DigitalRoute Report Finds Most Firms Lack Clarity on AI Costs

May 26, 2026
A new study by DigitalRoute shows that only 8% of organizations fully understand the true cost of delivering AI features, with many struggling to forecast usage and revenue. The report highlights rising operational costs and fragmented approaches to AI monetization.

DigitalRoute has released a new global study showing that only 8% of organizations fully understand the true cost of delivering AI features, according to a press release. The report, titled AI State of Monetization 2026: The Year Pricing Broke, found that 47% of respondents cite rising AI related costs as a top challenge.

The study indicates that many companies are struggling to forecast AI usage and revenue. Only 23% say their organization is highly accurate at predicting AI related fluctuations, while 61% report that revenue predictability has become more difficult. Margin protection has now become the leading priority for 35% of respondents.

DigitalRoute’s findings show no consensus on how to monetize AI. About 25% of organizations fully bundle AI into existing offers, 18% use paid add ons, 15% charge via API usage, and 12% apply outcome based pricing. Nearly a quarter remain undecided or experimental.

High quality usage data is emerging as a critical factor for AI monetization. Three quarters of respondents say real time usage data is materially important, yet 38% identify managing and leveraging this data as a major challenge. The report concludes that most organizations lack the commercial infrastructure needed to turn AI usage into consistent and profitable revenue.

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