successful Project Execution**](https://www.capterra.com/resources/risk-management-strategies/) With a risk management strategy, you’re better equipped to handle unexpected project risks. Learn about the basics of project risk management and four risk management strategies to help increase your project's chances of success. * * * **Methodology** \*Capterra’s 2024 Most Impactful Project Management Tools Survey was conducted online in May 2024 among 1,153 respondents in Australia (n = 83), Brazil (n = 105), Canada (n = 78), France (n = 83), Germany (n = 88), India (n = 136), Italy (n = 80), Japan (n = 79), Mexico (n = 105), Spain (n = 72), U.K. (n = 89), U.S. (n = 155). The goal of the study was to understand how project managers are leveraging/incorporating AI. Respondents were screened to be project management professionals using project management software at organizations of all sizes. Their organization must currently use artificial intelligence (AI) in their project management. * * * Looking for Project Management software?Check out Capterra's list of the [best Project Management software](https://www.capterra.com/project-management-software/) solutions. ### Was this article helpful? * * * ## About the Authors [### Olivia Montgomery](https://www.capterra.com/resources/author/omontgomery/) Olivia Montgomery is an associate principal analyst at Capterra, covering program and project management with a focus on the strategic alignment of IT and operations to optimize digital transformation. Her expertise is featured in Forbes, Bloomberg, CIO Dive, and TechRepublic, as well as in podcasts, such as The Digital Project Manager. [### Lindsay Page](https://www.capterra.com/resources/author/lindsay-page/) Lindsay Page has been an editor at Capterra for three years. She specializes in editing data-driven research and tech trends reports for small and midsize businesses. She has more than a decade of experience writing and editing for a variety of industries, with expertise in cybersecurity, corporate and securities regulation, and finance. She has been a writer, editor, senior editor, and associate director. ### RELATED READING - [Choosing Project Management Software? Start With This Requirements Checklist](https://www.capterra.com/resources/project-management-software-requirements-checklist/) - [Stop Overpaying: How SMBs Can Cut Inventory Software Costs](https://www.capterra.com/resources/reduce-inventory-management-software-cost/) - [How Time Tracking in Project Management Software Supports Planning and Delivery](https://www.capterra.com/resources/how-time-tracking-in-project-management-software-supports-planning-and/) - [Sustainable Project Management: How Project Management Tools Can Help](https://www.capterra.com/resources/sustainable-project-management-how-project-management-tools-can-help/) - [Your PM team is switching tools faster. 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