You’re Using AI in Business Already!

Did you know you’re already leveraging artificial intelligence in your business operations even if you don’t realize it? In my recent video, I share how you can start using AI within Business Central today, without installing any new apps, without opening your checkbook, and without being an AI expert.

A lot of business leaders assume AI is this massive, futuristic project: large budgets, cutting-edge tools, decades of training needed. But the reality? You might already be using it, just implicitly.

In Business Central, numerous features embed machine-learning or predictive behaviours that quietly assist you: demand forecasting, sales suggestions, late-payment alerts, automation of routine tasks. These are AI at work. By understanding and intentionally making use of them, you unlock value quickly.

What you can use right now

Here are practical ways to start:

• Automated data insights: Use built-in dashboards and insights in Business Central to spot trends you didn’t see before.

• Predictive demand planning: Leverage the forecasting engine in the planning worksheet so you stop “reacting” and start “predicting.”

• Autofill: Suggest data for fields based on analytics online or in your Business Central environment

• Self-service analytics: Encourage your team to use the search, “Tell Me” and built-in reporting features — they’re powered by smart tech, not just tables and filters.

By adopting these, you essentially pop the hood on your systems and let them work smarter — not harder.

Overcoming the “AI fear”

I often hear:

“But Jenn, we’re not ready for AI.”“We don’t have the budget.”“Our team isn’t data-savvy enough.”

Here’s the truth: The barrier to entry is much lower than you think. You don’t need a separate AI app, nor a PhD in data science. What you need is awareness, configuration, and a bit of trust.

Focus on the small wins:

• Pick one manual process that’s repetitive.

• Ask: “Could Business Central already handle this for us?”

• Try turning on the feature or setting up the workflow.

• Monitor the result.

These small successes build momentum and confidence — then you scale.

My micro-action challenge for you

Here’s where we make it practical:

1. Choose one process in your business you’d prefer not to do because it’s repetitive or error-prone.

2. Go into Business Central and search for an insight panel, predictive forecast, or workflow that could assist.

3. Turn it on or configure it — mark a time this week to do it.

4. Watch what happens this month. Did you save a little time? Reduce an error? Free someone’s attention for higher-value work?

That’s how you get started. That’s how you turn “we’re not ready” into “we’re already using it”.

Why this matters now

Because the pace of change is accelerating. Your competitors are already pulling ahead by using existing tools smarter. By tapping into the built-in intelligence of Business Central, you get a free-ish strategic advantage — one that doesn’t require large investment or overhaul.

As systems evolve, not using AI becomes less about choice and more about risk. The sooner you get comfortable, the stronger your foundation.