Artificial intelligence has long fascinated scientists, writers, and business leaders alike. For decades, we’ve been hearing about the many possibilities that arise when machines can learn to handle routine tasks, or even to learn for themselves.

As we move into 2018, we are finally starting to see some of those possibilities realized. And while AI might not be affecting your day to day life in the ways predicted by Hollywood just yet, there is a good chance advance processing power will change the way you think about running your company in the coming months and years.

To give you a sense of what is on the horizon, let’s look at five ways artificial intelligence may soon improve your small business…

#1 Data Entry Automation

Few people enjoy doing data entry work, and even professionals are known to be error-prone when dealing with monotonous tasks. That makes this type of work a perfect fit for advanced machines that can “read” pages and documents, including handwritten notes. Of course, automated software has already changed the field of data entry, but it’s hard to see how machines won’t take over these roles completely very soon.

#2 Error Correction

It used to be that humans had to check the work performed by automated forms of software. For example, most dictation packages (like those used in medical transcription) still require live editing after the fact. However, advanced algorithms are making it a possibility that this dynamic will soon be reversed. That is, you might quickly find that your computer is correcting your grammar, double-checking your accounting records, and handling tasks like language translations on your behalf.

#3 Better Online Security

Hackers use complicated bits of software to break into websites and falsify social media accounts. It was probably only a matter of time, then, before entrepreneurs began using AI-assisted algorithms to detect spam, hacks, malware, and other unwanted forms of online activity. As machines keep getting smarter and faster, it’s a no-brainer that they’ll take the lead role in preventing cybercrime in all of its forms.

#4 Customized Marketing

Already somewhat prevalent in ecommerce, artificially intelligent computers can develop algorithms that personalize sales promotions based on recent searches, purchase history, location, demographic details, and much more. Imagine being able to offer your best customers exactly what they want, at the perfect price, without having to do anything other than install a new plug-in? That’s the power of personalized marketing, and it’s getting better every day.

#5 Customer Convenience Features

All across Southern California, millions of us are using digital home assistants to get the news, order products, manage calendars, and so on. Before long, that same kind of functionality will be coming to small businesses. You’ll be able to use virtual tools to handle incoming phone calls, process customer service requests, and answer basic questions (like driving directions or employment opportunities) about your company. Imagine the time and money that will save!

Is Your Business Using Technology Effectively?

In considering the various ways that artificial intelligence might change the business world in the near future, it brings us back to an important question for the present: is your company geared up to take advantage of the hardware, software, apps, and devices that are available to business owners today?

Most small businesses aren’t, and in fact, are spending more than they should on technology that isn’t getting the job done. If you feel like you could be getting more from the money you spend on IT, or just want to know what’s possible with the right team on your side, now is a perfect time to meet us and see how we can help.

Click here to contact Fantastic IT today and schedule a time to talk!