--- description: This article will look at what artificial intelligence is, different business applications of AI, and its use in engaging with customers and employees. image: https://gdm-localsites-assets-gfprod.imgix.net/images/capterra/og_logo-e5a8c001ed0bd1bb922639230fcea71a.png?auto=format%2Cenhance%2Ccompress title: Artificial intelligence: How to apply it to your business --- # Artificial intelligence: How to apply it to your business Canonical: https://www.capterra.co.uk/blog/836/how-to-apply-ai-to-your-business Published on 20/05/2022 | Written by Sonia Navarrete, Lucca Rossi, Sukanya Awasthi. ![Artificial intelligence: How to apply it to your business](https://images.ctfassets.net/63bmaubptoky/zjMfHk7JtCM03FOgpWC3_-nosfCcJvZIqhGuns_rxvc/4da9151a75e0e87b440af0cf1a5717ec/Artificial-intelligence-UK-CA-Header-1.png) > This article was originally published on 08/22/2019. ----- ## Article Content This article was originally published on 08/22/2019.The artificial intelligence (AI) market in the UK is expected to grow rapidly over the next five years, adding US$880 billion to the UK economy by 2035. To harness this potential, businesses may be interested to know how the applications of artificial intelligence can benefit them. Accordingly, in this article, we will look at the uses of AI for small to midsize enterprises (SMEs).In this articleWhat is artificial intelligence?Customer relationship managementChatbotsMarketing automationHuman ResourcesHow to get started?Artificial intelligence or AI is possibly a part of many industries nowadays and the business world is no exception. According to a report by Gartner, service leaders should use AI to provide insights or predictions, enhance user experiences, and automate business processes. Before we delve deeper into the applications of artificial intelligence in business, let us first understand what AI is.What is artificial intelligence? AI is technology that applies advanced analysis and logic-based techniques to help automate decisions, imitate human behaviour, and perform activities like learning, problem-solving, and decision making.For example, the use of artificial intelligence could allow companies to launch targeted advertising campaigns, automate mundane tasks or help cure serious diseases such as cancer. In fact, many patients used telemedicine software, which can make use of AI technology, for the first time during the COVID-19 pandemic. At first, using artificial intelligence technology in companies may seem a bit distant or complicated, but the reality is different. The next sections will look at the uses of AI and how artificial intelligence in business can be used to potentially increase profits.Customer relationship managementCustomer relationship management (CRM) is defined as follows: ‘Customer relationship management (CRM) is a system of strategically overseeing customer interactions, behaviors, and experiences, especially in online marketing. CRM aims to analyze customer resource use to improve future experiences and drive profit. It usually involves software that tracks activities such as opening emails, clicking links, visiting a website, and sales.’Using AI, CRM software can possibly predict behaviour patterns by analysing the ‘footprint’ left by consumers in the digital world. By helping to understand consumers in the smallest detail, AI potentially enables companies to develop better sales strategies and rethink the way they communicate with potential customers. In addition, by identifying patterns in data through AI, it may also be possible to gain insight on consumers who are more likely to buy certain products at the most appropriate time using the data collected by CRM software. CRM tools can also potentially help in targeting only those customers who may be interested in buying the product or service. In addition, automation, powered by AI, can also help vendors with repetitive work and process optimisation.ChatbotsA chatbot is a computer program that simulates communication with humans via the internet, allowing people to communicate with digital gadgets as though they were talking to a real person. Such communication can be via both text and speech. The use of chatbots could be gaining popularity and is another area that may be benefiting from artificial intelligence technology. AI technology can be used in the enhancement of tools like chatbots in order to make virtual assistance as natural and efficient as possible. According to an article by the University of Aberdeen, artificially intelligent chatbots have been embraced by the UK public sector, under the ‘ Digital Transformation’ strategy. The article also states that in a public sector organisation they recently collaborated with, artificial intelligence chatbots were involved in the customisation process which included instructing the chatbot to comprehend questions about financial topics as well as informal questions about the chatbots’ creation.Marketing automationArtificial intelligence can potentially help in the development of marketing campaigns designed for a certain type of consumer based on their online behaviour. It may also help businesses to make the most of the available budget by knowing their target audience. Marketing automation platforms use AI technology