Artificial intelligence (AI) is here right now, and it is quickly becoming available to everyone. That includes you as the owner of a business. Here’s a breakdown of what this technology can do for you and your team.

A brief definition.

Artificial intelligence can be defined as technology that employs techniques such as natural language processing, machine learning, and reasoning to simulate the intelligence of a human being. It is used to process large amounts of data, make decisions, and streamline regular operations. It is this third capability that we will focus on as we explore what AI can accomplish for your store.

1. Automating simple tasks.

As a consumer, you have probably already interacted with a chatbot while ordering a product, making a travel reservation, or dialoguing with your cable or utility company. Bots are now being used to do simple, repetitive jobs and address questions with easy answers, allowing human workers to spend their time on more complex operations. You could employ AI to assist in making product recommendations, answer inquiries about your general shipping policies, or respond to emails.

2. Enhancing sales forecasting.

One of AI’s strengths is its ability to gather and analyze data, identifying patterns, and trends. This is particularly valuable when human analysts are making predictions about future marketing strategies based on consumers’ past shopping history. 

3. Present the most relevant information to customers.

Today’s buyers want a highly personalized shopping experience. By analyzing a customer’s social media content and examining past shopping tendencies, this technology can help you to send laser-focused product information and promotions customized to each shopper.

4. Enhance your inventory management.

The point of sale system from your merchant service provider has numerous tools that can assist you in the efficient management of your business, including gaining maximum control over your product stock. Add AI into the mix, and you can further augment your system’s ability to implement smart ordering strategies that ensure you never run out of bestsellers or over-order less popular items.

5. Boost cybersecurity.

The same pattern recognition and data crunching that enables AI to optimize your customer service and inventory management can also sniff out potential fraudsters before they can infiltrate your systems or steal customer data. Additionally, AI can make intelligent recommendations to help you shore up your defenses against future incursions.

6. Streamline supply chain management.

Events of the past few years have demonstrated how critical it is for every link in a supply chain to be strong, from origin to endpoint. AI can be an indispensable assistant in making this happen. By harnessing automation and data analysis, this technology can predict demand, make highly educated guesses about inventory and route deliveries.

If you’re interested in maximizing your productivity, taking the busy work away from your employees, and furnishing top-tier, personalized customer service, talk to your merchant service provider to see how you can leverage this technology in your company.

Contact NAB today and see how easy it is to get the merchant services you deserve.