Building a Business Case for AI: Where Do You Start?

Artificial Intelligence has shifted from hype to reality. Every industry—from manufacturing and retail to food service and healthcare—is experimenting with AI to streamline operations, improve decision-making, and enhance customer experiences. The challenge isn’t whether to try AI, but how to prioritize the use cases with the strongest business impact.

The starting point is not the technology itself but the problem you want to solve. Begin by mapping out your biggest operational challenges. Is it supply chain delays, excessive manual reporting, high labor costs, or low forecasting accuracy? Defining a tangible pain point anchors your AI initiative in measurable value.

Next, quantify that value. Estimate the cost of the problem today and the potential savings or revenue uplift if it were improved. For example, automating invoice processing might cut labor costs by 30%. AI-driven demand forecasting might reduce inventory carrying costs by millions each year. Tying AI to financial outcomes gives your case credibility with executives and investors.

From there, assess feasibility. What data do you already have? Is it clean, accessible, and reliable enough to train models? What integrations with ERP or CRM systems are required? Strong data foundations are the bedrock of any AI use case.

It’s also important to start small. Instead of promising enterprise-wide transformation, focus on a pilot project that can deliver results within three to six months. A narrow win builds confidence, creates momentum, and strengthens your case for scaling AI further.

Finally, frame AI not just as a technology investment but as a change-management effort. Employees need to understand how AI complements their work, leaders need governance guardrails, and the organization needs a roadmap for scaling responsibly.

A strong business case for AI isn’t about chasing the latest algorithm. It’s about solving real business problems, proving financial impact, and building trust step by step. Start there, and the technology will follow.