On January 14, 2024, at the Executive Connection Summit, Keypoint Intelligence announced a strategic partnership with GoWest.ai that could very well be the compass guiding the office equipment channel into its AI-powered future. This is more important to our channel than just “news,” as it will offer those who are ready the golden ticket to thrive in what will become an entirely new business reality—one in which AI will be instrumental for success.
At the core of this partnership is a shared belief: integrating AI is no longer a luxury but a simple (if sometimes hard) reality for future growth. Anthony Sci, president and CEO of Keypoint Intelligence, put it succinctly, emphasizing the strategic necessity of AI for business evolution. The combined efforts of the two companies will aim to demystify AI, making it accessible and actionable for our clients.
Keypoint knows a thing or two about innovation. In the last couple years, they have taken the organization from simply providing BLI services to one that has the most comprehensive pricing configurator, eCommerce solution and bespoke analytic offerings of anyone in the channel. They get innovation—they’re rockin’ it, and they get the need for making it accessible to the channel and to driving the future, not just following it.
The collaboration brings forth AI readiness assessments and strategic AI services tailored for the print, imaging and technology services channels. But what does this mean in practical terms? It’s about understanding where you are in your AI journey, identifying the gaps and crafting a path forward that’s both innovative and achievable. It’s about turning the “what ifs” into tangible strategies that propel businesses forward.
It should be noted that Keypoint was a customer of GoWest.ai before becoming a partner. Keypoint has experienced the benefits of a strategic AI business readiness assessment firsthand, and company leadership feels so strongly about the results that they’re ensuring customers and partners that they can benefit from the same experience. AI innovation is advancing so rapidly that approaching it from a business strategy view isn’t optional; those who think it is will be left behind.
I’m 100% committed to AI and business growth, as is my company Go West.ai. If we don’t succeed with AI, we have nothing to fall back on—it’s literally “AI or bust.” But, dramatics aside, we’re not really worried. GoWest.ai has developed a mission and a roadmap to bring strategic AI offerings to every office equipment channel dealer that’s ready for them. But our offerings expand beyond this channel into every conceivable vertical you could image. There’s no business sector on earth free from AI. Our expertise, coupled with Keypoint Intelligence’s industry analytical acumen and reach, promises a synergy that could redefine how you grow your business in the coming years.
Of course, you could just watch YouTube videos to learn how to write better prompts or how to write emails in the voice of Shakespeare. AI is fun and games, right? Why pay for expertise when you win it, sure. Actually, no. Just no. Before long, the technology you think of as AI will dominate how you coordinate workflows between common business applications without complicated API integrations or custom software development. You also want to ensure your business understands how to use this new tech safely and without risking proprietary and confidential information. GoWest.ai is focused on not just the AI of today and its safety, but also of what’s just around the corner, both the good and the bad. Forewarned is forearmed, as they say.
This partnership between Keypoint Intelligence and GoWest.ai isn’t just good news for each company, but it’s a huge opportunity for the office equipment channel to build more efficient practices no matter the offering. Cost per page, EV charging, managed IT—you name it. All these offerings need to become more efficient to drive future value and, yes, the best possible valuations. The partnership is poised to be a vital resource for dealers and technology service providers who are ready to take the AI leap, offering them a unique advantage in an increasingly AI-centric world. It’s about setting new benchmarks and fostering an environment where AI integration becomes the norm, not the exception. Oh, and news flash: this will happen whether you actively participate or not.
Beyond the official announcement, this partnership symbolizes a broader shift in the industry’s approach to technology and customer service. AI augmentation will allow us to reimagine how businesses interact with their clients, anticipate needs and deliver solutions that are both innovative and personalized.
Imagine AI-driven systems that not only predict service needs but also tailor communication strategies to different customer segments. Or consider the potential for AI to streamline operations, enabling sales teams to focus on building relationships rather than getting bogged down in administrative tasks.
Think about what your sales teams could do with that extra hour every day they currently use (or should be using) to update the CRM and opportunity mapping. How about having the ability to reduce service team time by 30%, 40% or even 70% by using AI to help them troubleshoot? Or training sales reps on the latest offerings? Or maybe role playing and what-if scenario development to counter your competitors?
You may not have time for all of this, but guess what does—AI. And we can help you learn how, as both Keypoint Intelligence and GoWest.ai have decades of experience directly related to this channel. We’re friends of the office equipment channel, to be certain.
The world is getting on board with AI whether we choose to or not, just as I remember the early days of MPS when people thought cost per page was optional. As we do business in 2024 and beyond, the message is clear: the time to embrace AI is now. This partnership between Keypoint Intelligence and GoWest.ai is an invitation to step into the future securely and with allies, arming you with the insights, strategies and technologies that will define the next era of business. Why go it alone?
For those ready to embark on this journey, the first step is simple but significant: reach out to Keypoint Intelligence. This partnership is your gateway to an AI-driven future, offering the guidance, tools, and support you need to not just navigate, but lead. The only question left to ask is, can you afford to wait any longer?
