That's not AI.

The Confusion is real. Let's be honest - distinguishing between true AI and clever automation isn't always easy. Every day, we meet business leaders who've invested thousands in "AI solutions" only to discover they've purchased workflow automation with a fancy label. Workflow automation can be awesome, and might be what you need, but it's not AI.

Spot the Difference: AI vs. Workflow Automation

Here's how to cut through the hype and spot the difference:

True AI should:

• Handle unexpected scenarios and adapt
• Learn and improve from experience
• Make autonomous decisions
• Scale with your changing needs

What your Workflow might be doing:

• Pre-programmed workflows
• Rule-based automation
• Triggered responses
• Systems break when scenarios change

Understanding What You Actually Need

Here's what many vendors won't tell you: Sometimes, automation is exactly what your business needs. You don't always need an AI to do it, and there's nothing wrong with that! The problem isn't with automation - it's with paying AI prices for automation tools.

Think about it this way: If you need to automatically route customer service tickets to different departments based on keywords, that's automation. If you need a system that can understand customer intent, learn from past interactions, and adapt its responses over time - that's AI.

You Don't Need AI: A Real Life Example

One of our clients asked about building a custom AI agent for her business.  We love helping our clients leverage technology to increase profit and productivity... this was a no-brainer! She had specific ideas of what she needed done, and how much time it was going to save her.  (We also were excited to use this project as an early AI case study! Great!)  Once our techs took a hard look, what she actually needed was an advanced workflow automation, not a custom-built AI agent.  Her problem was solved for a fraction of the cost.

The Real Cost of the Wrong Choice

Making the wrong choice isn't just about overpaying. It's about:

• Implementing solutions that don't solve your actual problems
• Wasting valuable time training staff on tools that don't deliver
• Missing opportunities to implement truly transformative solutions
• Losing ground to competitors who make better choices

Finding Your Path Forward

Having a trusted guide makes all the difference.

At Sentry, we believe in starting with your business needs, not with trending tech buzzwords. We help you:

1. Assess your actual business needs
2. Understand the real differences between AI and automation options
3. Make informed decisions about which solutions will drive genuine value
4. Implement the right technology that grows with your business

Your Next Step

Don't let another day go by wondering if you're making the right technology choices. As your technology partner, we're here to help you navigate these decisions with clarity and confidence. Let's cut through the hype together and find the solutions that will truly move your business forward.

Ready to have a real conversation about what AI or automation could mean for your business? Schedule a discovery call with us today.