The more artificial intelligence spreads across companies, the more pressing the question of costs becomes. According to a survey by consulting firm KPMG among more than 2,000 executives from 20 countries, nearly a quarter (23 percent) have difficulties with usage-based costs. 42 percent said they only have partial insight into AI spending.
Many companies have already responded: 53 percent use dashboards to monitor AI costs, 54 percent integrate cost reviews into approval processes for AI projects. Companies with such measures achieve a demonstrable return on investment (ROI) significantly more often – 15 percent compared to just 3 percent without controls. Overall, an average of 7 percent can show measurable returns from AI.
Despite unclear costs, AI remains the top topic for investments: 79 percent of executives name it as a central area for new spending. However, 49 percent have already slowed, paused, or scaled back AI projects due to cost concerns. 22 percent are considering cheaper AI models, such as open-source Chinese models like GLM 5.2 or Kimi K2.7.
Rob Fisher, Global Head of Advisory at KPMG, concludes: “AI is now as much a priority in financial management as it is in technology. The real risk is not investing in AI, but doing so without cost transparency and without understanding the economics of AI.”
Source: www.heise.de
