You don’t need to rebuild everything to use AI. Most London businesses already have systems that work. They just need AI added to them.
Here’s how AI integration actually works without disrupting your operations.
What AI Integration Means
Adding AI capabilities to systems you already use.
Common integrations:
AI chatbot connected to your CRM and knowledge base. Document processing AI feeding into your database. Predictive analytics added to your sales system. Image recognition integrated with inventory management. Voice AI connected to your phone system.
You keep existing systems. AI enhances what they can do.
Not integration:
Replacing everything with new AI-powered system. Starting from scratch. Forcing your team to learn completely new tools.
Integration works with what you have.
Types of AI Integration
API-based integration:
AI service connects through APIs. Your systems send data to AI. AI returns results to your systems. Minimal changes to existing software.
Fastest and usually cheapest approach.
Embedded AI:
AI functionality built into your existing application. Runs within your current system. Users don’t see separate AI tool.
More seamless user experience.
Workflow automation:
AI handles specific steps in your process. Connects multiple systems together. Triggers actions based on AI decisions.
Good for end-to-end automation.
Database integration:
AI analyzes data from your databases. Results stored back in your system. Historical data feeds AI training.
Leverages existing data infrastructure.
Real-time integration:
AI processes information instantly. Immediate feedback to users. Live data streaming between systems.
Essential for time-sensitive applications.
Common Integration Scenarios
CRM systems:
AI scores and prioritizes leads. Predicts which customers might churn. Recommends next best actions. Automates data entry from emails.
Salesforce, HubSpot, Pipedrive integration common.
Customer service platforms:
AI chatbot handles common questions. Routes complex issues to right person. Suggests responses to support staff. Analyzes sentiment of customer messages.
Zendesk, Intercom, Freshdesk integration.
Accounting systems:
AI categorizes transactions automatically. Flags unusual patterns. Predicts cash flow. Automates invoice processing.
Xero, QuickBooks, Sage integration.
E-commerce platforms:
AI personalizes product recommendations. Optimizes pricing dynamically. Predicts inventory needs. Detects fraudulent orders.
Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento integration.
Document management:
AI extracts data from documents. Classifies and tags files automatically. Enables intelligent search. Summarizes content.
SharePoint, Google Drive, Dropbox integration.
Integration Process
System assessment:
Understand your current systems. Identify integration points. Evaluate data flow needs. Check technical compatibility.
Can’t integrate until you understand what exists.
AI selection:
Choose appropriate AI service or build custom. Consider API availability. Evaluate cost at your scale. Test with sample data.
Integration design:
Map data flows between systems. Design error handling. Plan for edge cases. Document the architecture.
Development:
Build API connections. Implement data transformation. Create user interfaces if needed. Set up monitoring.
Testing:
Verify data flows correctly. Test error scenarios. Validate AI accuracy. Check performance under load.
Deployment:
Roll out gradually, not all at once. Monitor closely initially. Train users on changes. Gather feedback.
Optimization:
Monitor performance metrics. Adjust based on usage. Improve accuracy over time. Scale as needed.
Timeline and Cost
Simple API integration:
£5,000–£15,000, 4–8 weeks
Connect existing AI service to one system. Straightforward data flow. Minimal customization.
Medium complexity:
£15,000–£40,000, 8–12 weeks
Multiple system connections. Custom data transformation. Some workflow automation.
Complex integration:
£40,000–£100,000+, 3–6 months
Multiple systems and AI services. Complex business logic. Custom AI development plus integration. Real-time processing requirements.
Integration usually costs 30–50% less than building from scratch because you’re working with existing infrastructure.
Need AI in Your Existing Systems?
We’ll assess what’s possible and give you honest advice on the best approach for your specific systems.
Email us:
contact@algosemantic.com
Call us:
+44 7412 808430
AlgoSemantic. The algorithm behind your success.
