Intelligent SME.tech Issue 53 | Page 20

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// EDITOR ’ S QUESTION //
Every month , we pose industry experts a question pertinent to the issues of the day . This month . . . .

WHAT ’ S THE BEST WAY FOR SMES TO HARNESS THE POWER OF AI ?

Cybercriminals are using AI for more sophisticated cyberattacks . SMEs need to fight this threat with the same tools – AI .
RocketPhone ’ s CEO , Muj Choudhury , outlines his thoughts below .
For SMEs looking to harness AI , the key is to start with the basics – clean , reliable data . AI is only as good as the information it processes , so ensuring data quality is essential .
Security must also be a priority . Unlike large enterprises with dedicated IT teams , SMEs often lack the same level of protection , making it critical to consider GDPR implications before sharing data with AI platforms like ChatGPT . Implementing the right safeguards from the outset will prevent costly missteps .

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WITH COUNTLESS AI SOLUTIONS AVAILABLE , SMES SHOULD RESIST THE TEMPTATION TO FOLLOW TRENDS BLINDLY .
HERE IS A LOT OF TALK

T about AI in the business world . But what does it really mean for small and medium businesses ? Are they able to afford the latest AI technology and how can they realistically incorporate it into their every day ? Sometimes , SMEs are using AI without even realising it , such as virtual assistants or email spam filters , but there are ways to elevate their use of AI .

Good , clean data is essential for SMEs which want to harness AI as our experts highlight . AI can quickly analyse data to create actionable insights , which is a huge asset for SMEs . Automation is another avenue to explore to give more time for humans to work on more meaningful tasks .
The importance of using AI with regards to cybersecurity is also emphasised .
Rather than trying to overhaul everything at once , businesses should take a targeted approach . Identify specific areas where AI can genuinely enhance productivity – whether automating routine tasks , streamlining customer service or improving decision-making .
While concerns about AI replacing jobs persist , the reality is that well-implemented AI empowers employees , freeing them from repetitive tasks so they can focus on highvalue work . However , training is essential ; teams need to understand how to use AI effectively to maximise its benefits .
With countless AI solutions available , SMEs should resist the temptation to follow trends blindly . What works for one business may not work for another . Instead , assess which departments would benefit most from automation , set clear objectives and choose AI tools that align with your industry ’ s specific needs .
20 Intelligent SME . tech