What You Need to Know
Lately, I’ve been hearing a lot of buzz about AI. It seems like every tech company—and even those outside of the tech space—has made it their flagship term.
But let’s be honest: there’s a lot of fluff and marketing speak out there, and it’s hard to know what’s actually useful for business. So, as a business leader, I’ve found myself asking the same question you probably are asking: What can AI really do to help my business?
In this article, I’ll cut through the noise and share the practical ways AI can streamline operations, improve decision-making, and create better customer experiences—so you can get a clear picture of how it can impact your bottom line.
AI Complements Human Capabilities
In business, AI augments human capabilities rather than replacing them. It operates within carefully defined boundaries and requires human oversight and direction.
I have heard a common fear that AI will lead to widespread job losses. But the fact is, AI often creates more opportunities for people by automating repetitive and often mundane tasks.
Far from replacing humans, AI complements our abilities, enabling businesses to achieve more with the same number of resources and at much higher accuracy and efficiency. It offers answers exponentially faster, providing a significant advantage.
Our fears, driven by misunderstandings or misconceptions of AI’s role in business, overlook AI’s enormous potential to help us get more done, grow revenues, and still have more personal and family time. AI’s role is collaborative and supportive.
Let’s explore how AI can reshape your business operations as a powerful ally for growth.
General Business Applications for AI
AI refers to machines’ ability to learn from data, recognize patterns, and make decisions that mimic human intelligence. Here are some of the most common applications:
- Automation
AI excels at automating repetitive tasks that are both time-consuming and prone to human error. Some examples include:
- AI can summarize reports, create detailed summaries, and send messages accurately and concisely for you with less human effort.
- During your workday, you can quickly sift through documents, identify key details, and save hundreds of hours searching for information.
- For industries like manufacturing, AI in the workplace helps predict equipment failures, which reduces downtime and maintenance costs.
- It can also enhance supply chain operations by forecasting demand, managing inventory, and optimizing shipping routes, resulting in cost savings and faster deliveries.
- Data Analysis
One of AI’s greatest strengths is its ability to rapidly process large datasets and uncover actionable insights. Businesses can quickly analyze sales patterns, customer preferences, and operational inefficiencies, helping them make better decisions and stay competitive in their markets.
- Analyzing sales data to identify trends in customer preferences, optimize inventory levels, and predict future demand, helping companies reduce waste and maintain stock of popular items
- Detecting fraudulent transactions and assessing credit risk by processing vast amounts of financial data, enabling faster and more accurate decision-making
- Monitoring equipment performance data in manufacturing to predict machinery failures, reduce downtime, and improve operational efficiency
- Optimizing marketing campaigns by analyzing customer behavior, allowing businesses to personalize offers and target the right audience segments, boosting conversion rates
- Identifying operational inefficiencies across supply chains by analyzing large datasets, helping companies streamline processes and reduce costs
- Customer Service
AI has transformed customer service by introducing AI-driven virtual assistants and chatbots.
- Chatbots provide immediate, 24/7 customer support, resolving common issues
- They can answer routine or frequently asked questions to improve customer satisfaction
- Free human agents to focus on more complex issues
- Personalization
- AI can deliver personalized marketing campaigns
- You can offer product recommendations from AI’s analysis of customer behavior and preferences
- This level of personalization improves the customer experience and increases sales by offering relevant suggestions to buyers
The Transformational Role of AI Copilots from Microsoft
From Forrester’s TEI Study on Copilot for Microsoft 365
✅ Economic Benefits: Organizations are witnessing significant cost savings and revenue growth, with a projected ROI of up to 457%.
✅ Operational Efficiency: Copilot is driving operational transformations, leading to a potential decrease in expenditures by up to 0.7%.
✅ Cultural Revolution: The AI assistant is not just a tool; it’s reshaping the employee experience, fostering a more satisfied and productive workforce.
What is Microsoft Copilot?
Microsoft has evolved its AI offer with copilots. What makes Microsoft Copilot particularly unique is their seamless integration with existing Microsoft ecosystems. Unlike generic AI models, Microsoft Copilot is deeply embedded within applications like Microsoft Dynamics 365, Office 365, and Microsoft Power Platform.
They provide context-specific insights and assistance tailored to the unique needs of each user or organization. Rather than functioning as a standalone AI system, copilots work alongside users, acting as intelligent partners that can analyze data, automate repetitive tasks, and offer real-time recommendations.
For instance, in Dynamics 365 Business Central, copilots can help businesses by predicting sales trends, managing supply chains, and optimizing financial processes—all through real-time insights delivered directly within the platform.
By combining AI’s powerful data processing capabilities with the familiar interfaces of Microsoft’s enterprise tools, copilots empower employees to make smarter, faster decisions without leaving their existing workflows.
The Value AI Copilots Bring to Businesses
One of the most practical and impactful ways businesses integrate AI is through ERP systems like Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. Microsoft Copilot, specifically designed for this platform, offers businesses advanced AI capabilities deeply embedded within their ERP environment.
Unlike generic AI tools, Microsoft Copilot is fully integrated with Business Central, providing a seamless user experience that enhances everyday operations.
- Smarter Decision Making
Copilots allow businesses to make data-driven decisions with greater confidence. For example, they can analyze historical sales data, customer behavior, and external market conditions to provide actionable insights, helping businesses plan more effectively and avoid costly mistakes.
Real-time data is essential for making informed decisions. With Copilot-powered dashboards, businesses can track key performance indicators, monitor trends, and make adjustments on the fly. These tools provide real-time reporting that ensures you always have the most up-to-date information to act upon.
- Competitive Advantage
Copilots enable smaller companies to compete with larger ones by increasing operational efficiency and improving customer experiences. With AI tools like Copilot, businesses of any size can optimize their processes, reduce costs, and deliver the personalized experiences that today’s customers expect.
- Cost Savings
Copilots offer automation that reduces the need for manual intervention in repetitive tasks, saving time and lowering operational costs. Additionally, predictive analytics can help businesses manage inventory, predict sales trends, and optimize pricing strategies, all of which contribute to a healthier bottom line.
- Scalability
Copilots scale with your business. As your company grows, it can handle increasing amounts of data, automate more tasks, and generate insights that help you manage complexity. This scalability allows businesses to expand efficiently without proportionally increasing their workforce or infrastructure.
Conclusion: Partner with Experts Who Understand Business Processes and Technology
I suggest that AI tools like Microsoft Copilot are designed to empower—not overpower—businesses by working alongside humans to enhance productivity and decision-making.
However, I see it as an evolving technology that requires partnering with experts who understand business best practices and know how to leverage Copilot’s potential for improving your operational efficiencies.
What are your thoughts about using AI tools like Microsoft Copilot in your business?
Check out our latest blog: 7 Benefits of Moving to the Cloud
Discover why it’s the next step toward greater efficiency and innovation!
About Mike Stallmann
Meet Mike Stallmann, Director of Product and Business Development, Co-founder at Oztera, and the original “Chief Geek Juggler.” With decades of ERP innovation under his belt and over 200 successful deployments, Mike’s involvement with business technology is extensive.
From wineries to agriculture and beyond, Mike and Oztera specialize in solving complex, industry-specific challenges. If you’re looking to leverage technology for growth and efficiency, our experience is your secret weapon.
For insights and actionable advice, connect with Mike on LinkedIn and discover what tech-driven business transformation looks like.