AI is lowering the barriers for noncoders to build and integrate software themselves, instead of waiting for the IT department to get around to their requirements. While we’re excited about the potential this unlocks, we’re also wary of the first signs of AI-accelerated shadow IT. No-code workflow automation platforms now support AI API integration (e.g., OpenAI or Anthropic), making it tempting to use AI as duct tape — stitching together integrations that previously weren’t possible, such as turning chat messages in one system into ERP API calls via AI. At the same time, AI coding assistants are becoming more agentic, enabling noncoders with basic training to build internal utility applications.
This has all the hallmarks of the next evolution of the spreadsheets that still power critical processes in some enterprises — but with a much bigger footprint. Left unchecked, this new shadow IT could lead to a proliferation of ungoverned, potentially insecure applications, scattering data across more and more systems. Organizations should be aware of these risks and carefully weigh the trade-offs between rapid problem-solving and long-term stability.
AI 正在降低非专业开发人员自行构建和集成软件的门槛，使他们无需等待 IT 部门响应自己的需求。尽管我们对这种技术带来的潜力感到兴奋，但同时也开始关注到 AI 加速影子 IT（AI-accelerated Shadow IT） 的初步迹象。一些无代码（No-code）工作流自动化平台已支持对 AI API（如 OpenAI 或 Anthropic）的集成，这使得用户可能倾向于将 AI 用作“胶带”，将此前难以实现的系统集成临时拼凑起来，例如通过 AI 将聊天消息转换为 ERP 系统的 API 调用。同时，越来越多具有自主 Agent 能力的 AI 编码助手，甚至允许仅经过基础培训的非技术人员创建内部工具应用。
这些迹象呈现出类似于电子表格（Spreadsheets）当年迅速扩散的特征：虽然为企业关键流程提供了快速解决方案，但在长期运行后往往会造成规模更大的技术债（Tech Debt）。如果不加管控，这种新型影子 IT 将导致未经治理的应用程序激增，安全隐患加剧，数据分散在不同系统内。我们建议企业对此风险保持警觉，并谨慎评估快速问题解决与长期技术稳定性之间的平衡与取舍。
