How to choose AI solutions for your business

By: Shelby Campbell, Edited by: Valerie Black

Last updated: July 1, 2025

Since ChatGPT's 2022 release, commercially available AI models have transformed everyday business. From streamlining processes to automating low-effort tasks, any business leader can find ways to implement this revolutionary technology.

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How does AI help businesses?

Businesswomen talking and smiling during a meeting inside an office.

AI is a technology that simulates human intelligence and allows machines to learn quickly, analyze data, and make decisions. Many companies are investing in AI to help drive efficiency and innovation.

AI can also help businesses:

Automate repetitive tasks to free up time and reduce operational costs.
Analyze datasets to identify trends and forecast outcomes.
Personalize customer interactions to improve satisfaction.
Manage growing workloads with minimal human intervention.

If your business struggles with manual processes, limited insights, or scaling challenges, AI may offer a solution.

Tips for choosing AI solutions for your business

With many tools available, it's important to identify the right fit for your goals. Here are five practical tips to help you choose the best AI solutions.

1. Identify your specific business needs

Start by defining your goals. Do you need to automate tasks, enhance customer service, or improve decision-making? Clear objectives can help narrow your options. For instance, chatbots may be ideal for customer service, while predictive analytics tools may work well for sales forecasting.

2. Evaluate compatibility and scalability

Consider whether the AI tool integrates seamlessly with existing programs like your customer relationship management (CRM) or enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. Compatibility can help reduce operational disruptions and maximize the value of your existing tools.

Scalability is equally critical — select an AI platform that evolves alongside your business to help ensure long-term usability.

3. Assess vendor expertise and support

Not all AI providers offer the same level of expertise. Look for vendors with industry-specific knowledge and a track record of satisfied users in your sector.

For example, a healthcare company might select an AI vendor with a proven history of delivering tools tailored to clinical decision support or patient record management.

Strong customer support is another must-have. A responsive team can help implement, train, and troubleshoot AI technology to ensure you get the most from your investment.

4. Analyze costs and potential return on investment

The price of AI tools can vary widely. Evaluate the costs in terms of both upfront investment and long-term returns. Consider potential savings, increased productivity, or revenue gains that the AI tool could generate. Platforms that improve efficiency or drive business growth may pay for themselves over time.

5. Investigate training and resource options

When choosing an AI solution, consider the training and resources the platform offers. Comprehensive onboarding, user-friendly tutorials, and ongoing education can make implementation smoother and maximize the tool's impact.

Education and training can equip teams with essential skills like programming for AI, machine learning, and AI ethics. Some platforms include certificates or advanced learning options that can deepen your team's expertise. To gain broader insights, for some roles, an online master's in AI may be worth it.

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Pitfalls to avoid while choosing AI solutions

Because commercial AI models are fairly new to most business leaders, you should make sure you're integrating solutions that make sense for your business and bring actual value to your team.

Here are some tips for choosing the best AI model for you:

Use case: Wait to invest in AI solutions until you know how your teams can use them.
Integration: Find AI solutions that you can integrate into your existing processes.
Third-party reliance: Use a resource that your team can learn without relying on third-party support.
Change management: Introduce options in ways that reduce disruption to your teams' workflows and resistance to the technology.
Ethics: Consider the ethics of the system you choose, and try to reduce bias and data privacy concerns.
Readiness: Ensure the AI model you choose has enough data and testing to work properly for your needs.

Frequently asked questions about choosing AI solutions for your business

How does AI affect small businesses?

AI can help small businesses automate processes and compete with larger companies. It may improve decision-making by providing actionable insights from data or save time and increase profitability by automating repetitive tasks.

How do I avoid AI bias?

While bias is difficult to avoid entirely, there are many ways you can work to mitigate bias when using AI solutions:

Understand potential scenarios in which AI may insert bias.
Acknowledge the human potential for bias, and discuss how to reduce it.
Create processes to assess for bias.

Is AI good or bad for businesses?

AI can be both. When used correctly, it may boost efficiency and innovation. However, poor implementation or unethical practices may lead to security risks or bias.

What is the most ethical issue of using AI in business?

Bias in AI algorithms is a major concern. It can lead to unfair outcomes in hiring, lending, and other areas. Choosing transparent, unbiased tools can help mitigate this risk.

Why do some companies have trouble implementing AI?

Implementation challenges include high costs, lack of expertise, and resistance to change. Proper planning and training can help you overcome these hurdles.