Why You Care
Ever wonder if artificial intelligence (AI) is just for massive corporations with endless budgets? What if AI could save your small business thousands of dollars, making your operations smoother and more profitable? A 16-year-old company is doing just that, proving that AI’s benefits extend far beyond the Fortune 500.
What Actually Happened
Netstock, a company specializing in inventory management, recently made a significant announcement. The company revealed it has now served up 1 million AI-driven recommendations to its customers. This milestone underscores a growing trend: AI is becoming a practical tool for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), not just tech giants. While large firms like Flexport and Uber Freight are developing complex AI applications, Netstock focuses on making AI accessible for smaller operations, according to the announcement.
Their approach helps businesses like family-run restaurant suppliers improve their stock. This means less wasted product and more efficient operations. The company reports that a substantial number of their customers are seeing significant financial benefits from these AI suggestions.
Why This Matters to You
Netstock’s achievement shows that AI isn’t an club for the tech elite. It offers tangible benefits for everyday businesses. Imagine you run a small retail store or a local manufacturing plant. How much could you save by optimizing your inventory? The company reports that 75% of its customers have received an Opportunity Engine suggestion valued at $50,000 or more. This is a substantial impact for any small business.
Consider Bargreen Ellingson, a 65-year-old restaurant supply company. They were initially cautious about adopting AI. Jacob Moody, their chief creation officer, explained their apprehension. “I could not have gone into our warehouse and said, ‘Hey, this black box is going to start managing,’” Moody told TechCrunch. Instead, they adopted Netstock’s AI as an optional tool, allowing warehouse managers to choose its use. This cautious approach allowed them to “eagerly, but cautiously dipping our toes” into AI, as detailed in the blog post.
This example highlights how AI can be introduced incrementally into your operations. Are you ready to explore how a tool like this could provide direct financial benefits for your business?
Netstock AI Impact
| Metric | Finding |
| Recommendations Served | 1 Million |
| Customers with $50k+ Suggestion | 75% |
| Customer Apprehension | Initially high, overcome by cautious use |
The Surprising Finding
Here’s the twist: despite the power of AI, the human element remains crucial. Jacob Moody noted that the AI summaries provided by Netstock are not 100% accurate. This might seem counterintuitive for a system often touted for its precision. However, Moody emphasized that the AI still “helps create signals from the noise” quickly, especially during off-hours, as mentioned in the release. This challenges the common assumption that AI must be to be useful.
The more profound change, as the team revealed, was how the software made less-senior warehouse staff more effective. This suggests AI acts as an enabler, not a replacement. It empowers existing employees by streamlining complex data analysis. It allows them to make better, faster decisions, even if the AI’s output isn’t . This collaborative model between human and AI is a key takeaway.
What Happens Next
Expect more small businesses to explore practical AI applications in the coming months and years. Netstock’s success with 1 million recommendations provides a clear roadmap. Companies will likely focus on AI tools that augment human capabilities rather than replacing them entirely. For example, imagine a small construction firm using AI to predict material needs based on project timelines, reducing waste and improving cash flow.
If you’re a small business owner, consider starting with AI tools that solve specific, problems. Look for solutions that offer a clear return on investment and allow for a gradual adoption. The industry implications are clear: AI is democratizing, moving from a luxury for large enterprises to a necessity for competitive small businesses. As Jacob Moody’s experience shows, easing into AI can lead to significant operational improvements and financial gains.