The enterprise data infrastructure benchmark report 2026

Enterprises are heavily investing in data programs, with an average annual spend of $29.3 million, yet most struggle to achieve the desired impact due to outdated and complex data integration systems that require substantial maintenance efforts. Despite the high financial commitment, operational inefficiencies, particularly in data pipelines, lead to frequent failures and downtime, costing millions in potential business value and delaying AI and analytics initiatives. A survey by Fivetran of over 500 senior data leaders reveals that the real problem lies in the architecture of data systems, which are often closed, brittle, and labor-intensive, hindering scalability and efficiency. Enterprises that modernize their data management by adopting automated and fully managed pipelines report lower costs, greater reliability, and higher ROI, as these systems reduce manual intervention, enhance scalability, and provide consistent access to reliable data, enabling organizations to focus more on innovation and less on maintenance. This shift not only supports AI readiness and advanced analytics but also aligns data spending with business outcomes, enhancing operational maturity and competitive advantage.