Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have profoundly impacted the business world. These technologies are purpose-built for data collection, pattern recognition, problem-solving, and decision-making. There are countless real world purposes for tools powered by these technologies.
Discover the top five most common forms of AI and ML in business and their real-world applications.
- Recruitment and Hiring Processes
One of the most tedious and challenging tasks of any company’s Human Resources (HR) department is searching through hundreds of resumes and applications to find the perfect candidate for each position.
Although human contact and HR departments are still necessary for training and onboarding, artificial intelligence has solved many challenges of the hiring process.
AI recruitment tools can instantly compare the data shown on resumes with the company’s needs and requirements for each position. This advancement allows it to select the best fits, notifying recruiters and Talent Acquisition Managers (TAMs) who to contact.
- Market Research and Analysis
One of the main draws of artificial intelligence is its capability for searching, analyzing, and organizing data points faster and more efficiently than traditional methods. In the past, a dedicated market analytics and business intelligence (BI) team would need months, if not years, to search, analyze, and organize what an AI-powered BI tool can achieve in minutes.
In addition to saving immense amounts of time, AI business intelligence is also much cheaper. 100% human-powered market research is relatively expensive, with each market report costing $3,500 to $4,000. In comparison, an AI-powered BI tool can generate tens of thousands of the same reports at no cost beyond the original investment.
- Chatbots and Virtual Assistants
Artificial intelligence has also revolutionized the way customers interact with companies, from customer support to feedback collection. The most common application of AI in customer service is chatbot applications.
These are automated assistants that leverage multiple machine learning techniques to simulate a customer-facing conversation on a website. The most notable machine learning technique used by these bots is Natural Language Processing (NLP)
Chatbot interfaces resemble miniature, social media-style instant messaging platforms. Their purpose is to guide customers through a company website, answer frequently asked questions, provide recommendations, and provide essential guidance.
The chatbot’s style and personality can even be customized to provide the consumer with an experience that matches the company’s image and branding.
When a customer’s needs exceed the chatbot’s scope or capabilities, they may even switch over to a human customer service employee, notifying the customer they will be speaking to a human being to resolve the issue or provide more advanced guidance.
- Customer Analysis and Targeted Advertising
Another major strength of artificial intelligence is pattern detection and recognition. One of the most relevant applications of these capabilities in business is customer data analysis.
AI-powered tools can, for example, scan product page visits and purchasing patterns, then offer a reasonable prediction of that customer’s subsequent purchases. Based on that information, the same AI tools may alter the customer’s experience by providing personalized recommendations, inciting them to continue shopping, and giving them an even better and more satisfying experience.
Customer data analysis also offers valuable insights to the company, instantly generating customer information and adapting and changing marketing strategies without waiting on manual feedback.
- Fraud Detection
Companies can also leverage an AI tool’s pattern detection and recognition capabilities to recognize abnormal or unexpected behavior, like in the context of fraud detection.
AI-powered tools specialized in complex pattern detection and trained to detect fraudulent behavior can assist a company in fraud detection and prevention in many ways.
For example, these tools can be used to analyze customer behavior, predict whether a particular user or customer is likely to engage in credit card fraud, and automatically deny transactions or interactions if the AI detects an attempt.
Artificial Intelligence is Here to Stay
Although all AI tools available today employ narrow AI that has not yet reached the level of Artificial General Intelligence (such as AI as portrayed in fiction), artificial intelligence is here to stay.
Continual progress in AI science, research, and developments will lead to ever-increasing efficiency and produce better tools for business in the future.
