Partner Content: AI PCs set to transform workplaces - New report highlights key benefits for businesses

AI As businesses increasingly look to leverage AI to enhance their operations, AI PCs are emerging as a critical tool in this transformation. CRN's recent whitepaper, ‘Unlocking AI's PCs Potential', sponsored by TD SYNNEX and HP, provides invaluable insights into the benefits of AI PCs and how this technology can drive substantial business value.

Enhanced productivity

One of the most significant advantages of AI PCs is their potential to boost productivity. AI PCs are equipped with integrated neural processing units that handle complex tasks more efficiently than traditional processors. This hardware innovation allows for faster data processing, which translates to quicker task completion and improved workflow efficiency. CRN surveyed over 100 IT decision-makers from end user organisations. They represent a broad variety of sectors and range in size from under 500 employees to over 10,000. Of those surveyed, 75 per cent believe that AI PCs can accelerate workflows, making them a top choice for organisations looking to optimise their operations.

Improved employee experience

68 percent of respondents see improved employee experience as a major benefit of AI PCs. AI PCs empower employees to achieve more by automating routine tasks, providing intelligent assistance and enabling more intuitive interactions with technology. This leads to a more engaging and fulfilling work environment, which can boost job satisfaction and retention rates.

Advanced AI features

The integration of AI features, such as Microsoft Copilot, represents another key benefit of AI PCs. Microsoft Copilot, already in use by 76 per cent of organisations surveyed, offers intelligent assistance for a range of tasks, from drafting documents to summarising meetings. By leveraging AI-powered tools, employees can perform their tasks more efficiently and with greater accuracy.

Security and data protection

Security is a growing concern in today's digital landscape and AI PCs offer enhanced protection through local AI processing and new security features. By performing AI tasks locally rather than in the cloud, AI PCs minimise exposure to external threats and reduce the attack surface. The report highlights improved security as a notable benefit of AI PCs, with 73 per cent of respondents acknowledging the technology's ability to support robust security measures.

Increased environmental sustainability

Sustainability is becoming a critical focus for many organisations' device procurement strategies. 70 per cent said they view environmental sustainability as a crucial aspect of their AI PC strategy. AI PCs are designed to be more energy-efficient, making them better suited to handling the high processing power needed for AI.

Versatile use cases across business departments

AI PCs offer a range of use cases across various business departments, from IT and customer services to marketing and creative roles. The report identifies these departments as key areas that can benefit from AI PC technology. For instance, 65 per cent of customer service departments plan to use AI PCs to enhance their operations through advanced conversational AI, while marketing teams are expected to leverage data-driven insights for more effective campaigns.

Future-proofing technology investments

AI PCs are not just a temporary solution; they represent a forward-looking investment in future technology. 67 per cent of organisations expect AI PCs to become the default choice for new device deployments within the next two years. By adopting AI PCs now, organisations can future-proof their technology investments and stay ahead of the curve in an increasingly AI-driven world.

Building a compelling business case

While the benefits of AI PCs are recognised, challenges such as upfront costs and the need for a solid business case remain. In fact, only 20 per cent of IT leaders feel confident in their ability to make a compelling case for AI PCs within their organisation. Articulating the return on investment (ROI) and demonstrating how AI PCs can deliver measurable business value are crucial steps in helping organisations make informed decisions and realise the full potential of AI PCs.

Read the full whitepaper here.