Business Intelligence is at a Breaking Point, New Report Finds

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New data reveals that although the majority of companies report an increase in their data volumes this past year, nearly all describe scalability problems with no clear path from insight to action

The data crisis is here, with many companies struggling with legacy business intelligence systems that fail to meet their needs. The State of BI 2025 Report, released by Sigma and based on survey data from over 500 data professionals, business leaders, and BI users, offers a clear-eyed look at the technical and cultural realities holding organizations back—and outlines what needs to happen next.

Data apps and AI-driven solutions are critical for helping businesses transform insights into action

“The volume, variety, and velocity of today’s data have left businesses reeling,” said Mike Palmer, CEO of Sigma. “Our survey shows this industry is ripe for disruption. It’s up to us as leaders in the business intelligence space to provide solutions that address the technical, organizational, and cultural challenges that have become barriers to innovation. Data apps and AI-driven solutions are critical for helping businesses transform insights into action.”

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The report surfaces three urgent truths shaping the future of BI:

1. Data Growth Is Outpacing Legacy BI Tools

Most BI tools weren’t built for the scale of today’s data, or the speed of decision-making now required.

87% of companies say their data volumes increased in the past year

71% report BI scalability problems

76% cite slow performance, with delays in dashboards and reports

2. AI Ambitions Are Colliding with Infrastructure Gaps

Organizations are eager to adopt AI, but most lack the data foundation to support it.

89% of companies are actively adopting Generative AI

Yet 80% lack real-time data access, limiting AI’s effectiveness

78% struggle with a shortage of skilled personnel, slowing adoption

3. BI Is No Longer Just About Dashboards

The next wave of BI isn’t about reporting—it’s about enabling action.

37% of executives want BI to build custom data apps, not just dashboards

83% of enterprises say siloed departments block collaboration

75% cite resistance to change as a major barrier to innovation

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The State of BI 2025 doesn’t just diagnose the problem—it outlines what comes next, exploring how BI challenges show up differently across company sizes, industries, and team structures. It also offers a roadmap for modernizing analytics, from embracing AI and writeback to building embedded data apps that eliminate delays and disconnects.

“Times change, and the future of BI is already here. AI, data apps, and writeback capabilities are no longer ‘nice-to-haves’ – they are features of BI solutions that are imperative to stay ahead. The survey shows SaaS sprawl remains a key roadblock to addressing today’s speed of business, with companies increasingly turning to modern BI solutions – and that’s where Sigma comes in on top,” added Palmer.