Firms Build Own AI Tools Over Off-the-Shelf
A Remote survey of 3,250 business and HR leaders across eight countries finds most organisations now build internal AI tools rather than buy software.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Remote Work
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Remote surveyed 3,250 business and HR leaders in eight countries and found 91% of organisations built internal tools, automations, or workflows instead of buying off-the-shelf software in the past 12 months. Only 46% view custom AI development as a deliberate strategy.
Why it matters
Ad hoc tool building that does not share data or controls can lead to errors and compliance gaps. Many organisations report data, process, or compliance barriers that limit how much value they get from AI.
Of 3,250 surveyed leaders, 46% build custom AI tools on an ad hoc basis and 90% intend to rely more on custom-built tools over the next two years. The survey does not report how many of these tools have produced measurable operational results.
The players
Remote
Remote is a global employment platform that commissioned the survey on how organisations are adopting AI and building internal tools.
Censuswide
Censuswide is a market research firm that conducted the survey fieldwork on behalf of Remote.
The details
Respondents were director-level and above with decision-making responsibility for recruitment. Among barriers to getting more value from AI, 33% cite regulatory compliance concerns and 30% say their data, processes, or knowledge systems are not ready for AI.
Timeline
June 2026: Censuswide fieldwork conducted for Remote.
Past 12 months: Organisations built internal tools instead of buying software.
Nov. 3, 2026: Remote released the survey findings.
Market Landscape
The survey's 91% figure shows organisations building internal tools at scale rather than relying on vendors. This points to a shift in how HR and business functions source AI capability across the eight surveyed markets.
HR and business leaders weighing AI purchases face a choice between buying vendor software and building custom tools. Ad hoc builds that lack shared data controls may create compliance risks for staff-related processes.
The takeaway
Organisations are moving toward building their own AI tools, but the survey suggests compliance and data readiness are the main hurdles to getting value from them. Leaders should check that custom tools share data and controls before scaling them.
Further reading
For more on how employers are adapting their workforce tools, see Remote Work.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Macau Business.
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