Artificial intelligence is everywhere, yet for many organizations the journey from curiosity to delivering value can feel daunting.
At our recent “Get Started with IFS.ai” webinar, our experts shared practical advice for businesses ready to take the first step with Industrial AI. Here are the five top tips Sören Michl, VP AI Adoption, IFS and Adi Kumar, Head of Strategic Operations, IFS discussed to help you get started with AI and unlock measurable value.
1. Start with What Matters Most
Don’t try to do everything at once. Begin with the area of your business where AI can make the biggest impact, whether it’s Service Management, Manufacturing, Field Service or Financial Processes. Focus on a single use case that aligns with your goals. As Sören described, “IFS.ai is designed to allow you to implement the specific feature that matters most to your business and your needs.”
2. Don’t Wait for Perfect Data
Worried about your data quality? You’re not alone. Many organizations hesitate to start their AI journey for this reason. As Sören shared, he’s “never seen a customer with top data quality,” but his advice is clear: begin anyway, assess whether your data is good enough, and improve as needed. Many AI solutions can deliver value even with imperfect data, allowing you to enhance data quality as you go.
3. Leverage Embedded, Secure AI
For less disruption, easier adoption and greater security, you may choose AI solutions that are natively integrated with your existing systems. When AI capabilities are already part of your core infrastructure, you can activate the features that best fit your needs with minimal effort. If you’re already on IFS Cloud, you may be considering IFS.ai, as Adi noted, “its embedded, secure and proven.”
4.Use Tools to Visualize Value Early
Before you commit, use tools available to you to preview the potential impact of AI on your business. These resources can help you make informed decisions and set realistic expectations. As Adi mentioned, “we have an ROI Calculator which gives a data-driven preview of outcomes.” This tool is available for anyone to use, you can select your industry and use-cases that align with your goals to understand the value that could be delivered.
5. Start Small, Scale Smart
Transformation doesn’t have to mean disruption. Begin with a manageable project, prove the value, and then scale. The IFS.ai Activation Pass is a great way to dip your toes into Industrial AI with minimal risk, “that’s exactly what Cimcorp did. No massive change program. Just a smart decision that grew into something bigger.” explained Adi.
SOURCE: Helen Hauck (2025 September 29) Five Top Tips for Getting Started with AI. IFS Blog. https://blog.ifs.com/five-top-tips-for-getting-started-with-ai
