Lean Solutions Group and Everest Group Study Reveals Significant Gap Between AI Adoption and Business Transformation

New Research Finds 69% of Organizations Have Advanced Beyond Isolated AI Use, But Only 19% Have Significantly Redesigned Workflows

MIAMI, FL, UNITED STATES, October 26, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Lean Solutions Group, a global leader in AI-enabled business solutions and tech-enabled talent, today announced the release of new Everest Group research showing that enterprises are adopting artificial intelligence much faster than they are redesigning operations to realize AI’s full business value. The report, “Designing the Human + AI Enterprise: A Transformation Agenda for Supply Chain-Intensive Industries,” is being introduced in conjunction with the FreightWaves F3 event, October 26–28, in Chattanooga, TN.

Based on a survey of more than 200 U.S.-focused senior decisionmakers in transportation, logistics, and other supply chain-intensive industries, the research finds that 69% of organizations have moved beyond isolated AI use cases, yet only 19% have significantly or extensively redesigned workflows to support collaboration between people in the form of experts in the loop and AI. Just 15% report comparable redesign of workforce roles.

To help close this gap, Lean Solutions Group has deployed its Experts in the Loop model, embedding experienced industry professionals alongside AI-enabled technology and redesigned workflows. The model combines the speed and scale of AI with human judgment, oversight, and accountability to turn AI investment into measurable operational performance.

“The challenge is no longer simply getting AI into the business. It is changing how work gets done,” said Jack Freker, CEO of Lean Solutions Group. “Technology can analyze, recommend, and automate at scale, but people remain accountable for the outcome. The organizations that get the most from AI will combine experts in the loop, intelligent technology, and redesigned processes in a way that improves performance for customers.”

The study identifies several gaps between AI deployment and operational readiness:
• Human judgment remains essential: Decision-making is primarily human-led at 72% of organizations, and exception handling at 60%.
• Investment is uneven: 67% prioritize AI platforms and 66% data and integration, compared with 33% prioritizing workforce upskilling and 17% each for governance and change management.
• Accountability lags: Only 26% have established formal structures for AI accountability.
• Talent pressures are acute: 58% of logistics and transportation organizations report talent shortages, versus 35% in other surveyed industries.
• Returns remain inconsistent: Although 84% report or expect meaningful AI value within two years, 30% report returns below expectations and only 24% report returns above expectations.

The report argues that meaningful transformation requires coordinated changes to operational workflows, business-value measurement, and workforce design. It outlines a four-stage path — Rewire, Replicate, Orchestrate, and Adapt to help enterprises move from individual AI applications to coordinated execution across functions.

For Lean Solutions Group, the findings reinforce its Experts in the Loop approach, which brings together deep industry expertise, optimized processes, and AI-enabled execution. The report includes a case study of MOD Delivery Services, a specialized final-mile logistics provider that worked with Lean Solutions Group to standardize processes, improve data visibility, and support automation while enabling logistics professionals to focus on exceptions, customer relationships, and complex decisions.

“The goal is not maximum AI autonomy,” Freker added. “It is a faster, more reliable path from insight to accountable action. AI should handle work within clearly defined boundaries, while experts provide the judgment and ownership that complex supply chain operations require.”

Looking ahead two to three years, survey respondents identify transportation planning and execution (53%), workforce scheduling and labor management (49%), and supply chain planning and coordination (48%) as leading opportunities for Human + AI transformation.

The report is part of Lean Solutions Group’s broader initiative to help organizations translate AI investment into measurable operational improvements. Download the report from Designing the Human + AI Enterprise.

To explore the findings in greater detail, join Lean Solutions Group for an upcoming webinar examining the Everest Group research, including the gap between AI adoption and operational transformation and the steps organizations can take to build a more effective Human + AI enterprise. Register for the webinar which will be held at 12 p.m. EST on December 8, 2026, at: Rethinking Enterprise Operations in the Age of Human + AI webinar.

About Lean Solutions Group
Lean Solutions Group is a next-generation solutions provider integrating AI-driven automation, embedded industry expertise, and technology-powered talent for its clients. Built on 14 years of proven success in the demanding supply chain sector, our AI-enabled platform serves hundreds of clients across multiple industries. With more than 13,000 employees in six countries and a rapidly growing base of more than 600 clients, Lean Solutions Group helps companies achieve immediate cost savings and operational efficiency while building long-term resilience and growth. By embedding intelligent technology with optimized processes and high-performance talent into the core of our clients’ businesses, we enable them to stretch what is possible. For more information, visit www.leangroup.com.

About Everest Group
Everest Group is a leading research firm helping business leaders make confident decisions. We guide clients through today’s market challenges and strengthen their strategies by applying contextualized problem-solving to their unique situations. This drives maximized operational and financial performance and transformative experiences. Our deep expertise and tenacious research focused on technology, business processes, and engineering through the lenses of talent, sustainability, and sourcing deliver precise and action-oriented guidance. Find further details and in-depth content at www.everestgrp.com.

Randolph (Randy) Pitzer
Pitzer Relations
+1 630-210-1631
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