Leveraging Commercial AI for Security and Efficiency

Whether we like it or not, AI is shaping the future of business, industry, and life. The AI revolution is akin to a second renaissance of sorts, and we have only just scratched the surface of its capabilities. Science fiction and speculation aside, AI is a powerful tool for your company. The myriad of benefits that come with implementing AI across any essential system makes the case on its own, and this includes leveraging commercial AI systems for security and efficiency.

Threat Detection and Crime Prevention

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AI-driven security is transforming all aspects of safety at commercial, industrial, and public sites. There are many advanced systems being implemented across various systems all over the world, including behavioral analytics at public places to predict crimes. One of the most useful is automatic license plate recognition, which has been used by the police for years. As a business, you can use these systems to control vehicle access or simply manage unauthorized parking.

Putting Commercial AI into Action

How can AI actually be used in a modern business? There are many answers to this question, and it depends on what your company needs. Given that 55% of companies are using AI for cybersecurity^[1], this is one use case, but there are other scenarios in which you can use AI:

Network anomaly detection

Because they can analyze large sets of data quickly, AI systems can be used to monitor network traffic. Through data analysis, they can spot anomalies that could indicate a potential threat.

Real-time monitoring

You can enhance an existing security system with AI. AI can monitor various systems in real time and alert security services to potential threats, resulting in a faster response time.

Facial recognition

In retail or office spaces, AI systems can analyze faces to alert security or as an access control measure. This enables you to contain a situation and prevent access to certain secure spaces.

Automatic Incident Response

An efficient and secure system relies on a strong chain of reactions for a critical response. This can mean the difference between resolution and critical failure. Because of the speed at which AI systems are capable of operating, you can dramatically reduce the time between incident discovery and response. Automated tasks related to system isolation allow a potential cybersecurity event to be contained, and AI can automatically respond or recommend actions.

Automating Cybersecurity Systems

An automated cybersecurity system is a robust tool alongside qualified and competent human experts. Time is critical when an incident occurs on a network, especially a network with vast amounts of sensitive data. An automated cybersecurity system is able to efficiently capture, isolate, and contain a potentially harmful event much faster than any human. From there, an AI system can assist the human cybersecurity team with purging an event and repairing damage.

Letting AI Systems SOAR

Security Orchestration Automation, and Response (SOAR) is a concept in AI cybersecurity. With SOAR, you can integrate AI tools to automate tasks for enhanced protection and faster response times. The more routine tasks associated with cybersecurity can be automated with SOAR platforms. Because of this, human cybersecurity analysts can proceed with more critical tasks and complex issues that arise while managing networks and, indeed, company security.

Data Security Management

The main reason malicious hackers attempt a breach is to access data because they know how valuable data is. Data can be retrieved and sold on the dark web to the highest bidder. However, hackers will also attempt to hold data to ransom with a targeted ransomware attack. Many companies will pay the money to avoid data loss and avoid public humiliation. AI can continuously monitor the network to classify data and ensure it stays as protected as possible.

Using Commercial AI for Task Automation

A primary use case for commercial AI in business and industry is automation. In fact, certain types of AI are becoming standard across many sectors, as evident by the fact that 58% of B2B companies use chatbots on their websites^[2]. So, how can you successfully implement AI in your organization?

Identify suitable tasks for automation

Tasks that rely on rules and repetition are the primary focus of most AI systems. This includes processing such as data entry and analysis. You can also set up systems for handling basic and common customer queries, scheduling, and processing invoices for improved finances.

Choose the right tools and platforms

There are many tools and platforms to choose from in the AI space. Some platforms offer specific AI capabilities you can use to optimize workflows. Others automate specific systems and processes. You can also maximize efficiencies using no-code and low-code AI platforms.

Implement AI automation

Automation is the primary use of AI in business and industry. To use AI systems to their best capabilities, you need to implement them the right way. Identify the tasks that need assistance. From there, ensure you choose the right tools and continuously test functionality efficacy.

