What's Broken in BI? We Asked 500 Data Professionals

Business intelligence (BI) is undergoing a significant transformation as evolving AI capabilities and increasing data demands challenge traditional approaches. The State of BI 2025 report, based on a survey of over 500 BI professionals and executives, highlights critical issues such as escalating data volumes, with 87% of companies reporting increases, and the inadequacy of current BI tools, with 71% indicating they are not keeping pace. Additionally, there is a pronounced talent gap, with 78% of companies lacking the necessary personnel to leverage their data effectively. While 89% of companies are adopting generative AI, many lack the foundational infrastructure to fully harness its potential. Executives are increasingly seeking BI tools capable of building custom data apps, reflecting a shift from static dashboards to more interactive, embedded solutions that integrate seamlessly into business workflows. The report underscores a pressing need for BI strategies to prioritize speed, scalability, and AI readiness, moving beyond mere patchwork solutions to meet the demands of modern business environments.