Let’s be honest: when it comes to artificial intelligence, small businesses are caught in the middle of the hype storm. Some people swear we’re in an AI-driven revolution, while others warn we’re living inside a bubble that’s ready to burst. But here’s what’s undeniable—AI is already helping small businesses save money, work smarter, and scale faster.
And if you’re looking for proof, Netstock is serving up a textbook example.
Meet the “Opportunity Engine”
Netstock, an inventory management software company founded in 2009, recently launched its generative AI-powered “Opportunity Engine.” Sounds fancy, right? But here’s what it actually does:
- Integrates seamlessly into existing dashboards
- Pulls real-time data from customers’ ERP systems
- Delivers actionable recommendations that help businesses make smarter inventory decisions
The results? Over one million recommendations generated and 75% of users receiving insights worth $50,000 or more. Not bad for a tool that doesn’t demand a complete tech overhaul.
Winning Over Skeptics, One Step at a Time
Of course, not every small business jumps on the AI bandwagon overnight. Take Bargreen Ellingson, a 65-year-old family-owned restaurant supply company.
Jacob Moody, their Chief Innovation Officer, admitted he was skeptical at first:
“Old family companies don’t trust blind change a lot.”
Instead of forcing the AI tool on warehouse managers, Moody offered it as an optional upgrade. Employees could test it out at their own pace. This “no pressure” rollout made adoption smoother and, IMO, way less scary than dropping a black-box AI on people overnight.
AI That Empowers, Not Replaces
Here’s what I love most about Netstock’s approach—it doesn’t take decision-making away from employees. It enhances their capabilities instead.
Take this example: an employee at Bargreen with just a high school diploma found the AI suggestions incredibly useful for daily tasks. He knows the customers, understands the products, and now, thanks to AI, can make quicker, better calls without needing a data science degree.
That’s the magic here—AI is boosting human potential, not replacing it.
Why Netstock’s Approach Works
Co-founder Barry Kukkuk says the key lies in a decade of data collected from clients. The AI isn’t just randomly generating outputs; it’s learning from years of experience.
Interestingly, Kukkuk deliberately kept the AI’s role simple. The recommendations are prominent but optional. No endless chatbots. No overwhelming “AI everywhere” gimmicks. Just clean, useful insights when you need them.
The Bigger Picture
Small businesses adopting AI are entering a new era of efficiency—but cautiously. The Opportunity Engine shows that when trust, usability, and human oversight come first, AI can deliver massive value:
- Cost savings without chaos
- Operational efficiency without replacing people
- Empowered teams who make smarter decisions
Final Thoughts
Netstock’s Opportunity Engine proves that AI doesn’t have to be intimidating. For small businesses, the key isn’t adopting AI blindly—it’s adopting it thoughtfully.
When AI tools are built to empower employees, integrate seamlessly, and provide actionable insights, small businesses unlock opportunities they didn’t even know existed.
And honestly, that’s the kind of “AI revolution” worth getting behind.
