Australian firms embrace AI & data for 2025 success

As Australian businesses head towards 2025, they are preparing for significant shifts driven by emerging technologies such as data accessibility, artificial intelligence (AI), and sustainability.

Industry experts predict that 2025 will see transformational changes in how companies across Australia manage and utilise data, focusing on transparency, accessibility, and sustainability as core elements of business intelligence. This shift is expected to impact multiple sectors as organisations strive to make faster, data-driven decisions.

One major trend anticipated for 2025 is the democratisation of data access within companies. Analytics tools are increasingly facilitating data accessibility for all employees, allowing even those on the factory floor to leverage insights previously reserved for IT departments. A case in point is Fyna Foods, an Australian Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) company, which has implemented a cloud-based data solution to unify its data sources. By using Qlik Cloud Analytics in partnership with Notitia, Fyna Foods has empowered staff with real-time insights, enhancing decision-making, resource allocation, and inventory management.

Alex Avery from Notitia highlights the critical need for data literacy across entire organisations. "By implementing data literacy and data-access as a whole-of-organisation strategy, businesses will empower their teams to make quicker and better information decisions that impact their bottom line," Mr Avery said. "This approach breaks down traditional data silos and enables every level of an organisation to make informed decisions with greater speed," he added. "In the current business climate, it's a clear competitive advantage."

Charlie Farah from Qlik affirms the transformative power of data being accessible across all organisational levels. "When data is accessible to everyone, from executives to factory staff, it unlocks the full potential of a business," Mr Farah stated. Fyna Foods' ability to unify its data helps in driving smarter decisions and fostering collaboration. "By putting the right information in the hands of employees at every level, businesses aren't just making data-driven decisions—they're building a culture of agility and innovation that sets them apart from competitors," he added.

In addition to data accessibility, AI is becoming increasingly integral as a tool for business, particularly in accessing organisational knowledge. AI tools allow users to ask questions in plain language and receive immediate insights, which is valuable for industries where quick decision-making is vital.

Avery notes the benefits of AI-powered access to information, stating, "AI tools like Qlik Answers give teams direct access to organisational knowledge, cutting down on the time and complexity involved in gathering information." He elaborates that integrating data from various sources to provide evidence-backed responses improves efficiency and responsiveness. Mr Farah also acknowledges AI's impact on workplace productivity, noting that, "Organisations now have the ability to put critical knowledge at employees' fingertips, bypassing traditional bottlenecks in data access."

Sustainability is another significant trend in 2025, with companies adopting green technologies, striving for carbon neutrality, and investing in efficient data centres. Qlik's participation in the UN Global Compact signifies its commitment to sustainability, aligning with ambitions like those of Microsoft, which aims to be carbon negative by 2030.

"Expect more companies to adopt green technologies and efficient data centres, moving towards carbon neutrality," Avery commented. He predicts advancements in cleaner cloud computing and reduced hardware waste.

Improved business continuity and compliance are also expected to be a priority due to stringent data governance and privacy regulations. Ensuring security and transparency in data solutions will become crucial, particularly in highly regulated sectors. Avery notes that strong data governance will offer companies a competitive edge. "In 2025, companies will continue to build trust in data through strong governance frameworks," he stated, emphasising the importance of aligning data strategies with business objectives to ensure sustainability and growth.