Intelligent SME.tech Issue 42 | Page 23

SIMON MORRIS , AREA VICE PRESIDENT , CONSULTING , SERVICENOW
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// EDITOR ’ S QUESTION ?

SIMON MORRIS , AREA VICE PRESIDENT , CONSULTING , SERVICENOW

A rtificial intelligence ( AI ) is having a transformative impact on the workplace for businesses across all sectors and sizes . When it comes to small- and medium-sized enterprises ( SMEs ) in particular , automation technology offers vast capabilities for boosting efficiency and productivity and help scaling in the long run .

AI algorithms can in fact analyse huge amounts of structured and unstructured data to identify patterns and develop insights that can then be applied to predict future outcomes . This allows businesses to create fully automated end-to-end processes , capable of operating , learning and adapting entirely on their own . Ultimately , employees can be enabled to operate more efficiently and streamline unnecessary tasks .
Alongside improving efficiency , AI will also enhance decision-making for SMEs in all areas of the business . By harnessing AI , SMEs can analyse large volumes of data at speed , empowering them to gain valuable insights and expose patterns , which in turn can drive more informed decisions , reducing frictions , gaining competitive edge and ultimately , leading to healthier revenues . SMEs can also use this data to predict future trends that shape the way they carry out daily operations . For example , SMEs can bolster customer

SMES CAN
ALSO USE THIS DATA TO PREDICT FUTURE TRENDS THAT SHAPE THE WAY THEY CARRY OUT DAILY OPERATIONS . service teams during periods when they receive larger amounts of incoming customer enquiries , helping them to meet increased demand before it becomes an issue .
Employees ’ satisfaction is a key driver of customer satisfaction – the two go handin-hand . Leveraging the power of AI-driven solutions to upskill a business ’ s workforce should be a priority , particularly for SMEs where teams are smaller and more agile , and most of the time find themselves juggling with a variety of tasks . Today , businesses are starting to invest in AI to provide staff with personalised learning opportunities , tailored to each employee ’ s area of interest and needs . AI-enabled learning platforms use algorithms to adapt the learning experience in real-time , ensuring that employees receive relevant and engaging training materials .
Investing in AI can be daunting , particularly for SMEs which have smaller budgets and higher costs than larger organisations , but it does not have to be . Understanding the potential benefits that AI can offer , and having a clear strategy on where to prioritise and which tools to use can lead to significant benefits and be a game-changer . In today ’ s competitive landscape , relying on an integrated platform which embeds GenAI capabilities and helps automate processes , increase efficiency and improve both the employee and customer experience is critical , not only for the success of any business , but also and most importantly for its survival . SMEs , and especially those that are at the very beginning of their journey , can take advantage of investing in AI sooner rather than later , capitalising on this investment in the long-term , while also avoiding technology disruption and employee ’ s training and reeducation further down the line . �

AI-ENABLED LEARNING PLATFORMS USE ALGORITHMS TO ADAPT THE LEARNING EXPERIENCE IN REAL-TIME , ENSURING THAT EMPLOYEES RECEIVE RELEVANT AND ENGAGING TRAINING MATERIALS .
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