By Vidhi Patel
Artificial intelligence is transforming how businesses operate, allowing companies to make faster and more efficient decisions. AI is currently being implemented to automate tasks that once took countless hours of manual work. But local entrepreneurs have one essential question. Isn’t AI only suitable for large businesses with technical experience and large budgets? After thorough research and experimentation, I found that the AI industry is changing quickly. Software that once required experienced developers and large investments is now available to anyone with a smartphone.
To understand where AI could have the biggest impact, I started to interview business owners in Parsippany. Many explained that they felt overwhelmed by the disconnected tools and frustrated by their inability to use raw data to make predictions. Furthermore, many owners were hesitant to adopt the technology as they feared the replacement of human talent with machines. At the same time, others were confused about how to start learning about this innovation.
To help diffuse the confusion regarding AI adoption, I sought the perspective of a policy leader and a technology advocate with firsthand experience using the technology. Mayor Desai of Parsippany offers a key insight, cutting through the fear and noise surrounding the AI industry. He stated that “Instead of artificial intelligence, my word is assistive intelligence.” In addition, the mayor explained his personal experience with AI, stating that, “It completely helped us. We found no reason to replace anybody, and everyone became better at their jobs. All the mundane, boring work that people did was reduced a lot.” The message for business owners is that AI is here to empower people by increasing productivity, cutting costs, and helping gain a competitive advantage.
AI can impact many different business operations. But it is most advantageous for accomplishing data analysis and strategic tasks. For example, I was able to build a prototype of an AI workflow that collects conversion data from Instagram and Shopify to predict incoming orders. Next, that data is coupled with inventory data to calculate the number of days the owner has before a stockout. Rather than relying on manual data analysis, businesses can use AI to prevent problems before they arise. Also, with the integration of human-in-the-loop systems, the owner can oversee and control the system when needed. Automating repetitive tasks is an integral strategy businesses can utilize to increase efficiency.
Ultimately, the question is no longer whether AI is necessary in the business world. It is whether business owners can afford to ignore its benefits. AI has the potential to transform business operations. Small steps, like automating a single repetitive task, can have a measurable impact. Mayor Desai rightfully framed AI as “assistive intelligence,” a tool that can help owners manage their businesses efficiently. If you are a business owner looking to increase productivity and save time and money, now is the time to explore what AI can do.
