Leveraging AI for Cost Reduction for Businesses

AdminTeam April 25, 2024

In today’s dynamic business landscape, maximizing profitability necessitates a strategic approach to cost reduction. Traditional methods often involve working around the existing infrastructure, but the challenge doesn’t just end there. Achieving a truly lean business model requires a deeper dive into efficiency.

This is where AI can help.

Artificial intelligence (AI) presents a transformative solution, empowering businesses to automate tedious processes and optimize workflows. The impact is significant: the increased use of AI in healthcare is expected to reduce costs by $200-360 billion [1] in the US every year. Additionally, the financial services industry has reported cost reductions of up to 10% [2] by implementing machine learning in their operations.

Consider Dropbox, which saved nearly $75 million [3] by leveraging AI to identify usage patterns and optimize their cloud storage infrastructure, leading to significant cost savings. This is an excellent example of the power of AI in cost reduction strategies.

The question that arises now, is what are the best ways to use AI in your business to reduce costs? In this article, we will be exploring 4 ways of leveraging AI for cost reduction for your businesses.

1. Automating Tasks

Up to 75% [4] of the time spent by organisations on repetitive processes can be saved by using workflow automation. By doing away with time-consuming operations that would require employees’ attention, automated workflows can drastically save labour expenses. Employees can now concentrate on more strategically important work as there is less need for additional staff or overtime pay.

For example, Bank of America has developed an AI-powered virtual assistant, Erica, which offers various services like bill payments, fund transfers and account balance checking. This automation has resulted in 32% [5] reduced call centre volumes and increased customer satisfaction.

Let’s take another example. Microsoft Azure Digital Twins is an AI-based energy management system. It analyses data from several sources, such as smart metres and sensors, using machine learning algorithms to find opportunities for cost reduction. Microsoft was able to save $10 million [5] in energy costs and 20% of their energy use by utilising this technology.

2. Innovation Using AI

Several recent advances in AI that are making impacts around the world include:

A voice-activated cosmetic helper has been introduced by Estée Lauder [6] to help visually impaired individuals do makeup.
To ease the burden on customer care representatives and help consumers find answers to frequently asked inquiries more quickly, Pentagon Credit Union (PenFed) [7] is implementing conversational AI and chatbots.
Predictive analytics has also allowed Rolls-Royce [8] to streamline maintenance schedules and utilise AI to increase jet engine efficiency and lower carbon emissions from their aircraft.

3. Efficient Customer Service

Chatbots and virtual assistants with AI capabilities can offer clients round-the-clock assistance by responding to commonly asked questions and fixing simple issues. Call centre workers’ workloads may be lighter as a result, and customers’ experiences may be enhanced.

Let’s consider the example of Kik, H&M’s AI-powered chatbot. It can respond to issues from customers on products, retail locations, and return guidelines. H&M was able to improve customer satisfaction and cut call centre numbers by 70% [5] by utilising Kik.

4. Streamlined Operations for the Supply Chain

With the use of industry trends and past sales data, AI can accurately predict consumer demand for products. Business owners can even have real-time access to supply chain operations through AI-based dashboards. This means you can swiftly identify and fix errors.

Companies that have a well-optimised supply network reported a threefold faster cash-to-cash time and 15% [9] lower supply chain costs!

For example, UPS determines the most effective delivery routes using its AI-powered ORION technology [10]. It cuts down on fuel use and delivery times and reduces the distance travelled by millions of miles every year.

Similarly, AstraZeneca [11] uses AI and machine learning models to improve inventory control. It reported a 40% decrease in inventory carrying costs by correctly forecasting fluctuations in demand and optimising inventory levels.

Also Read: 5 Low-Cost AI Strategies for Your Businesses

Conclusion

The transformative potential of AI in business is immense. It can allow you to not only withstand recession worries and global economic slowdowns but also optimise your business model. From automating tasks to identifying inefficiencies and empowering you to make better decisions, the possibilities are endless.

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1. Automating Tasks

2. Innovation Using AI

3. Efficient Customer Service

4. Streamlined Operations for the Supply Chain

Conclusion

References