How a 16-Year-Old Company Is Easing Small Businesses Into AI
Amid all the chatter about whether artificial intelligence is a bubble, one thing is clear: some industries are finding real, practical use cases. Supply chain and logistics companies are leading the charge, but smaller businesses are also starting to benefit. And the story of how a 16-year-old company is easing small businesses into AI shows exactly how that’s happening.
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Big players like Flexport and Uber Freight are already using AI to drive efficiency, but many small and mid-sized companies lack the resources to adopt advanced tools on their own. That’s where Netstock, an inventory management software company founded in 2009, steps in.
From Inventory Software to AI-Powered Decisions
Netstock recently launched the Opportunity Engine, a generative AI-powered tool built directly into its customer dashboard. By pulling data from Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, the AI provides real-time recommendations tailored to each business.
Instead of requiring complex integrations or costly consultants, the Opportunity Engine simply fits into what companies already use. For small businesses, that means smoother adoption, less risk, and quicker results.
Proving AI Can Deliver Value
Netstock says the Opportunity Engine has already delivered over 1 million recommendations. Even more impressive: 75% of its customers have received AI-driven suggestions valued at $50,000 or more in potential savings or revenue opportunities.
That’s a powerful example of how a 16-year-old company is easing small businesses into AI — not by overwhelming them with hype, but by embedding smart, actionable insights into their daily workflows.
Winning Over Traditional Businesses
Of course, AI adoption isn’t just about technology — it’s about trust. For family-run companies like Bargreen Ellingson, a 65-year-old restaurant supply business, the leap into AI came with hesitation.
“Old family companies don’t trust blind change a lot,” said Jacob Moody, the company’s chief innovation officer. Instead of pitching AI as a “black box,” Moody introduced it as a tool warehouse managers could use — or ignore — as they saw fit. That cautious, flexible approach made adoption smoother and less intimidating.
Why This Matters for the Future of AI in SMBs
The lesson here is clear: the path to AI adoption for small businesses isn’t about disruption — it’s about integration. Companies like Netstock are proving that if AI tools are easy to use, low-risk, and immediately valuable, even the most traditional businesses will embrace them.
In an era where many startups chase flashy AI headlines, this 16-year-old company is showing a quieter but more impactful way forward: making AI accessible, trustworthy, and genuinely useful to the businesses that need it most.
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