6 ways for IT to get the most out of AI

It all comes down to data.

Most organizations believe they have a strong data foundation. But IT teams—responsible for making that data usable—often see a different reality: inconsistent definitions, integration gaps, and manual workarounds that slow everything down.

When data isn’t decision-ready, AI can’t deliver the insights or impact the business expects.

This eBook shows how IT can strengthen data governance to improve quality, reduce rework, and unlock more value from AI—starting with travel and expense data.

Why data is the foundation for AI success

AI depends on clean, consistent, and connected data—but many organizations struggle to get there. Even with the right systems in place, underlying data is often misaligned, difficult to trust, or not ready for use.

For IT teams, that means more manual intervention, more complexity, and less time to focus on strategic priorities.

Data isn’t as ready as it seems

Gaps in quality, definitions, and integration require frequent remediation before data can be trusted.

Manual fixes slow everything down

The closer teams get to execution, the more hands-on correction is needed—delaying insights and outcomes.

AI loses impact without strong data

When data isn’t reliable, AI can’t deliver meaningful or timely results.

Why travel and expense is the right place to start

Travel and expense data is high-volume, constantly changing, and spread across systems—making it a practical starting point for improving data governance.

Addressing these challenges here can quickly reduce complexity and improve processes across finance and IT.

High volume creates compounding issues

Small inconsistencies in T&E data quickly scale into larger inefficiencies.

Poor data quality impacts outcomes

When data must be corrected manually, workflows slow and business results suffer.

Governance gaps drive rework

Without clear ownership and standards, issues persist and require repeated fixes.

6 ways IT can improve data governance

Improving data doesn’t require a full reset—but it does require a more disciplined approach to how data is created, managed, and used across the organization.

This eBook outlines six practical ways IT teams can strengthen governance and reduce complexity.

1. Assign clear data ownership

Establish accountability to ensure consistency, accuracy, and alignment across systems.

2. Standardize what “good data” means

Create shared definitions and models to reduce rework and improve trust.

3. Reduce downstream correction

Shift from fixing data after the fact to improving it at the source.

4. Treat integration as a data priority

Focus on consistency and structure—not just system connectivity.

5. Build governance into workflows

Embed controls and policies into day-to-day operations.

6. Align IT and the business

Ensure shared definitions, priorities, and ownership across teams.

Take the next step toward stronger data and smarter AI

Ready to improve data quality and unlock more value from AI?

Download the eBook to get practical ways IT teams can strengthen governance, reduce manual work, and build a foundation for better decisions—without adding unnecessary complexity.