Keep the benefits in mind

It can be frustrating to test and redesign an AI system, but this is part of the process. To avoid more issues, keep the benefits in relation to objectives in mind. AI systems will increase productivity, improve accuracy, and reduce errors and decisions, resulting in lower costs.

Examples of AI in action

If you are unsure about introducing AI into a current system, consider some of the use cases for AI. Chatbots provide fast and efficient customer service. You can also deliver high-yield email campaigns with automated marketing while automation handles vapid tasks such as data entry.

Efficient and Optimized Processes

AI is excellent at repeating tasks over and over, and this kind of automation is nothing new and has, in fact, been around in industry for many years. With HMIs, PLCs, and industrial PCs, an entire factory is capable of becoming fully automated. However, on a micromanagement level, AI can also maximize efficiency and optimize processes within a specific part of a business. For example, AI can analyze large data sets, generate reports, and identify existing inefficiencies.

Insights from Predictive Analytics

As mentioned, AI is excellent at handling large quantities of data. It can gather data, store data, and be used in creative ways. One of the most impressive ways AI can use data is with predictive analytics. Imagine knowing what your customers are more likely to buy on a given day. This is a decisive advantage when marketing products. AI will help your company use customer data to predict trends within your sector, helping you to make informed decisions.

Real-Time KPI Monitoring and Alerts

Most modern businesses rely on goals and objectives. Metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) are typically implemented to measure the success of a strategy. KPIs typically require careful analysis, and there is room for error when humans utilize such data. KPI data extraction also takes a lot of time to extrapolate and convert into readable formats. The right AI tools are able to monitor KPIs and metrics in real-time and automatically generate reports much quicker.

Implementing Chatbots

If there is one ubiquitous use of commercial AI on the web for small and large companies alike, it is chatbots. From the smallest boutique store to Fortune 500 businesses, chatbots are seemingly everywhere. There are good reasons for this. Chatbots are relatively easy to customize, build, and implement. They also offer powerful tool sets, such as handling customer service queries and escalation. This frees up human agents so they can deal with more complex issues.

Virtual Assistants in Commercial AI

AI virtual assistants are becoming more popular. Today, the smart home market is estimated to be worth $183.2 billion as of 2024^[3] and includes products such as Amazon Alexa. These tools are more than media players and can offer a myriad of benefits for running a business:

• An AI virtual assistant is always available and can handle customer queries at any time.
• Customers want information fast, and AI assistants can provide almost instant answers.
• By analyzing previous interactions, an AI assistant can personalize the experience.
• If you rely on stock control, an AI system can keep track of what is available at any time.
• You can configure AI assistants to remind customers of what they have left in their carts.

Some Things to Consider

AI is transforming how everything is done. However, for all the benefits commercial AI can offer, there are some aspects that are of concern and require careful consideration. Any AI system that is implemented where private data is concerned must be configured to be as secure as possible. Algorithms can also become biased, leading to unfair outcomes, such as filtering out older job applicants. Of course, staff using AI systems must also be trained and competent to do so.

Summary

Threat detection and user access control are just two excellent examples of how you can leverage commercial AI for security. Of course, AI is mostly used for task automation. But there are concerns about AI when it comes to data privacy, algorithm bias and user competency.

AI is best used alongside human experts rather than replacing them. With competent use, commercial AI can transform any business by handling complex problems with precision and speed.

References

1. PYMNTS. 55% of Companies Have Implemented AI-Powered Cybersecurity. https://www.pymnts.com/cybersecurity/2025/55-of-companies-have-implemented-ai-powered-cybersecurity/ 
2. Master of Code. Chatbot Statistics: What Businesses Need to Know About Digital Assistants. https://masterofcode.com/blog/chatbot-statistics 
3. GMI. Smart Home Market Size – By Type, By Connectivity, By Price, By Application, By Distribution Channel, Forecast 2025 – 2034. https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/smart-home-market