AI in project management: friend or foe?

We’ve all been there, a looming project deadline, resources stretched thin, and the pressure to get every little detail right because one slip could cost millions. 

Now, what if you had an assistant who never sleeps, processes complex data in seconds, predicts risks before they happen, and handles repetitive tasks, leaving you free to focus on strategy and leadership. That assistant? Artificial Intelligence (AI).

So, is AI a friend or foe in project management?

According to industry experts, and one seasoned professional who has led complex projects in the FMCG sector, it’s undoubtedly a friend, a powerful ally businesses can no longer afford to overlook.

This matters now because project management has evolved dramatically. Projects are increasingly complex, timelines tighter, and stakeholder expectations higher. 

The Project Management Institute’s Pulse of the Profession report highlights that organizations slow to embrace digital transformation risk losing not only market position but financial stability. AI isn’t here to replace project managers; it’s here to help them deliver faster, smarter and with greater precision. 

Predictive analytics is one of AI’s most impressive strengths. By analyzing past project data, AI can forecast timelines, detect potential risks, and suggest solutions before issues surface. Major companies like IBM and Microsoft have harnessed these tools, saving millions and avoiding costly bottlenecks.

AI also takes repetitive tasks, from scheduling meetings to updating project statuses, freeing project managers to focus on decision-making, stakeholder relationships, and leadership. Real-time dashboards, powered by AI, offer project leaders clarity in a sea of data, helping them focus on what truly matters.

One professional who understands this firsthand is Adekitan Oluwatosin Adetoye. With over 15 years of experience in FMCG food and beverage manufacturing, holding various engineering leadership roles and currently serving as a Project Manager at Pladis Global, home to globally recognized brands like McVitie’s, Godiva, and Ülker, he’s seen how AI transforms project delivery.

In his experience leading complex projects across manufacturing environments, he’s observed how AI-powered solutions are changing the way teams approach problem-solving, from enabling quicker analysis of data to supporting more informed decision-making. 

While every project presents its unique challenges, one thing remains constant: the advantage belongs to those who leverage technology to stay agile, anticipate risks, and maintain control in fast moving, high-pressure settings.

There are concerns that AI could reduce the human element of project management or lead to job losses. But these fears don’t hold up in practice. AI can’t replace human leadership, creativity or judgement, it enhances them. Project managers still need to make critical decisions, navigate team dynamics, and inspire collaboration. AI is the co-pilot, not the captain.

AI in project management is no longer a futuristic concept; it’s today’s competitive advantage. Businesses that resist integrating these tools risk falling behind. 

The smartest organizations are not asking if they should embrace AI, they’re asking how fast they can adapt and leverage it for better outcomes. Those who seize this shift will not only lead their teams more effectively but also position themselves ahead in their industries.

Adekitan Oluwatosin Adetonye holds a first degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Federal University of Technology, Minna, and a second degree in Business Administration from NOUN. Adekitan has over 15 years of experience in FMCG Food and Beverage Manufacturing. He has held multiple engineering leadership roles and currently serves as a project Manager at Pladis Global, overseeing large-scale projects for brands like MCVitie’s, Godiva, and Ülker. His real-world experience reflects how AI is reshaping the future of project management for those willing to embrace it.