Key Insights from the POPX State of MSP Industry Survey 2025

How AI is Transforming Customer Experience in the MSP Industry

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into business operations is rapidly redefining what’s possible in customer experience. Across the managed service provider (MSP) sector, organisations are increasingly relying on AI to streamline internal processes, elevate service delivery, and drive better outcomes for their clients.

POPX’s latest "State of MSP Industry Survey" reveals just how pivotal AI has become. The data highlights a clear shift: AI is no longer a futuristic concept but an essential component of modern operational strategy.

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AI Adoption is Accelerating Across the MSP Landscape

blog-80-statOne of the most striking findings from the survey* is the sheer scale of AI adoption. A significant 80% of organisations now employ AI-powered chatbots as part of their client support infrastructure. This reflects a broader industry trend toward automation and 24/7 service availability. 

Importantly, the use of AI is not simply widespread - it’s proving highly effective. 86% of businesses using chatbots report measurable improvements in operational efficiency, demonstrating the value of automating initial triage, routine queries, and repetitive support interactions.

AI’s influence doesn’t stop at customer-facing tools. Cybersecurity has emerged as another core area where AI is playing a transformative role. An identical 80% of organisations have implemented AI-driven threat detection to proactively identify risks and safeguard their systems. As cyber threats continue to evolve, proactive AI-powered defence mechanisms are becoming indispensable.

Automation and Predictive Insights are Powering New Efficiencies

Beyond chatbots and cybersecurity, MSPs are embracing AI to optimise internal processes.

A substantial 76% of organisations are now using AI-driven workflow automation. This includes everything from onboarding and ticket routing to reporting and performance monitoring. The outcome? More streamlined operations, fewer manual tasks, and faster turnaround times for clients.

blog-68-statMeanwhile, 68% of organisations are leveraging predictive analytics to anticipate customer needs before they arise. These insights enable MSPs to:

  • Reduce churn through proactive engagement
  • Better align services with customer expectations
  • Identify issues earlier, often before they become service-impacting

Predictive analytics is quickly becoming a competitive differentiator for MSPs looking to deliver more personalised and anticipatory support.

Operational Efficiency Gains are Clear 

blog-62-statAcross the board, AI is delivering tangible value. The survey shows that 62% of organisations have seen significant improvements in operational efficiency as a direct result of AI adoption. For MSPs navigating high volumes of data, tickets, and processes, AI is proving to be a powerful enabler of scalability.

Alongside operational improvements, 69% of organisations have introduced documented AI strategies or policies to guide responsible use. This indicates a maturing approach - MSPs aren’t just adopting AI tools, they’re formalising governance to minimise risk and ensure ethical implementation.

AI is Enabling Service Desk Teams to Focus on Higher-Value Work

AI’s rise is reshaping the role of service desk agents. According to the survey, 65% of organisations report that AI has freed up their agents for higher-value tasks, shifting workloads away from repetitive issues and toward more complex problem-solving.

This evolution is enhancing both job satisfaction for agents and the overall quality of the service delivered. With AI handling routine interactions, human experts can focus on nuanced and relationship-driven aspects of support that require empathy, creativity, and judgement.

Client Satisfaction is Rising Alongside AI Adoption

Ultimately, the goal of AI adoption is not only to improve operations but to deliver better customer experiences. The survey results reinforce this connection:

  • 57% of organisations have seen a significant positive impact on client satisfaction, and
  • 41% report a moderate positive impact.

These findings highlight a compelling truth: when MSPs use AI to streamline their operations, customers feel the benefits directly through faster responses, more accurate resolutions, and a more proactive service experience.

The Road Ahead: Continued Innovation and Opportunity

The integration of AI across the MSP sector is reshaping service delivery and operational models in profound ways. From automation and predictive insights to enhanced security and service desk optimisation, AI is proving to be a powerful catalyst for both efficiency and customer satisfaction.

As adoption continues to grow, organisations that invest in AI-driven strategies will be best positioned to deliver exceptional client experiences and operate with greater agility. The potential for further innovation remains vast, and the MSPs that embrace this evolution today will define the industry standard for tomorrow.

Get in touch with our team to discuss how POPX can support your AI adoption journey.

*The survey was conducted by Sapio Research among 250 MSPs during October 2025.

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