Companies get more out of AI when they redesign the work, McKinsey shows

McKinsey split companies into three groups: those that only give AI tools to employees, those that automate processes and those that redesign work around AI. In the last group, 48% reported a significant gain. In the first two, 13% and 24%, according to the consultancy, in a 9 Sep 2026 text featured in the McKinsey newsletter of 24 Oct 2026.

They standardize processes, decide fast and cut handoffs. In one case the consultancy cites, an electronics retailer sorted out its data and systems before taking AI to pricing, orders and online sales, and that helped operating profit (Ebitda) rise about 35% in the very first year.

For a midsize company, the first step is to pick a whole process, like order to delivery, and design who does what with AI, instead of scattering loose tools around. It's worth setting one number to track every quarter and cutting what doesn't deliver.

The cost is leadership time to redesign the process, something no license solves. The 48% come from an earlier survey by the consultancy, and the data are the executives' own answers. Which process in your company still goes through more hands than it needs?

Sources

McKinsey, 9 Sep 2026. https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/destaques/a-chave-para-extrair-valor-da-ia-esta-a-vista-de-todos-e-o-modelo-operacional/pt