Significant challenges as well as opportunities in document workflow processes exist across organizations. These were the findings of the recent study “Revolutionizing Document Workflows with AI” from Forrester Consulting, commissioned by Foxit. Forrester queried 402 PDF and document tool users and 116 decision-makers — uncovering a landscape marked by inefficiency and outdated tools, as well as a desire for the transformative potential of AI-enabled solutions.
The research found that organizations are using an average of eight different tools for their PDF and document needs. What’s more, 63% of users reported that their document processes are not well integrated with other enterprise applications due to this proliferation of point solutions. And 69% of users described their current technology as outdated, lacking process automation and leaving employees to perform tedious, manual work.
The impact of these inefficiencies is indeed substantial. Users reported spending nearly an entire day each week on overly manual administrative work, with 59% stating they waste considerable time on repetitive document-related tasks. Not only is productivity impacted as a result, but it also limits employees’ ability to focus on primary work responsibilities.
The adoption of AI for PDF and document processes remains low despite the clear need for improvement. However, with 61% viewing improved employee productivity as the primary motivation for leveraging AI in PDF tools, decision-makers recognize the potential benefits. Reduced operating costs, improved employee experience and enhanced operational efficiency were other benefits that were anticipated.
The report suggests that using one AI-powered platform for all PDF tasks could solve many of the current issues. Most users and decision makers (80%) believe that such a platform would be beneficial, as it could boost productivity, enhance collaboration, cut down on manual work and reduce the need to switch between different applications.
However, barriers to adoption exist, with budget constraints (73%), security concerns (66%) and perceived high investment costs (59%) being the top obstacles identified by decision makers.
The study’s conclusion was that businesses can greatly enhance their document workflows by adopting AI and automation. By consolidating their tools, using AI’s capabilities and focusing on what users need, companies can improve employee productivity, customer experience and overall business performance. It’s essential to recognize the importance of document processes and embrace digital transformation in this frequently overlooked area of operations.
Survey Key Findings
| Number of tools organizations use on average for PDF and document needs | 8 |
| Percentage of users reporting poor integration of document processes | 63% |
| Percentage of users describing current technology as outdated | 69% |
| Time spent weekly on manual administrative work | About 1 day |
| Percentage of users wasting time on repetitive document tasks | 59% |
| Percentage of decision-makers viewing improved productivity as primary AI motivation | 61% |
| Percentage agreeing a single AI-enabled platform would be valuable | 80% |
What Are the Top Barriers to Adoption?
| Budget constraints | 73% |
| Security concerns | 66% |
| Perceived high investment costs | 59% |
Source: “Revolutionizing Document Workflows with AI”
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DeeDee Kato is responsible for leading Foxit’s Product and Partner Marketing team. She has more than 25 years of experience in product management and product marketing working at HP, TIBCO, Fujitsu, Synactive (SAP Partner) and Accellion delivering products in support of ERP solutions and large-scale commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) software installations in both the public sector and private industries. Kato has a computer science degree from the University of California at Berkeley.
Foxit is a leading provider of innovative PDF solutions and eSign solutions, delivering secure, high-quality, and cost-effective software products to enable digital transformation and simplify PDF document management. Foxit’s diverse product line, including Foxit PDF Editor and Foxit PDF Editor+, has garnered global recognition and millions of users worldwide.
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