AI for business
Feb 1, 2024

Top 10 areas of application for AI in companies

Artificial intelligence has long since become part of everyday life for many companies. In this article, we explain how AI has already integrated itself into our everyday working lives.

Top 10 areas of application for AI in companies

In the modern working world, artificial intelligence (AI) has long been more than just a buzzword. It has already found its way into numerous companies and industries, where it is revolutionizing everyday work and a wide range of processes.

Whether in the automation of business processes, in customer service or in data processing - the areas of application are diverse. This blog post provides a comprehensive overview of the top 10 areas of application for AI in the corporate context. We report on the importance of AI, why one in seven companies has already implemented AI systems, and take a look at the ethical issues that come with the increasing use of this technology.

The use of an AI solution can definitely bring high added value and is already everyday life for many employees.

AI in the world of work: Where artificial intelligence is already part of everyday life

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a foreign concept in the world of work and has already permanently changed everyday working life in many areas. In a survey conducted by the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK), for example, numerous German companies stated that they use corresponding technologies for a wide variety of tasks. Whether in data analysis, in customer service through intelligent chatbots or in the optimization of business processes through robotic process automation - the applications are wide-ranging.

Another important area is the manufacturing industry, where AI systems have a role to play in increasing the efficiency and quality of production. This involves the use of technologies such as machine learning, which make it possible to process large volumes of data in real time and thus make better decisions.

However, the introduction of AI in companies is not just a question of technology, but also of people and work processes. Employees must be trained to deal efficiently with the new systems, and ethical issues, especially in the area of data protection, must be considered carefully.

Overall, AI is already so present in the working world that it can be described as an integral part of modern companies. It offers immense opportunities, but also challenges that need to be overcome.

Why is AI important?

The importance of artificial intelligence in business can hardly be overestimated. In a world increasingly driven by data and technology, AI offers solutions that go far beyond the capabilities of human intelligence. Whether in the recognition of patterns in large amounts of data, the automation of complex processes or the improvement of customer loyalty - the possible applications are almost unlimited.

By using artificial intelligence, companies can not only increase their efficiency, but also consolidate their role in a highly competitive market. AI has a crucial role to play here, especially in the context of digitalization. In addition, artificial intelligence helps find answers to complex questions that are difficult to solve using traditional methods. Thus, AI is not only an innovative technology, but rather the basis for a company's future viability.

The top 10 areas of application for AI in companies

Automation of business processes: Robotic Process Automation can automate repetitive tasks, resulting in increased efficiency.

Data analytics: AI systems can analyze large amounts of data to provide valuable insights for the business.

Customer service: Intelligent chatbots and other AI applications improve the quality and efficiency of customer service.

Fraud detection: By using machine learning, suspicious activity can be detected more quickly.

Inventory optimization: AI can be used to more accurately forecast the demand for goods and thus reduce costs.

Personalization of marketing campaigns: By analyzing buying preferences and customer behavior, marketing campaigns can be better targeted.

Quality control in production: In industry, artificial intelligence can ensure the quality of products through automated checks.

Health management for employees: AI systems can analyze employee health-related data and make suggestions for a healthier workday.

Risk assessment: AI can help better assess business and financial risks.

Sustainability management: By using artificial intelligence, companies can make their processes more environmentally friendly.

In all these areas, the use of artificial intelligence offers immense opportunities for the optimization and automation of work processes. Companies that implement AI solutions have the opportunity to significantly increase their competitiveness and make their business processes fit for the future.

Every seventh company already uses AI

According to a recent survey by the DIHK, around 14% of German companies are already using AI technologies in various areas (DIHK Digitalization Survey (February 2023)). This underscores the steady entry of artificial intelligence into everyday business. These companies use systems to automate work processes, for data analysis and in customer service, to name just a few examples. Although artificial intelligence is not yet being used across the board in companies, the trend is unmistakable: more and more companies are recognizing the opportunities and benefits offered by this technology.