to optimise advertisements on large platforms such as social media platforms, search engines etc. As per an article by the Harvard Business Review, analysing consumer habits with the help of artificial intelligence allows companies to regulate pricing by changing the price of a product or service based on who is interested in buying with the aim to maximise their profits. AI-led tools may also help these companies schedule promotions and offers. With such statistical analysis tools, it may be possible to find out from the data gathered what the strengths and weaknesses of the business are, which can help business owners be more aware of the niche markets that may go unnoticed if all this information isn’t analysed.Human ResourcesAnother area where automation may gain prominence is the HR department. AI powered platforms can possibly be used to help HR professionals in different areas of their work like managing staff holidays and benefits, and keeping track of employees’ time. Some additional benefits are listed below:AI tools can help in application trackingWhen companies receive a large number of CVs for certain vacancies, choosing the ones that fit best can be a challenge. AI-powered applicant tracking system software can make the process of tracking candidate applications   easier.AI platforms can assist in employee onboardingNew employees normally have similar questions when they start working in a company. With a portal optimised with artificial intelligence technology, new staff may be able to make inquiries without having to contact an HR representative or department directly via applications like self-help chatbots.AI technology can aid in employee analysis and trainingWith the analysis of workers’ performance data, it may be possible to identify staff weaknesses. Once companies are able to figure out the areas of improvement, they can develop training modules to help employees overcome knowledge gaps.How to get started?The use of artificial intelligence technology in companies is potentially being adopted, but it may be necessary to keep an eye out for new developments in the area since changes in this field are ongoing. For small businesses, where there are financial restrictions, it may be helpful to explore free AI software options that can enable easy integration of AI technology with other industries.Looking for artificial intelligence (AI) software? Check out our catalogue\! ## About the authors ### Sonia Navarrete Sonia is a Senior Content Analyst at Capterra, helping SMEs choose the best software. She published in Raconteur, Computer Weekly and IT Pro. Journalist and PR. ### Lucca Rossi Lucca is a Program Manager in Capterra. As an analyst, he covered themes such as cybersecurity and digital means of payment. His work appeared on the sheet of S.Paulo and TecMundo. ### Sukanya Awasthi Sukanya Awasthi is a content analyst for Capterra, covering emerging technology trends with a focus on retail, construction and ERP. With an educational background in Computer Science, she brings 8 years of hands-on experience to her writing, translating intricate technical concepts into accessible and informative insights. Sukanya’s research and analysis is informed by nearly 200,000 authentic user reviews on Capterra and over 40,000 interactions between Capterra software advisors and software buyers. Sukanya also regularly analyzes market sentiment by conducting surveys of business leaders in the construction space, as well as retail leaders and consumers, so she can provide the most up-to-date and helpful information to small and midsize businesses purchasing software or services. Her work has been featured in Financial Express, Economic Times, and Bloomberg Quint, among other publications. Outside of work, she likes to spend time with her loved ones and her two dogs. ## Related Categories - [Accounting Software](https://www.capterra.co.uk/directory/1/accounting/software) - [Business Intelligence Platform](https://www.capterra.co.uk/directory/23/business-intelligence/software) - [Business Performance Management Software](https://www.capterra.co.uk/directory/30051/business-performance-management-software/software) - [CRM Software](https://www.capterra.co.uk/directory/2/customer-relationship-management/software) - [Project Management Software](https://www.capterra.co.uk/directory/30002/project-management/software) ## Related Articles - [29% of companies say reviews can lead to an increase in sales](https://www.capterra.co.uk/blog/1777/1-3-sme-use-reviews-software) - [Capterra’s Proprietary Data & Research Methodologies](https://www.capterra.co.uk/blog/7606/proprietary-data-research-uk) - [How have consumer expectations changed with the cost of living crisis in the UK?](https://www.capterra.co.uk/blog/3632/cost-of-living-crisis-uk-consumer-expectations) - [Top 4 web conferencing software and their key features](https://www.capterra.co.uk/blog/2592/top-web-conferencing-software) - [5 simple budget apps for better planning in 2020](https://www.capterra.co.uk/blog/1123/5-simple-budget-apps-to-help-you-in-2020) ## Links - [View on Capterra](https://www.capterra.co.uk/blog/836/how-to-apply-ai-to-your-business) - [Blog](https://www.capterra.co.uk/blog) - [Home](https://www.capterra.co.uk/) ----- ## Structured Data