The Transition from Promise to Results
The commercial sector is witnessing a significant shift as artificial intelligence (AI) moves from being a promising technology to delivering measurable productivity gains. This transition is particularly evident in tasks that are peripheral to direct sales activities.
Productivity Gains in Peripheral Tasks
Companies such as Coface have reported quantifiable productivity improvements, notably a gain of four hours per week. This increase in efficiency is primarily observed in tasks such as:
- Appointment Preparation: AI tools streamline the process, allowing sales teams to focus more on client interactions.
- Report Writing: Automation reduces the time spent on drafting and finalizing reports.
- CRM Management: AI integration in CRM systems minimizes manual data entry, freeing up valuable time.
Broader Adoption and Industry Insights
The success stories from companies like Coface have encouraged a wider adoption of AI across various sectors. Orange and Berger Levrault have also embraced AI, emphasizing the importance of freeing up time for client relationships and reducing administrative burdens.
- Orange: Olivier Garel, Commercial Director, highlights the role of AI in enhancing the quality of client interactions.
- Berger Levrault: Jérôme Lucas, Commercial Director, notes a significant increase in client-facing time, from 35% to over 55%.