Foolproof Method to Identify and Detect AI-Implementable Topics for SMEs and Businesses in Any Department: ROI and Concrete Use Cases

February 4, 2025 by
DarbTech SARL, Frédéric Phan

Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents major opportunities for SMEs and businesses of all sizes. However, many hesitate to adopt it due to a lack of clarity on use cases, feasibility, and, most importantly, return on investment (ROI). In this article, we present an effective method to detect AI opportunities in every department of a company, ensuring tangible and measurable results.


1. Methodology to Identify Relevant AI Use Cases

To successfully implement AI, follow these key steps:

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  • Map out business processes in each department.
  • Identify repetitive and time-consuming tasks (e.g., data entry, validation, customer service, etc.).
  • Detect friction points where employees spend time on low-value tasks.

1.2 Prioritizing AI Opportunities Based on ROI ​

  • Impact on productivity: Time saved per employee.
  • Financial impact: Reduction in operational costs.
  • Quality impact: Improved accuracy and error reduction.
  • Ease of implementation: Availability of data and integration with existing systems.

1.3 Feasibility Validation

  • Is data available? A successful AI implementation depends on well-structured data.
  • Are proven solutions available? The goal is to implement quickly with minimal custom development.
  • Are teams ready to adopt AI? Human involvement remains central to transformation.


2. ROI of AI Implementations in Business

L’IA peut générer un ROI significatif sur plusieurs aspects :

Cas d’usageGain estiméPotential ROI ​
Automation of administrative tasks40% to 70% reduction in time spent ​Lower operational costs
Automated customer service (chatbots)24/7 availability, 30% to 50% cost reductionIncreased customer satisfaction
AI for data analysis (predictions, insights)20% to 50% accuracy improvementOptimized decision-making
Predictive maintenance (industry, IT)25% to 40% reduction in breakdownsFewer production stops, lower maintenance costs
AI-driven marketing personalization10% to 30% increase in conversion ratesHigher revenue generation


3. Top 5 Concrete AI Implementations and Quick Wins

3.1 Automation of Administrative and Accounting Tasks

👉 Examples: Automatic invoice extraction, AI-powered bank reconciliation, auto-generation of documents.

✅ Benefits: Fewer human errors, significant time savings, ensured compliance.

3.2 Chatbots and Virtual Assistants for Customer Support

👉 Examples: Chatbots to handle frequent inquiries (FAQs, order tracking, customer service).

✅ Benefits: 24/7 support, improved ticket management, human agents focused on complex issues.

3.3 AI-Powered Sales and Demand Forecasting

👉 Examples: Machine learning models to predict demand, optimize inventory, and reduce stockouts.

✅ Benefits: Lower overstock and waste, improved margins, and better customer service.

3.4 AI for Recruitment and Talent Management

👉 Examples: Intelligent CV screening, employee skills analysis, AI-driven talent-project matching.

✅ Benefits: Faster HR processes, more efficient hiring, improved talent retention.

3.5 Predictive Maintenance to Reduce Downtime

👉 Examples: Real-time monitoring of industrial equipment, alerts before failures occur using IoT and AI.

✅ Benefits: Reduced maintenance costs, fewer production stoppages.

4. Conclusion: AI as a Competitive Advantage

AI is a powerful lever for businesses seeking to improve efficiency and profitability. By following a systematic approach, companies can detect high-impact opportunities, evaluate their ROI, and quickly implement solutions.

🚀 Recommendation: Start with quick wins that are easy to implement with a fast ROI, then gradually expand to more ambitious projects.

💡 Want to explore AI opportunities for your business? Contact us for a personalized assessment of your processes and tailored solutions. ​

DarbTech SARL, Frédéric Phan February 4, 2025
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