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The uncontrolled expansion of AI systems across an organization, typically driven by easy access to AI tools and a lack of effective intake and inventory processes.
AI sprawl is the cumulative result of departments and individuals adopting AI tools faster than the organization can govern them. Unlike shadow AI - which describes specifically unsanctioned tools - sprawl can include sanctioned tools that have proliferated without consolidation. The result is duplicated capabilities, fragmented vendor relationships, inconsistent data handling, and a governance surface area that grows faster than the team can monitor.
Real world example:
A global retailer discovers it has paid for 14 different AI summarization tools across various business units - each procured independently without checking whether an approved tool already existed.
