Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept—it's reshaping the way businesses operate across every sector. From automating tedious tasks to uncovering deep insights from data, AI offers real, tangible advantages to companies ready to embrace it.
In this guide, we explore how businesses are using AI today, which tools are leading the charge, and why workplace-specific solutions like Glean are becoming essential in enterprise environments.
What Is Artificial Intelligence in Business?
AI in business refers to the use of machine learning, natural language processing, predictive analytics, and automation tools to improve decision-making, streamline operations, and enhance customer experiences. Whether it’s helping a support team respond faster or enabling leadership to forecast more accurately, AI is helping companies work smarter.
Top Benefits of AI for Companies
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Increased Efficiency: Automate repetitive tasks, reduce manual processes.
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Enhanced Decision-Making: Use data and predictive models to make better calls.
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Improved Customer Experiences: AI-powered chat, personalisation, and faster response times.
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Cost Reduction: Streamlined workflows reduce overhead and operational costs.
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Workforce Enablement: Help employees access information quickly and reduce knowledge silos.
How Companies Are Using AI Today
1. Customer Service
AI chatbots and virtual assistants handle basic enquiries 24/7, improving response times and freeing up support teams.
2. Sales & Marketing
Predictive AI tools score leads, personalise emails, and optimise campaign performance.
3. Finance & Operations
Automation tools flag anomalies in spending, streamline invoicing, and forecast budgets.
4. Human Resources
AI assists in recruitment, candidate screening, and employee sentiment analysis.
5. Enterprise Knowledge Search
This is where Glean shines. Employees waste hours each week searching for documents, policies, or prior project details. Glean connects to your company's apps and surfaces exactly what employees need using secure, AI-powered search while respecting permission levels.
Glean in action: A new hire joins your team and needs quick access to onboarding materials, SOPs, and historical projects. With Glean, they simply ask, "How do we handle procurement?" and receive a complete, trusted answer within seconds.
AI in the Public Sector & Regulated Environments
AI adoption isn't limited to big tech. Local councils, healthcare providers, and even police forces are exploring AI to streamline services and improve citizen outcomes. However, these environments demand security, compliance, and control. That's why enterprise-grade tools like Glean are gaining traction—they bring the power of generative AI without the risks of public models.
Challenges & Considerations
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Data Privacy: Ensure your AI tools comply with regulations like GDPR.
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Change Management: Staff need training and trust in AI recommendations.
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Integration: Tools must work across your tech stack, not in silos.
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Accuracy & Hallucinations: Consumer-facing AI tools may hallucinate answers. Enterprise AI must prioritise trust and reliability.
Final Thoughts: AI Is Here to Stay
AI is not a trend—it’s a competitive advantage. The businesses that win in the next decade will be the ones that use AI not just to automate, but to amplify the capabilities of their people. Whether you’re exploring AI for the first time or ready to scale it across departments, it starts with the right foundation.
Ready to Explore Enterprise AI?
Glean is a secure, intelligent search and knowledge discovery tool designed for the modern workplace. If you're serious about unlocking AI's true value in your company, Glean is the place to start.
Book a consultation with our team of experts to learn how Glean can help your business work smarter, faster, and more securely.
Digital Transformation AI Future of Work Artificial Intelligence glean Leadership