In a world where technology evolves at high speed, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into operations is no longer a privilege reserved for large companies.
AI for SMEs (small and medium-sized businesses) is becoming an increasingly accessible and essential reality. Here is practical advice for SMEs who want to start their journey in the world of AI.
Understanding Your Business Needs
Before diving into the world of AI, it is crucial for an SME to clearly define its needs. Ask yourself the following questions: What are the specific challenges my business is looking to solve? Are there repetitive tasks that could be automated? Analyzing these questions will help narrow down the most relevant AI solutions for your business.
Solutions like AI diagnosis, allow us to take stock of opportunities and risks, with subsidies of up to 80% for French SMEs.
Training and Education
Investment in training is essential. Employees need to be trained not only on the use of AI technologies, but also on how these technologies can improve their daily tasks. Online training courses or specialized workshops can be valuable resources for “AI for SMEs”.
To begin with, the BPI has set up a 100% free online training component in its AI booster program.
To go further, you can contact an organization like Scopeo to increase the power of AI at home: conferences, workshops, etc.
Finally, don’t hesitate to follow experts on social networks: the content is abundant and repetition is fundamental in learning.
Choosing the Appropriate Technology
For an SME, it is important to choose AI solutions that are both affordable and adapted to their scale.
Start with simpler tools, like chatbots for customer service or data analysis tools for marketing. It is unlikely that you will need to develop your own technologies in-house, but a little engineering to arrange the different technologies on the shelf will broaden the scope of possibilities and allow you to surgically solve well-defined problems .
Here again, the BPI supports you through subsidy programs such as the choice of AI approach.
Collaboration with Experts
SMEs do not always have the resources to develop AI skills internally. Collaborating with consultants or companies specializing in AI can be an effective solution to integrate these technologies into your operations.
The segmentation of responsibilities, on the one hand, and the use of simple, so-called “no-code” connectors will make it possible to take maximum advantage of experts without changing tools and without entering into a “lock in” relationship.
Measure and Adjust
AI adoption is an ongoing process. It is important to regularly measure the effectiveness of the AI solutions implemented and be prepared to adjust the strategy as necessary.
Performance analysis can reveal adjustments needed to maximize the benefits of AI for your SMB.
In any case, do not abandon a project after a first iteration, the line between an essential tool and a gadget is very fine: sometimes all it takes is a few adjustments.
By starting small, training and choosing the right technologies, SMBs can leverage AI to optimize operations, improve customer experience and stay competitive. The journey to AI can seem daunting, but with a thoughtful and strategic approach, it is well within reach for small businesses.
