How can we integrate AI effectively?

Getting the max benefit calls for doing much more than jumping on the bandwagon. To make this technology truly work for your company, you should develop a comprehensive AI strategy that aligns with your overall strategic plan. At Rudler we value innovation, efficiency, and education. So we test different AI models to assist with complex tax questions, and train staff on how to reap those benefits.

Identify your needs
Many businesses waste resources, both financial and otherwise, by hastily investing in AI without thoroughly considering whether and how the tools they purchase effectively address specific needs. Before spending anything — or any more — sit down with your leadership team and ask key questions such as:

What strategic problems are we trying to solve?
Are there repetitive tasks draining employees’ time and energy?
Could we use data more effectively to guide business decisions?

The key is to narrow down specific challenges or goals to actionable ways that AI can help. For example, if your staff spends too much time manually sorting and answering relatively straightforward customer inquiries, a simple AI chatbot might ease their workload and free them up for more productive activities. Or if forecasting demand is a struggle, AI-driven analytics may help you develop a clearer picture of future sales opportunities.

Some typical uses for AI

Writing tools (making a paragraph shorter, longer, more friendly, explaining something complex at a more basic level)
Automation of repetitive tasks (data entry, scheduling, invoice processing)
Supply chain optimization (demand forecasting, inventory management, route planning)
Fraud detection (in banking, credit card monitoring, and cybersecurity)
Chatbots & virtual assistants (answering FAQs, customer support, booking)
Predictive analytics (forecasting sales, identifying market trends, predicting customer churn)
Business intelligence (analyzing large datasets for insights)
Decision support (AI-driven simulations to test different business scenarios)
AI can even write music!

Be strategic
As you develop an AI strategy, insist on targeted and scalable investments. In other words, as mentioned, prospective solutions must fulfill specified needs. However, they also need to be able to grow with your business.

In addition, consider whether the AI tools you’re evaluating suit your budget, have reliable support and will integrate well with your current systems. Don’t ignore the tax implications either. The recently passed One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act has enhanced depreciation-related tax breaks that AI software may qualify for if you buy it outright.

Provide proper training
Training is another piece of the puzzle that often goes missing when businesses try to implement AI. Earlier this year, the Pew Research Center published the results of an October 2024 survey of more than 5,200 employed U.S. adults. Although 51% of respondents reported they’d received extra training at work, only 24% of that group said the training was related to AI.

This would seem to indicate that AI-specific training isn’t always commonplace. Make sure to build this component into your strategy. Proper training will help ensure a smoother adoption of each tool and increase your odds of a solid return on investment.

It’s natural for employees to feel some concern about AI according to a Pew Research Center survey, more than half of workers (52%) worry about its future impact in the workplace. But the truth is, AI works best as a supporting tool, not a replacement for people. Here are some of the ways AI can make work easier and more rewarding:

Reducing repetitive tasks: AI can minimize time spend on tedious tasks like data entry, scheduling, or routine reporting. That frees employees to focus on more meaningful, creative, and strategic parts of their roles.
Improving decision-making: By quickly analyzing large amounts of data, AI provides quick insights to guide decisions—whether it’s predicting customer needs, spotting trends, or identifying new opportunities. Many AI models can now work with excel files.
Enhancing customer interactions: AI-powered chatbots can answer basic questions 24/7, while employees step in for the more complex, relationship-building conversations where the human touch really matters.
Creating new opportunities: Just like past innovations (computers, the internet, mobile technology), AI is likely to create new roles and career paths. Employees can upskill and grow into these emerging opportunities.

Framing AI as a partner rather than a replacement helps reassure staff that their value lies in the human qualities AI can’t replicate—judgment, empathy, creativity, and adaptability.

Measure and adjust
As is the case with any investment, every AI tool you procure — whether buying it or signing up for a subscription — should deliver results that justify its expense. While shopping for and rolling out a new solution, clearly establish how you’ll measure success. Major factors may include time saved, customer satisfaction and revenue growth.

Once a solution is in place, don’t hesitate to make adjustments if something isn’t working. This may involve providing further training to users or limiting the use of an AI tool until you gain a better understanding of it.

Account for everything
There’s no doubt that AI has a lot to offer for today’s small to midsize businesses. Unfortunately, it can also be overwhelming and financially costly if you’re not careful about choosing and implementing solutions. Rudler can help you develop an AI strategy for your business.

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How can we integrate AI effectively?

How do you feel about AI? Artificial intelligence (AI) keeps improving, offering functionality and enhancements to most businesses. Have you considered that you may be able to use it to streamline operations, improve customer interactions, or uncover growth opportunities?

RUDLER, PSC CPAs and Business Advisors