Artificial intelligence (AI) is growing in popularity. As technology continues to advance, so does the way we use it to operate business. In some ways this helps business, and in others it can hurt. If you’re curious how AI will affect your business, here are some common pros and cons. 

Pros

1. Help with customer service. Chatbots run by AI are becoming more popular in aiding or replacing customer support. It is also easier for customers to use. They can help with tech issues or returns. They are also available 24/7.
2. Take notes on important meetings. There are certain AI’s that write down everything said which can be helpful in meetings. This way everyone in the meeting can focus on the conversation at hand and leave the notetaking to the AI. 
3. Cut down on costs for the company. AI programs are likely cheaper than hiring new employees because you have to pay them a salary. 
4. Help in decision making. If you are feeling indecisive, AI can be an unbiased way to make decisions. It can be useful to have technology make decisions with no emotions or bias getting in the way. 
5. Safer security. The less people have access to security measures the safer it is. AI doesn’t need government clearance or to sign an NDA.
6. Improve efficiency. AI helps increase efficiency and can help you get more done during your typical working hours. This is especially helpful with entrepreneurs and small businesses with smaller sized staff. 

Cons

1. Take away jobs from people. While it’s impressive what AI can do, each job done by AI takes a job away from an actual person. AI doesn’t have to pay the bills, but a real person does. 
2. Potential for errors with AI. With any type of technology there’s always a risk of error. Unlike humans, AI is unaware of the errors they make. If AI is unaware of their errors there’s no way for them to check and correct them. Having a person check on them would be helpful. 
3. Lack of creativity. The AI is only as creative as it’s programmed. Therefore, creative jobs are best left to people.
4. Lack of human interaction. Some customers may prefer working with a person as customer service help instead of AI.
5. Privacy concerns. AI has access to a big amount of customer data to work efficiently. Some people may be uncomfortable with this access to their personal data. Companies that use AI in this manner must be upfront with their customers on how they use AI. There is also a risk if someone hacks into the AI software. 

With any new technology comes various pros and cons. Be sure to access these pros and cons to see if AI is right for your company. Each company is different and may use AI differently. AI is also growing rapidly and new methods of it are being created every day. If it isn’t a fit for your company now, it may be a good fit in the future.