Learn more about AI Assistants and their role in competitive intelligence.

 

AI’s main role in competitive intelligence has largely focused on automation. It’s made the once manual process of gathering of data faster and easier to perform. 

 

But AI’s influence is accelerating rapidly – across all industries, not just competitive intelligence. In fact, its adoption is expected to drive over $15 trillion in global business value by 2030.

 

But where is this growth going to take us? Well, earlier this year, Google and ChatGPT outlined the five stages of AI innovation. It’s a framework that shows the progressive transformation of AI’s capabilities, from tools to agents, to full operational entities within organisations.

 

The Five Stages of AI Innovation

 

1. Chatbots

This is the foundational stage, where AI systems are designed for conversational interactions. Tools like ChatGPT and virtual assistants fall into this phase. These systems are already widely used for customer support, automating responses and enhancing productivity. However, they often lack operational depth and may present incorrect information with confidence if not connected to accurate data sources.

 

2. Reasoners

AI systems in this stage are capable of human-level problem-solving, comparable to individuals with advanced education. They focus on logic and reasoning tasks, such as planning multi-step solutions or interpreting complex data. This capability is still emerging but is expected to empower AI to make major scientific discoveries or create intricate applications without human input.

 

3. Agents

Agents take AI a step further by not only reasoning but also acting autonomously. These systems can perform tasks on behalf of users, such as managing workflows, responding to real-time changes or standing in for employees during their absence. While not yet widely adopted, the concept of AI agents is gaining traction (as this article will explain) as businesses explore the potential of digital workers.

 

4. Innovators

At this stage, AI becomes a creative force, assisting with innovation and invention. These systems can help design new products, prototype ideas and generate fresh solutions. This could cover areas like software development, marketing or even engineering. Innovators enhance human creativity by providing tools to brainstorm, refine and execute novel concepts efficiently.

 

5. Organisations

The ultimate stage envisions AI systems capable of running entire organisations. These AI tools could handle decision-making, operational efficiency and strategic planning autonomously. While this concept raises concerns about human redundancy, it also presents an opportunity to redefine the way businesses operate, allowing for unparalleled scalability and efficiency.

 

AI Assistants – A Definition

 

AI assistants (or AI agents to use the phrase from above) are specialised, task-focused AI systems capable of executing specific roles, such as analysing data, generating reports or managing workflows. 

 

Unlike traditional AI tools, which often focus on singular functions like data visualisation or pattern recognition, AI assistants integrate conversational capabilities, decision-making and actionable output.

 

AI Assistants Already In Use

 

While not widely used, AI assistants are no longer futuristic concepts. They’re real tools driving meaningful outcomes across industries today. Here are five examples of how businesses are deploying them:

 

Customer Support: Companies like Shopify use AI assistants to handle customer queries. These tools offer 24/7 support, resolve issues faster, and reduce operational costs.

 

Human Resources: AI assistants, like those from Eightfold AI, streamline recruitment by screening resumes, identifying talent, and scheduling interviews, making hiring processes more efficient.

 

Healthcare: Babylon Health’s AI assistant assesses symptoms and triages patients before connecting them with healthcare professionals, reducing strain on medical staff.

 

Finance: Wealth management firms use robo-advisors, such as Betterment, to provide personalised investment advice, manage portfolios, and optimise financial planning for clients.

 

Supply Chain Management: Companies like Amazon employ AI assistants to optimise warehouse operations, predict demand, and ensure timely deliveries, enhancing efficiency and customer satisfaction.

 

AI Assistants in Competitive Intelligence

 

As an AI-powered business, it’s vital we continue to explore the value it can add to our clients. Which is why this month, we announced the launch of our own suite of virtual AI assistants. They’re designed to transform business operations across marketing, strategy and sales.

 

These 15 cross-department agents have the potential to revolutionise enterprise productivity by improving efficiency, strategic decision-making and delivery.

 

Each one has been trained for a specific role. For example, Events Coordinator, Promotions Assistant, Financial Analyst and Innovation Advisor. They have access to WMC.Ai’s extensive knowledge base, comprising historical and current insights covering competitor activity, market trends, regulatory news and more.

 

We’ve got clients using these agents right now and to quote one of them, they’re “changing how we approach analysis, decision-making and the way we execute”.

 

So what is it that makes assistants like this so valuable?

 

One reason is their ability to engage in nuanced, two-way conversations. This allow ideas to be discussed, developed, refined and shared. They can interpret and analyse data and what’s been asked of them. Plus, create assets that are accurate, informed and ready to use (or refine, if you prefer a human touch).

 

Think marketing and sales collateral to presentations and strategic reports. These AI tools can expand on recommendations, creating resources that can be quickly reviewed and deployed by human teams. No more bottle necks. Just fast and fully-informed action.

 

So what does this all mean?

According to a recent study, most firms plan to double their AI investment in 2025, recognising its strategic value in staying competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

 

For those that do, it’s a chance to learn more about AI’s influence and capabilities. They can make informed decisions and execute strategies faster than they ever imagined, giving them the scope to learn from what works and doesn’t and adapt to gain their competitive advantage.

 

Not only that, but businesses that embrace what’s new about AI – such as AI assistants – are in the best position possible to grow with the technology and adopt future advancements as and when they arrive.

 

For those that don’t, there’s a very real prospect of being left behind. Of losing market position and share to more innovation-oriented organisations.

 

For some, it may feel like a big leap. Or even a scary one. But AI is here to stay. It’s going to revolutionise the way we work and run businesses across every sector, all over the world. Embracing its latest phase is the only way to keep up.