Propel Software Reveals AI Adoption Challenges in Medical Device Industry
Propel Software, known for its product value management platform, shared new insights from its State of Product Innovation 2025: AI Adoption and Collaboration Trends study. The research highlights how the medical device industry lags behind other sectors in adopting AI for product operations.
The survey, conducted by Talker Research across 800 professionals in medical devices, industrial equipment, high tech, and consumer goods, shows that only 24% of medical device companies use AI in their product development processes. This is notably lower compared to 51% adoption in the high tech sector.
Why Medical Device Companies Hesitate on AI
The main hurdle for medical device manufacturers is strict regulatory compliance, particularly around patient data security throughout the product lifecycle. This cautious approach slows AI integration despite the clear benefits seen in other industries.
The impact of limited AI use is evident. A significant 76% of respondents in medical devices do not currently leverage AI, which correlates with challenges such as team coordination and gathering customer feedback. Specifically:
- 33% cited team coordination as their biggest product innovation challenge—the highest among all industries surveyed.
- 25% reported having no formal process to collect customer or market feedback to guide product decisions.
- 23% struggle with obtaining accurate product data and specifications during product launch and promotion.
Benefits Seen by Medical Device Companies Using AI
Among the minority using AI, the outcomes are positive. These companies report:
- 44% increased productivity
- 35% gained competitive advantage
- 31% reduced operational expenses
- 25% achieved technology consolidation and resource reallocation
- 23% lowered headcount
These results highlight the potential for AI to streamline operations and improve decision-making when implemented thoughtfully within regulatory frameworks.
Addressing Compliance While Leveraging AI
Propel Software offers solutions that integrate AI into validated platforms with configurable workflows and business rules designed to meet medical device industry standards. This approach helps companies use AI confidently without compromising compliance.
For professionals involved in operations and product development, understanding how AI can be safely incorporated is key to improving efficiency and innovation. Exploring AI training and courses can help teams build the necessary skills to implement these technologies effectively. Consider checking out Complete AI Training’s latest AI courses for practical knowledge on this front.
Survey Overview
The findings reflect responses from 800 experts across product management, design engineering, quality/regulatory, supply chain, sales, product marketing, service/support, and IT roles. Each industry sector contributed 200 participants, providing a broad perspective on AI adoption trends.
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