Although human involvement remains a key factor in business development, recent studies may indicate that technology is--and always will be--the future of most industries. 56% of businesses have some established form of artificial intelligence (AI) that has increased productivity and allowed companies to cut back on expenses and resource their funds into more valuable growth opportunities.

Of course, it shouldn’t be assumed that technology is trying to replace anyone. In the professional world, technology should be thought of as a tool that’s there for business owners themselves to own and control. The evolution of technology, especially in the past decade, has expanded the field of business exponentially. Valuable labor costs have the potential to be refocused within one’s own business while productivity and returns are doubled. All of this is being achieved through AI.

The most informed CFOs should be well aware of the impact AI has on various fields of business. Besides its clear influence on any manufacturing-industry, AI itself is a promising market that serious business owners are not overlooking. Nearly 33% of major business owners are expected to invest between $500,000 and $5 million by this time next year.

AI’s strongest role is that of automation. Companies are often surprised by the number of tedious tasks that can be performed by AI, saving both time and money. The return of investment alone from investing in AI is enough to make investing a serious consideration. Keep in mind that the future of most jobs involves not how well conditions can be improved in existing circumstances, but how well the workplace will adapt to brand-new circumstances.