AI conversations are everywhere. But real-world AI solutions? That’s a different story. Cleaning company Bissell proved it’s possible to cut through the hype and deliver tangible value in just 48 hours. By partnering with AI analytics firm Domo, Bissell built five functional AI tools to transform how it handles data, customer service, and sales—all in two days.
From Hype to Action: Bissell’s AI Sprint Strategy
Brandon Walsh, Bissell’s director of Data & Analytics, noticed a common problem: teams were experimenting with free AI tools but seeing little progress. “They weren’t convinced tangible results were possible,” he said. “We decided to prove AI’s value by solving real business problems—fast.”
The strategy? Focus on pain points. Bissell identified five critical areas:
- Customer service issue tracking
- Post-launch excellence (PLE) analytics
- Marketing reporting
- Resource planning for product design
- Sales reporting on top-selling items
These tasks previously consumed hundreds of hours annually. By dedicating key personnel to a two-day AI sprint, Bissell turned manual workflows into automated solutions.
The Challenge: Manual Work vs. AI Potential
Before the sprint, teams spent 8–10 hours manually gathering data from dashboards, PDFs, and PowerPoints. For example, PLE tracking required sifting through fragmented sources to identify trends like:
- 20% rise in users seeking product resources
- 27% increase in general product questions
- 15% jump in troubleshooting requests
“Now, an AI agent delivers these insights in 5–10 minutes,” Walsh explained. “It’s a game-changer for future product launches.”
The Execution: How Bissell Made It Happen
Walsh’s approach was simple but effective:
- Secure executive buy-in: Convincing leaders to allocate two full days for focused AI work.
- Remove distractions: Bring teams together in one room to build AI tools without interruptions.
- Start small: Demonstrate value quickly by solving one problem (like sales reporting) in an hour.
By using Domo’s platform, Bissell avoided data silos. “Your data must be ready in a centralized platform,” Walsh emphasized. “Otherwise, you’ll waste time on data cleanup instead of building solutions.”
The Results: 5 AI Tools in 48 Hours
Bissell’s sprint delivered measurable wins:
- Customer service: Automated issue tracking reduced manual reporting by 90%.
- Marketing: Real-time reporting cut analysis time from days to hours.
- Product design: Resource planning became 50% faster with AI-driven insights.
Walsh’s key takeaway? “Don’t let AI hype stall progress. Start with real pain points and show results in days, not months.”
3 Lessons for Your AI Journey
- Focus on action: Let teams experiment with AI tools during dedicated sprints.
- Centralize data: Use platforms like Domo to avoid data fragmentation.
- Measure impact: Track time saved and errors reduced to prove AI’s value.
For more strategies to turn AI into a workhorse, explore these 12 AI prompt templates designed for professionals.
Ready to cut through the AI hype? Start small, focus on real problems, and watch your team unlock efficiency in record time.
