Now that 2024 is at its end, not only is it time to reflect on the year and work on New Year’s resolutions, but it’s also the perfect opportunity to revisit our predictions and see just how well our tea leaf reading played out. At the beginning of the year Philip Durrant, one of Adaptiv’s principal consultants, threw out some big ideas on what would shape the integration world in his blog— AI’s shift from an interesting concept to an essential tool, the long-overdue cleanup of pandemic-era quick fixes, and the ongoing skills drought. Now, with the year nearly behind us, it’s time to check in on what brewed perfectly, where things unfolded a bit differently, and how all this sets us up for the road ahead in 2025.
Looking Back: Here’s What We Got Right in 2024
Turns out, we didn’t do half bad! While there’s always room for surprises, here’s what went exactly as we anticipated:
AI moving from toy to tool
We called it, well Philip called it, and AI delivered. If you have seen any software presentation this year it almost always had the slide in with the words AI, AI, AI…. Platforms like Boomi.ai and Microsoft’s Copilot didn’t just dip their toes into AI; they jumped in, headfirst. For the first time, AI in integration went from “cool demo” to “must-have feature,” allowing teams to smooth out workflows, automate more effectively, and take integration from a chore to a genuine transformation.
Pandemic technical debt finally caught up
This was the year businesses had to face reality. After years of piecing together pandemic-era patchwork systems, companies started ripping off the band-aid, investing in sustainable solutions, and embracing a culture of efficiency. Not glamorous work, maybe, but important—and it’s setting everyone up for a smoother future.
Skills shortages sticking around
No surprises here—another spot-on call from Philip. It’s unfortunate, but when there’s a talent gap, technology usually steps in to fill it. Low- and no-code platforms continued their rise, bridging gaps where specialised developers were scarce. Boomi’s accessible, low-code approach made it a go-to for teams needing quick wins without the luxury of a big development team.
Data strategy becomes essential
With AI taking centre stage, data has become the real star player. Companies that had their data in order found themselves ready to ride the AI wave, while those without solid data strategies found that AI’s magic only goes so far. 2024 proved that having clean, structured data isn’t just nice to have—it’s a must-have. For businesses serious about staying competitive, this was the year to get data priorities straight.
AI hype meeting reality
2024 was the year of “AI everywhere,” but it came with a dose of reality too. Generative AI had its successes, but it’s not the cure-all some might’ve hoped for, me included. The prediction was on point—AI has incredible potential, but only when paired with the right strategy and foundation. For companies that managed it well, AI delivered real improvements. For others, it was a reminder that not every new tech is a magic fix. As the saying goes, a bad mechanic always blames his tools; knowing what you’re getting into and using the right tools for the right job is necessary.
Each of these trends unfolded almost like Philip scripted it. Now, with a successful 2024 behind us, we can’t help but get excited for what’s brewing in 2025. And if you’re ready for a bold call, here it is.
What’s Next in 2025: The Rise of Agentic AI
If our 2024 predictions were a good read, then pour yourself another cup because 2025 is brewing up something big with the term Agentic AI. AI won’t just follow orders anymore—it’ll turn integration into what we’re calling “intelligent-ation”, or what could become widely known as Agentic AI. Picture this: platforms like Boomi don’t just automate; they start thinking—well, almost—by making smart recommendations, learning from past workflows, and even handling minor hiccups on their own. Yes, we’re talking about integrations that know what you need before you do.
In 2025, with the skills shortage still on the rise and current trends continuing, it’s no surprise that we’re betting Agentic AI integration solutions will become the new must-have. Imagine platforms analysing processes on the fly, flagging inefficiencies, and whispering, “You might want to do it this way instead.” AI will start to act like a seasoned team member, not just a tool, helping to reduce errors, spot optimisation opportunities, and keep things running smoother than ever.
It’s ambitious, we know, but if 2024 showed us anything, it’s that we’re only scratching the surface of what’s possible. So here’s to 2025—where integration gets smarter and maybe even a little psychic. However, we still need to be mindful that Agentic AI won’t reach its full potential right out of the gate; like any new tech, it will come with its own set of hurdles to overcome. While we think whoever cracks the code first with Agentic AI will lead the market, early pioneers, though facing significant challenges, will likely reap the rewards in the end.
Conclusion
So, what did 2024 teach us? It’s been a year of AI proving it’s more than hype, showing its value for teams with the right data and strategy. And with the skills shortage sticking around, companies are leaning hard into platforms that don’t just get the job done—they help smaller teams punch above their weight.
As we look to 2025, the big questions are: how will AI keep reshaping our world, and are we really ready for the age of Agentic AI?
