In discussions around artificial intelligence, many manufacturers and distribution companies echo a similar refrain: “We are still trying to figure it out.” This sentiment encapsulates the uncertainty faced by numerous B2B organizations as they ponder whether AI represents more of a fleeting trend or can tangibly boost productivity, efficiency, and sales. While some businesses remain hesitant, many others are already harnessing the potential of AI tools to reshape their operations.

A recent study from Reveal, a Chicago-based developer of AI applications, sheds valuable insights on this front. After compiling and analyzing a range of AI-powered tools sourced from online directories, Reveal focused specifically on those designed to enhance productivity and user engagement. By assessing average visit duration, it successfully identified which tools are resonating most with users.

Topping this list is Odoo, an AI-powered business software that stands out with an impressive average visit duration of 18 minutes and 18 seconds, drawn from a staggering 17.62 million monthly visits. This engagement metric significantly outpaces the second-highest tool by over four minutes, illustrating Odoo’s ability to captivate users with its functionalities. To put this into perspective, Odoo’s average session time is three times longer than that of ChatGPT, even though the latter has garnered immense traffic due to its widespread applicability.

Following Odoo in the rankings is Replit, a platform focused on coding automation. Users dedicate an average of 13 minutes and 42 seconds during their visits, supported by approximately 7.54 million monthly visits. This indicates a solid level of engagement, as developers find value in its tools to streamline coding tasks and enhance collaboration.

The data analysis platform Databricks earned the third position, with an average user visit duration of 11 minutes and 43 seconds sourced from about 3.85 million monthly visits. The retention shown here reflects interest in data-driven insights and analytics, which are crucial for business intelligence in today’s data-centric world.

Collaboration tools are becoming increasingly vital in remote and hybrid work environments, and Coda is a noteworthy example. Ranking fourth, Coda maintains an average visit duration of 9 minutes and 51 seconds with 3.37 million monthly visitors. This level of engagement confirms the tool’s effectiveness in fostering communication and project management among teams.

Gamma, a presentation platform, rounds out the top five with an average engagement time of 6 minutes and 52 seconds across its user base. While this duration is shorter than those of the top-ranking tools, it highlights the growing need for enhanced presentation capabilities within the B2B landscape.

Interestingly, ChatGPT, while ranking sixth in terms of average visit duration with 6 minutes and 16 seconds, demonstrates an astounding volume of traffic—2.4 billion monthly visits. The total time users spend engaging with ChatGPT accumulates to an impressive 10.66 million days each month. This sheer volume signals the widespread adoption and utility of the platform, even if individual engagement time is shorter compared to other tools.

Wendell Jisa, founder and CEO of Reveal, articulates the broader implications of these metrics, saying, “AI models offer unprecedented opportunities for automating mundane tasks, enabling people to focus their efforts on more productive activities.” This statement bridges the gap between skepticism and potential, highlighting that AI can transform operations—even if some companies still grapple with its integration.

For B2B companies contemplating the implementation of AI tools, understanding engagement metrics is crucial. These insights can shape decision-making processes, informing which platforms to adopt based on user behavior. Investing in tools that foster longer engagement periods often correlates with improved productivity and efficiency.

As organizations look ahead, they must shed the notion that AI is a passing trend. With numerous successful implementations already evident, the question is no longer if AI can enhance productivity, but rather how organizations can effectively integrate these tools to their advantage.

In conclusion, while some B2B companies remain hesitant, the evidence is clear. AI-powered tools such as Odoo, Replit, and Databricks showcase how artificial intelligence, when effectively utilized, can engage users and drive productivity. For manufacturers and distribution companies, this shift represents a significant opportunity to optimize their operations and achieve sustained growth.