The Cost of Inaction: Manufacturers Can't Ignore GenAI to Improve Sales and Productivity

Generative AI (GenAI) is reinventing manufacturing, from production to sales. Implementing GenAI now can keep you ahead of the curve and ready for future challenges.

GenAI uses advanced algorithms to analyze and learn from vast amounts of data, predict outcomes, simulate scenarios, and recommend actions. This technology enables manufacturers to harness the full potential of their operational and customer data, leading to significant improvements in sales ROI and operational efficiency.

Here’s what you’re missing out on if you fail to adopt and implement AI.

The hidden costs of inaction

As more businesses adopt AI, customer expectations shift. Modern customers expect quick, personalized interactions. Slower response times and generic communications are more than just minor inconveniences—they're reasons customers look elsewhere.

Let's explore some of the challenges companies might face if they don't embrace GenAI. 

• Slower response times: Without GenAI's real-time processing capabilities, your sales reps may experience delays in responding to customer needs, leading to missed sales opportunities.
• Impersonal experiences: Failing to implement GenAI means missing out on the deep personalization that consumers have grown to expect, driving them towards competitors who offer more tailored experiences.
• Inefficient lead management: Without GenAI, managing and prioritizing leads can become less efficient, impacting the sales cycle and revenue.
• Manual task overload: Relying on manual processes can bog down teams, reduce overall productivity, and increase the likelihood of errors.
• Missed upsell opportunities: Without GenAI’s advanced analytics, identifying and capitalizing on upsell opportunities may be more challenging, leading to lost revenue.

Benefits of adopting AI

Enhanced sales conversions through personalization

According to a 2023 Salesforce survey, about 84% of salespeople using Generative AI report that it has helped increase sales

Imagine understanding your prospects’ needs so well that every pitch feels personal. That's what GenAI can do. It dives deep into data, identifying patterns and preferences that might be missed by human analysts. With AI, your sales team can deliver personalized pitches and product recommendations tailored to each customer's needs.

For current customers, GenAI can help sales reps find areas to upsell or provide additional product recommendations based on a deep understanding of customer behavior and specific use cases.

Increased sales productivity 

It’s easy for your sales reps to get bogged down in little tasks that take valuable time away from more important tasks like building customer trust and closing deals. Between manually entering prospect data into a CRM and drafting emails, it’s tough to find the time to actually talk to customers.

 You can use GenAI to automate manual tasks. From generating leads to scheduling follow-ups, GenAI handles the groundwork, freeing up your sales teams to focus on the tasks that directly contribute to sales effectiveness and revenue growth.

 Automated lead scoring

One of the most popular uses for GenAI is lead scoring. GenAI can identify high-quality leads that match your Ideal Customer Profile (ICP). Based on past interactions and behavior, GenAI tools can predict which leads are more likely to make a purchase.

With Gen AI analyzing incoming leads based on their likelihood to convert, your sales team can prioritize their efforts on the most promising opportunities.

Future trends of GenAI in manufacturing

As technology advances, GenAI's role in manufacturing will grow exponentially. Here are some trends we see emerging regarding AI's impact on sales conversions and productivity:

• Sales forecasting –sales forecasting is set to become much more accurate thanks to AI's ability to pull data from various sources and use advanced predictive models. This means businesses can plan better, allocate resources more effectively, and make smarter decisions.
• Virtual demos –Generative AI will change virtual product demos by making them interactive and customized to each customer’s specific needs and preferences. By offering deeply personalized and engaging demos, companies can increase their chances of closing deals.
• Predictive analysis –GenAI will give even deeper insights into sales trends, customer behavior, and market conditions. These insights will help sales teams anticipate customer needs, proactively address challenges, and seize new opportunities.

The bottom line of GenAI

Embracing GenAI isn’t just an option—it’s a necessity. GenAI offers more than just incremental improvements; it enables a massive shift in how manufacturers operate and compete. Ignoring GenAI doesn’t just mean missing out on potential benefits— it puts you at risk of being disrupted in a rapidly advancing technological world.

Contact us today and let us show you how to utilize the full potential of AI to transform your business. Our Intelligent Product Advisors answer questions, recommend products, and enable sales with conversational experience for your customers and sales teams on all channels. Your advisors are using your data, so you can be sure the recommendations aren't just templated responses.