AI for business

AI for business is the use of artificial intelligence to improve how a company makes decisions, serves customers and delivers products or services. The technology used depends on the business question. Machine learning can estimate demand from past sales, computer vision can identify defects in product images, and natural language processing can reveal recurring concerns in customer feedback.

A retailer, for example, can use demand forecasts to adjust orders before a seasonal promotion. The merchandising team can compare expected sales with stock on hand, while marketing can tailor offers to customers with relevant purchasing histories. In finance, analysts can use AI to flag unusual transactions for investigation. In procurement, buyers can examine supplier delivery patterns to identify orders that may require attention.

The value of AI for business is reflected in the decision or activity that changes as a result. For the retailer, fewer stockouts during the promotion would indicate better availability, while unsold inventory would show whether it ordered too much. Other applications call for different measures, such as the cost of inspecting products or the time needed to resolve a customer complaint. Connecting the technology to a specific outcome gives leaders a basis for evaluating its commercial contribution.