Have you noticed the vast number of new AI tools on the market? It reminds me of standing in the middle of the Signpost Forest, it can be hard to see the right direction to follow. You may be wondering where to begin to select an AI tool that best suits your business needs.

A great starting point is to identify the problems that you are hoping to solve and what outcomes you’re looking for. 

After you’ve got that, here are 5 factors to consider: 

Features 

• • Make sure you’ve identified the requirements for business, technical, and data needs.
  • Consider scalability, security measures, data storage capabilities, and other features that may have an impact on business objectives.
  • Compare features across products. It’s best practice to look at several similar products in the same category.
  •  Look for vendors who are committed to regular updates and improvements.

Ease of Use 

• • • Look for products with a simple and intuitive user interface that is easy to navigate.
    • Does it provide clear and concise instructions on how to use it, with examples and illustrations?
    • Video training and onboarding sessions are a definite plus.

Integrations

• • • Make sure the tool will easily integrate with existing workflows and platforms.
    • Consider whether it will enable a seamless adoption by your team.
    •  Ensure potential learning curves associated with using new software can be minimized.
    • Evaluate how the AI tool might support existing business strategies.

Customer Support & Community

• • • Reliable customer support is essential when selecting an AI tool, as it ensures you can quickly resolve any issues.
    • Opt for providers offering prompt assistance through channels such as live chat, email support, or phone calls. 
    • Additionally, consider if there’s an active community surrounding the tool where users share tips and insights on maximizing its potential.

Cost

• • • Evaluate each AI tool within the budget to buy, implement, and maintain each new product. 
    • Compare product costs.
    • Select for the most affordable solution for your business needs.

Don’t forget to congratulate yourself and your team for successfully completing all that work!  And then remember to plan how you’re going to measure success for each type of AI tool you’ve selected. This article, How do you measure success in digital? Five metrics for CEOs, has some excellent suggestions to get you started.

Just a reminder that I’ll be posting reviews that discuss these factors in detail. Subscribe here if you’d like to see what I discover!

And if you have questions or are considering outside guidance for this process? We’re here for you, just drop us a line and we’ll be happy to set up a time for a no obligation Q & A.