AI is rapidly reshaping how businesses operate across sectors—from retail to manufacturing—boosting efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing strategic decision-making. Here’s a breakdown of three notable trends shaping AI adoption in the business world as of August 2025.
1. AI-Driven Drive-Thrus: A New Era in Fast Food Operations
Michael Chorey, the architect behind Wendy’s FreshAI assistant, has joined Presto as president of its new division, Presto IQ. His mission? To transform drive-thrus across fast-food chains using AI. With Wendy’s already employing FreshAI in 300 locations and preparing to expand to 600 more, Chorey and Presto’s team are tailoring AI solutions for multiple restaurant brands. This shift aims to free human employees from repetitive tasks and elevate operational efficiency—though it also raises questions about job displacement and reliability.
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2. AI and Just-in-Time Manufacturing: Smarter Inventory, Better Resilience
U.S. manufacturers, including Toro Company, are turning to AI to manage just-in-time inventory systems amid fluctuating tariffs and global instability. AI tools, particularly generative AI agents, are analysing real-time data to optimize procurement and logistical decisions—enhancing supply chain resilience and reducing costs. The global demand for supply chain AI is projected to grow from $2.7 billion to $55 billion by 2029.
Reuters
3. Agentic AI: Bridging Autonomy and Orchestration in Enterprises
A BusinessTech analysis highlights that 61% of business leaders have adopted AI agents in complex workflows, forecasting a 15% automation rate by 2028. However, these AI agents often operate in isolation—creating siloed outcomes that slow integration, limit ROI, and pose governance risks. To avoid these pitfalls, companies are advised to implement unified data platforms, hybrid control systems, and centralized orchestration hubs.
TechRadar
Summary: What’s Driving AI in Business?
| Trend | Impact on Industry |
|---|---|
| AI in fast food | Automates repetitive tasks, improves efficiency |
| Supply chain AI | Optimizes operations and builds resilience |
| Agentic AI deployment | Amplifies automation—but needs careful orchestration |
Why This Matters:
These developments illustrate how AI is not just a tool for businesses—it’s becoming a strategic linchpin. From hands-free customer interactions to supply chain agility and autonomous agent orchestration, AI is redefining workflows across sectors. Businesses poised for success are those integrating AI in a coordinated, secure, and human-centric way.
