# Your AI Problem Might Actually Be a Process Problem

> AI automation fails when you don't understand the problem first.
- Title: Your AI Problem Might Actually Be a Process Problem · Inc
- Summary: AI automation fails when you don't understand the problem first. Companies automating without understanding their processes risk doing the wrong thing faster.
- Keywords: process problem, gembawalks, crucial conversations, gartner, mit report, enterprise ai, Problem, Might, Actually, Process, Inc
- Source: Inc — https://inc.com/bill-fotsch/your-ai-problem-might-actually-be-a-process-problem/91420951
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: ai, process problem, gembawalks, crucial conversations, gartner, mit report, enterprise ai
## Your AI Problem Might Actually Be a Process Problem
AI is quickly becoming the default answer to every business problem.
## Why Companies Automate the Wrong Thing
Many companies automate work they don't understand, doing the wrong thing faster.
## Gartner's Warning
Gartner predicted many genai projects would be abandoned after proof of concept.
## MIT Report Conclusion
A 2025 mit report found most enterprise ai efforts produce no measurable p&l impact.
## GEMBA Walks
GEMBA means going where work happens and customer value is created.
## Toyota's Approach
Toyota executive fujio cho summarized: go see, ask why, and show respect.
## Real-World Example
Operators wait 30 minutes for materials when reports say orders ship late.
## What Happens Next
Companies should understand their processes before automating to avoid failure.
## Key takeaway

Companies automating without understanding their processes risk doing the wrong thing faster.