CohnReznick Advises Strategic AI Implementation Over Rushed Adoption in Business Operations

CohnReznick, an accounting and tax consulting firm with over a century of experience, is advising businesses to approach artificial intelligence implementation with careful strategy rather than haste. According to Sabrina Quinn, national sales director at CohnReznick, companies should identify specific business challenges before determining if AI is the appropriate solution. This measured approach helps organizations make better decisions while avoiding potential pitfalls associated with rapid technology adoption.

Quinn emphasized that businesses operating in 2025 face numerous challenges that require comprehensive solutions, including AI when appropriate. The goal is to enable companies to leverage all available tools effectively rather than adopting technology for its own sake. This perspective comes at a time when businesses might feel pressure to implement AI due to its prevalence across industries, but Quinn cautions that without proper strategy, companies could become vulnerable to cyber threats, regulatory changes, and compliance issues.

CohnReznick recommends that businesses start their AI journey with applications they already use daily. Many existing software platforms, from customer relationship management systems to project management tools, now incorporate built-in AI features that can enhance productivity. Quinn describes this approach as embedding AI gradually into daily operations rather than implementing dramatic transformations. The company practices this methodology internally through what Quinn calls a use case hackathon, where sales and marketing teams identify routine challenges and explore how AI can provide solutions.

One concrete example of CohnReznick's AI implementation is the RQ Trim tool, designed to help manufacturing, distribution, life sciences, private equity, and financial companies manage risks related to tariffs, inflation, and supply chain volatility. Clients complete a approximately twelve-minute survey with financial inputs, and the AI model generates actionable strategies and executive-ready insights. This tool demonstrates how targeted AI applications can help businesses transition from stagnation to acceleration by providing clear guidance on complex risk management issues.

The company's approach recognizes that AI implementation often faces resistance from experienced professionals accustomed to established workflows. However, Quinn notes that when employees see how AI can improve efficiency or enhance customer interactions, adoption becomes more natural. CohnReznick also uses AI to coordinate activities across time zones and regions within its sales and marketing departments, maximizing preparation for client meetings despite limited personnel resources.

CohnReznick's perspective on AI implementation reflects broader industry trends where businesses must balance innovation with practicality. The company's extensive experience serving diverse sectors including finance, healthcare, retail, and manufacturing informs its recommendation that AI should complement rather than replace existing business processes. This strategic approach helps companies navigate what many are calling the Fourth Industrial Revolution while maintaining operational stability and managing emerging risks effectively.