However, the introduction of such solutions also presents challenges, particularly in dealing with data protection and employee training. Nevertheless, the increasing use of artificial intelligence shows that the technology is no longer only gaining importance in large corporations, but also in medium-sized companies. It is therefore foreseeable that the use of artificial intelligence will continue to increase in the coming years, across all industries and sectors.

AI becomes the standard in app and application development

In the world of software development, artificial intelligence is taking on an increasingly central role. Technologies such as machine learning and robotic process automation are increasingly being integrated into the development of apps and applications. This enables an increase in the efficiency and quality of the developed software. Especially in areas such as data processing, the recognition of user preferences and the automation of tasks, artificial intelligence offers enormous advantages.

This development shows that artificial intelligence is no longer just a "nice-to-have" but increasingly a "must-have" in software development. Companies that integrate AI into their development processes have a clear competitive advantage. They can not only work faster, but also more cost-efficiently and accurately. Thus, AI-powered apps are increasingly becoming the standard in various industries, from healthcare to entertainment.

Artificial intelligence and its integration into software development also brings challenges, for example in the area of data protection or in training employees in the use of the new technologies. But the trend is clear: AI is becoming an integral part of modern software solutions and is a key to the digitization of companies.

Importance in the industry is growing

In industry, the importance of artificial intelligence (AI) has grown exponentially in recent years. Especially in manufacturing processes, quality control and warehouse management, AI solutions are increasingly used. Nowadays, AI in the enterprise is no longer just an experimental field, but a decisive factor for competitiveness and efficiency.

Innovative AI solutions enable, for example, the precise monitoring of machines and production lines so that faults can be detected and rectified at an early stage. In addition, such systems can be used to optimize the energy efficiency of production, which both saves costs and contributes to environmental protection.

Companies that use AI solutions in their industrial processes experience a significant increase in productivity and a reduction in operating costs. As technology becomes more accessible and cost-effective, the use of AI in industry is expected to increase even further in the coming years. As a result, artificial intelligence will become an integral part of the industrial landscape that is here to stay.

AI and ethics

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to gain traction in industry, ethical issues are also coming to the fore. The use of AI systems poses numerous ethical challenges that need to be carefully considered. These include issues of data protection, discrimination and transparency of algorithms.

In particular, data collection and processing by AI technologies raise privacy issues. Companies must ensure that the AI solutions used are in compliance with data protection laws and that the rights of individuals are respected.

Another important issue is the avoidance of discrimination by AI algorithms. Unconscious biases in the data can lead to discriminatory decisions by AI systems. It is therefore essential that companies develop and adhere to ethical guidelines for the use of AI.

Ultimately, there is also the question of transparency and traceability of AI decisions. It is crucial for trust in AI technologies that decision-making processes are made transparent and that ethical considerations are integrated into the development and use of AI.

Conclusion and the future of AI

AI is undoubtedly having a major impact on the business landscape, showing tremendous potential across a wide range of applications and industries. Whether in automation, data analysis or customer service, the use of AI in companies is a key factor for future success. However, the ethical handling of this technology should not be neglected. Issues of data protection and discrimination must be carefully considered and addressed in order to sustainably exploit the full potential of AI.

It is foreseeable that artificial intelligence will play an increasingly important role in the digitization and modernization of the business world. Therefore, it is essential for companies of all sizes and industries to actively address the opportunities and challenges of this revolutionary technology.

In addition, the advancement of AI technologies will also open up new applications that we may not be able to fully grasp today. From improving medical diagnostics to creating more sustainable business models, the future impact of AI can be far-reaching and profound.

In conclusion, it remains to be said that the introduction and use of AI in companies is not only a technological decision, but also a strategic one. Companies that address AI comprehensively at an early stage will be able to position themselves successfully in an increasingly competitive market environment.

Carolin Maier

Carolin Maier

Expert in design thinking, innovation methods and artificial intelligence and consultant for digitization strategies.