How to use AI for business: Implementation and benefits

AI in business is no longer a futuristic concept — it’s here, reshaping how companies operate and compete. From small enterprises to multinational corporations, organisations are learning how to use AI for business to redefine workflows, boosting both efficiency and productivity. Yet, before diving headfirst into AI adoption, it’s important to plan carefully and understand its potential impact.

This article explores how AI is used in business, what advantages it brings and how to implement it effectively.

What does using AI in business mean?

Integrating AI into companies involves combining technologies such as predictive models, autonomous agents and automated reasoning to enhance performance across departments. AI applications can range from automating repetitive tasks to managing complex operations in areas like finance, logistics, manufacturing and strategic planning. In these fields, AI supports critical decision-making and streamlines essential processes.

As organisations discover how to use AI in their business, they’re leveraging it to analyse large datasets, including KPIs (key performance indicators). This helps forecast trends, automate predictions and uncover insights. Technologies like machine learning, natural language processing and computer vision are transforming data analysis, supply chain management, HR and marketing.

More companies are realising how AI can help their business by giving them a competitive edge. According to the consultancy McKinsey, this advantage comes from developing both technological and organisational capabilities that scale solutions and fuel digital innovation.

Why should you use AI in your business?

The primary reason to adopt AI is to raise productivity. By automating routine processes, employees can focus on creative, strategic work that adds greater value. This shift reduces human error and fatigue, cuts costs and boosts overall efficiency.

Take logistics, for instance. Traditional supply chain management methods can be limited. With AI, companies can anticipate disruptions, optimise inventory levels, plan delivery routes and forecast demand more accurately. These systems learn and improve continuously, enabling them to interpret complex environments and make context-aware recommendations.

The potential of AI is undeniable. Experts at Harvard Business School describe a “triple product” for adopters of AI: “more-efficient operations, more-productive workforces, and growth with a sharper vision and focus”.

How to implement AI in business

Before launching AI projects, organisations should follow a structured plan instead of improvising. Here’s how to implement AI in business effectively:

• Define clear goals and outcomes. Identify which areas can benefit most from AI and determine what results you expect.
• Identify feasible applications. Start small with pilot projects in high-impact areas before scaling up.
• Assess data quality. Reliable information drives AI performance. In logistics, for example, robots and automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RSs) generate vast amounts of data that AI can leverage.
• Select the right AI technology. AI employs various techniques and algorithms: machine learning, deep learning and others. The optimal choice will depend on your company’s objectives.
• Test and refine. Run limited trials before scaling. This helps evaluate performance, make adjustments and ensure better long-term outcomes.

Wharton School researchers Ethan Mollick, Kartik Hosanagar and Stefano Puntoni advise companies to train AI on specific organisational preferences. They also recommend encouraging it to generate multiple strategies and perspectives for effective outcomes.

How does AI help businesses?

Adopting AI transforms processes, improving performance while lowering operating costs. These are some of its main benefits:

• Higher productivity. By automating repetitive work, employees can focus on creative, value-adding tasks.
• Advanced data analysis. AI processes enormous volumes of data in real time, enabling faster and more accurate decision-making.
• Enhanced customer experience. Chatbots and virtual assistants provide quick, consistent, round-the-clock support.
• Smarter resource allocation. Automating certain functions can save time and money.

How companies are using AI

Organisations in every sector are discovering how AI helps increase efficiency and competitiveness:

• Logistics optimisation. Many companies already utilise AI to streamline inventory levels and better meet market demands. Mecalux’s Easy WMS, for instance, integrates generative AI through Easy AI. This conversational tool interprets and responds to complex queries, helping users make informed decisions and execute actions designed to maximise warehouse efficiency.
• Resource management. AI recommends operational changes that reduce energy consumption and extend equipment lifespan. Predictive maintenance algorithms powered by AI can detect equipment faults before they cause downtime.
• Customer service. Chatbots and virtual agents handle numerous queries without human involvement, learning from interactions to improve future responses.
• Fraud and cybersecurity. AI identifies anomalies and threats in real time.
• Talent acquisition. HR teams utilise AI to streamline recruitment, screening CVs and social media profiles to find ideal candidates.

Consultancies like McKinsey and Forrester expect ongoing growth in the field through AI agents, digital twins and advanced generative AI solutions, spreading benefits across industries.

AI for business: A constantly evolving ally

AI has firmly taken root in the corporate world, enabling smarter analysis, faster decision-making and more efficient management. Yet the journey is far from over. To unlock its full potential and ensure sustainable growth, companies must combine thoughtful planning with a clear understanding of how to use AI in business.