Field notes on AI in business
Practical writing on AI, automation and the day-to-day work of running a business. From the team that builds and runs AI systems.
Artificial intelligence
How AI-Powered Contract Analysis Finds Hidden Savings
Most companies do not actually know what is in their contracts. AI-powered analysis reads entire portfolios in hours, typically finding 10-25% in savings from missed renewals, unfavorable terms, and renegotiation opportunities.
Basel IsmailApr 16, 2026
Automation
The Hidden Costs of Manual Processes That Nobody Tracks
Manual data entry costs $28,500 per employee annually, but the real expense includes 1-5% error rates, 10-15x correction costs, decision delays, and skilled workers stuck on repetitive tasks.
Basel IsmailApr 16, 2026
AI agents
The Onboarding Process for a Virtual AI Employee
A realistic walkthrough of what it takes to deploy a virtual AI employee, from initial workflow mapping through testing to full autonomous operation.
Basel IsmailApr 16, 2026
Automation
Measuring Automation ROI Beyond Cost Savings
Cost savings are only one dimension of automation ROI. Speed improvements, error reductions of 40-75%, employee satisfaction gains (90% report higher job satisfaction), and sub-linear scaling of costs with volume all contribute to the full business case.
Basel IsmailApr 16, 2026
Manufacturing
Automated Lighting and Climate Control Optimization in Large Factories
Factory lighting and HVAC systems consume massive energy but are often run at full capacity regardless of actual need. AI adjusts them based on occupancy, production, and weather.
Basel IsmailApr 15, 2026
Healthcare
Automated Patient Financial Hardship Screening and Charity Care Applications
Many patients qualify for financial assistance but never apply because the process is too complicated or they do not know it exists. Automated screening identifies eligible patients proactively and streamlines the application process.
Basel IsmailApr 15, 2026
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Law firms
AI for Managing Multi-District Litigation Coordination
MDL proceedings involve massive coordination across dozens of cases and law firms. AI helps manage the complexity of discovery, briefing, and trial preparation in multi-district litigation.
Basel IsmailApr 15, 2026
Construction
How AI Monitors Dewatering System Performance on Below-Grade Construction
Dewatering systems on below-grade construction must run continuously and reliably. AI monitoring detects performance degradation before water problems affect the excavation.
Basel IsmailApr 15, 2026
Accounting tax
Automating Data Migration Between Accounting Platforms During Client Onboarding
Platform migration during client onboarding is time-consuming and error-prone. AI automation reduces migration time and improves data accuracy.
Basel IsmailApr 15, 2026
Insurance
Automated Commercial Insurance Application Processing and Data Extraction
Commercial insurance applications are long, inconsistent, and full of data that needs to get into underwriting systems. AI extracts and validates application data to speed up the submission-to-quote pipeline.
Basel IsmailApr 15, 2026
Ecommerce retail
Automated Vendor Negotiation Support Using Historical Purchase Data
Vendor negotiations are only as strong as your data. AI compiles and analyzes your complete purchase history to give your procurement team a data-driven edge in every negotiation.
Basel IsmailApr 15, 2026
Logistics transportation
Automated Freight Claims Management From Filing to Resolution
Freight claims for damaged, lost, or short-shipped cargo are administratively painful for everyone involved. AI automates the claims process from initial filing through resolution, reducing processing time and improving recovery rates.
Basel IsmailApr 15, 2026
1,319 articles