Key success factors for AI journey at scale

ERA’s latest report, From Digitalisation to AI, developed with KPMG, outlines a series of success factors that can help equipment rental companies structure their AI journey and scale it over time.

Although AI adoption in the sector is still at an early stage, the report highlights that a clear framework can make the transition more manageable and more closely aligned with business needs.

According to the report, companies should begin by defining a long-term vision for how AI can support their operations and customer services. This vision serves as the foundation for decisions on governance, investment and priorities.

Click on the image to download the ERA report.

The first strategic pillar concerns governance and organisation. Rental companies are encouraged to establish clear roles and responsibilities when engaging in AI projects, with an internal lead to coordinate initiatives and ensure that solutions respond to operational realities.

A second pillar relates to the delivery model, which needs to match the company’s size, AI maturity and capabilities, whether relying on off-the-shelf tools or developing more tailored solutions.

The report also identifies several technical and cultural enablers. These include having the right data architecture in place, developing staff skills, and supporting employees as new ways of working emerge.

Ensuring responsible use of AI is also essential: risk management frameworks, legal compliance and ethical guidance form part of the foundation for any long-term AI strategy.

Finally, the report encourages companies to build an ecosystem of partners, allowing them to experiment, learn and adapt solutions as technology evolves, and as rental-specific applications mature.

By following these success factors, rental companies can approach AI in a structured and realistic way, focusing on measurable improvements while preparing for wider opportunities ahead.

ERA invites rental companies to read the full report to explore these recommendations in more detail.