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SANDY KAHROD , PRODUCT MANAGER : MODERN WORK , SIX DEGREES
T oday ’ s AI-powered tools offer numerous benefits for SMEs to leverage – from chatbots that improve customer engagement and deliver a better employee experience , to intelligent automation that streamlines operational processes , improves productivity and generates efficiency savings . SMEs know that AI has the potential to put them on a level playing field with larger corporations , but many SMEs are stuck in neutral when it comes to moving ahead with their AI adoption plans .
While AI projects don ’ t necessarily require million-dollar budgets to be successful , organisations need to be mindful of the potential upfront costs and disruption that can be associated with AI implementations . Not every SME has the budget for a custombuild AI solution , so identifying cost-effective pre-built AI tools that offer clear ROI potential is a key consideration .
Other key areas to focus on include putting the right cybersecurity and compliance measures in place , cleaning and preparing data so it can be leveraged by AI tools , and training and upskilling personnel across the business . Although AI can often be seen as something that creates security issues , a lot of the time it in fact brings pre-existing gaps in cybersecurity to light , furthering the need for thorough security protocols prior to its implementation .
Prior to implementation , SMEs must also prepare and reassure employees . Providing regular communication and training will address concerns that ‘ AI is taking our jobs ’ and ensure that the workforce is positive and confident about the benefits of AI implementation .
AI is definitely not a fast fix , but its vast processing power can be applied successfully to many
// processes and problems across all sizes of organisations . With the right preparation and planning , SMEs can develop tailored solutions , increase efficiency and grow , taking advantage of AI ’ s true businesswide benefits . �
ALTHOUGH AI CAN OFTEN BE SEEN AS SOMETHING THAT CREATES SECURITY ISSUES , A LOT OF THE TIME IT IN FACT BRINGS PRE-EXISTING GAPS IN CYBERSECURITY TO LIGHT , FURTHERING THE NEED FOR THOROUGH SECURITY PROTOCOLS PRIOR TO ITS IMPLEMENTATION .
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