AI in Action: Moving Beyond Theory to Deliver Real Business Value

It’s easy to get swept up in the AI hype. Scroll through LinkedIn on any given day, and you'll likely encounter countless posts extolling the virtues of AI—how it could revolutionize industries, might streamline processes, or should improve customer experiences. These posts are often rich with potential but glaringly short on concrete examples. Let's be clear: discussing AI's possibilities in the abstract is low-effort, low-reward, and frankly, it's not moving the needle.

What's truly valuable is when AI is actually implemented, delivering measurable business outcomes. This post isn't another exercise in imagination—it's a call to focus on AI projects that are not only feasible but already transforming businesses. We need to shift the conversation from "What if AI could...?" to "Here's what AI is doing, and here are the results."

The Pitfall of Theoretical AI Use Cases

The allure of AI is understandable. It’s a technology with almost limitless potential. But the operative word here is “potential.” A lot of the discourse around AI stays in this potential phase—brainstorming untested use cases that sound impressive but remain firmly rooted in the realm of speculation. Sure, it's fun to dream about AI-driven innovation, but when it comes to delivering real value to businesses, untested ideas don’t cut it.

This isn’t to say that creative thinking about AI isn’t important—it's the first step in the process. However, when the conversation stops there, it’s akin to playing with a toy box of ideas rather than building something of substance. It's a low-effort exercise that yields low rewards, like spinning your wheels without gaining traction. What companies really need are AI solutions that are live, operational, and driving business success right now.

The Reality of AI Implementation

The narrative around AI is often filled with abstract promises, but the true value lies in real-world applications that are already live and delivering tangible business results. At cpq.se, we’re not just talking about what AI could do—we’re implementing AI solutions that are transforming how our customers operate, right now.

Let’s take a closer look at three key AI-driven innovations that are already live in production and delivering significant value to our customers:

1. Personalized Document Snippets Powered by a Custom-Trained LLM: One of the most powerful applications of AI in CPQ is the ability to personalize customer interactions. We've implemented a solution where a custom-trained large language model (LLM) generates personalized document snippets that are seamlessly integrated into sales quotes and proposals. This means every piece of communication is tailored to the specific needs and preferences of the customer, enhancing engagement and increasing the likelihood of closing deals. This is not just a theoretical concept—our customers are already using this technology to improve their sales effectiveness. Check out the demo version here (link).

2. Extended BI Tables with Prediction Values for Forecasting: Accurate forecasting is critical for strategic decision-making, and AI is making it more precise than ever. We’ve integrated extended Business Intelligence (BI) tables with AI-driven prediction values into our CPQ systems. This allows our customers to forecast sales trends and market demands with unprecedented accuracy. By analyzing historical data and current market conditions, AI generates predictive insights that guide better business decisions. This capability is live and helping companies optimize their inventory, pricing strategies, and sales efforts.

3. Prediction of Quote Conversion to Orders: Understanding the likelihood of a quote converting into an order is a game-changer for any sales team. Our AI-enhanced CPQ system includes predictive analytics that assesses the probability of each quote turning into a sale. This tool helps sales teams prioritize their efforts, focusing on the opportunities most likely to succeed. This isn’t just a hypothetical tool—it’s actively used by our customers to streamline their sales processes and improve conversion rates.

These examples are not just about what AI could do—they represent real, implemented solutions that are making a difference today. By moving beyond theoretical discussions and focusing on proven AI applications, we’re helping businesses achieve greater efficiency, better forecasting, and higher conversion rates.

Why Proven AI Applications Matter

Investing in AI should be about more than just keeping up with the latest trends; it should be about implementing solutions that deliver real business value. Proven AI applications matter because they’re tested, reliable, and they provide a clear return on investment. They move beyond the speculative and into the practical, turning what could be into what is.

When AI is live and delivering results, it becomes more than just a buzzword. It becomes a strategic asset. Businesses that successfully implement AI in their operations see improvements not just in efficiency but also in scalability and innovation. They gain a competitive edge by leveraging AI not just as a tool, but as an integral part of their business strategy.

From Theory to Practice

It’s time to start focusing on what AI is actually doing, rather than just what it could do. This requires a shift in mindset—from one that’s content with hypothetical discussions to one that demands evidence, results, and real-world success stories. It's about moving beyond the allure of potential and getting down to the business of implementation.

For those who are serious about leveraging AI, the path forward is clear: prioritize projects that are grounded in reality, that have been tested and proven to work. This is where real business value is found—where AI is not just an idea, but a functioning, value-generating part of your organization.

If you're interested in seeing how AI can drive real results in your business, particularly in the realm of CPQ, take the next step. Visit our CPQ blog to explore our proven AI-driven solutions or schedule a virtual coffee with Magnus and Patrik to discuss how we can help your business leverage AI effectively. Let’s move beyond theory together and start delivering real business value with AI.