Why AI productivity benefits require a PC refresh strategy

Productivity is one of the key benefits enterprises expect from AI.

IT leaders developing IT strategies commonly cite routine task automation and content simplification as two of their top priorities. Research by Foundry showed that improving employee productivity was the most cited business objective driving AI investments (48%). ^[1]

But as businesses seek to realize these benefits, the technology debate is extending beyond data and algorithms to another crucial piece of the overall puzzle: the underlying hardware, particularly AI PCs.

Ultimately, AI transformation needs a foundation, and part of that will be the hardware businesses use to deploy AI.

How AI PCs enable productivity gains

AI PCs are engineered to manage complex algorithms and large datasets, handling multiple high-demand applications simultaneously.

By running workloads on-device, AI PCs also reduce reliance on cloud processing and significantly cut latency. Applications tend to operate more smoothly without data traveling to remote servers, enabling effective offline work. This on-device processing is designed to speed up task completion, boost productivity, and enhance the user experience.

Meanwhile, independent software vendors (ISVs) are increasingly looking to use AI chips in productivity boosting solutions, taking a lead from Microsoft’s Copilot + PCs applications.

The power of multitasking

When selecting an AI PC, businesses should look for devices capable of running concurrent high-performance workloads.  

The Lenovo ThinkPad T14s illustrates why such robust multi-tasking is important. In tests by Signal65, the system – which uses an AMD Ryzen™ AI 7 PRO 360 processor – was up to 50% faster in multi-tasking scenarios combining content creation and office productivity applications compared to a competing system with the Intel Core 7 165U.^[2] 

PCs powered by powerful processors can manage multiple demanding tasks simultaneously, with the processors prioritizing and allocating computing power where it’s needed most and adapting in real-time to the demands of various applications.

The impact on device performance for end users is profound. For instance, while a user is participating in a resource-intensive video conference, an AI PC can simultaneously handle real-time document translation and complex content creation tasks, while also undertaking background processes.

Powering productivity anywhere

Of course, users today are as likely to run these workloads in remote locations as they are in the office. AI PCs can help in this shift to anywhere working by significantly improving the quality and effectiveness of collaboration tools.

For example, features like real-time translation and automated transcription in video conferencing can improve virtual collaboration. AI capabilities can also optimize bandwidth use during video calls, ensuring clear and consistent communication.

Power efficiency and battery life is essential for these remote capabilities to be used to their fullest potential, making the choice of processor key once again.

A future-ready device strategy

AI is set to transform employee productivity and drive growth for businesses. And the race to pioneer the technology is definitely on. Foundry’s research shows that nearly two thirds of organizations (61%) are increasing AI budgets, while 87% are either researching, piloting or actually deploying AI. ^[3]

Organizations must start work now on creating a robust device strategy to deliver productivity benefits more quickly and ride the breaking wave of AI innovation. Here the power and efficiency of AI PC processors will be a key determinant of success. IT teams should carefully evaluate the technical capabilities of the devices they plan to use in the coming years to maximize the potential productivity benefits.

Learn more about AMD PRO Processors for Enterprise.

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^[1] Foundry, “AI Priorities Study 2023,” 2023 – https://foundryco.com/tools-for-marketers/research-ai-priorities/

^[2] Signal65, “AMD Ryzen™ AI PRO Processor Leadership and TCO Benefits,” February 2025 – https://signal65.com/research/ai/amd-ryzen-ai-pro-processor-leadership-and-tco-benefits/ (page 3)

^[3] Foundry, “AI Priorities Study 2023,” 2023 – https://foundryco.com/tools-for-marketers/research-ai-priorities/