However, even before the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI), SMEs face an important challenge: the digital transformation process. This path, essential to remain competitive in a globalized market, involved adapting to new technologies such as electronic commerce, the digitalization of internal processes and the use of cloud tools. In the midst of this context, a new challenge arises: incorporating artificial intelligence as a key component of this transformation, which represents a challenge within the challenge.
The work, titled “Small Business AI Report: Trends, Challenges & Opportunities,” was conducted by Thryv, Inc., a software company based in Dallas, Texas. USA. Among other findings, the research shows that content creation appears to be the main use case: 58% of these companies leverage AI to support content marketing and 49% to write social media messages.
Despite the reported satisfaction with the time- and cost-saving benefits of AI, the predominant use of Chat GPT or Google Gemini mentioned in the survey suggests that these SMBs have barely been scratching the surface of the full potential of AI, since this tool offers much more advanced capabilities, namely: price analysis and inventory management, to name two cases. According to Thryv’s survey, the main reasons for not adopting AI include lack of perceived need (46%), distrust in AI (45%) and not knowing how to get started (33%).
However, for SMEs, competitive pricing and efficient inventory management are essential but often complicated tasks. Errors in these areas can unnecessarily tie up capital or generate losses due to lack of competitiveness. This is where AI-based ecommerce platforms can make a difference.
Regression analysis, for example, is a widely used method for determining optimal prices. This statistical resource predicts relationships between multiple variables, such as seasonality, demand and location, to set adjusted prices. Traditionally, human analysts performed these tasks manually, with limited tools like Excel. However, AI based on machine learning can process huge volumes of data in real time, continuously and accurately optimizing prices. This far exceeds human capabilities and eliminates the need to redo periodic analyses.
In the field of inventory management, decision trees are another key tool. They function as flowcharts that evaluate multiple factors, such as stock levels, sales trends, and economic conditions, to decide when to replenish products. This model allows enormous volumes of data to be analyzed simultaneously and provides recommendations based on historical patterns, minimizing the risk of human error.
These techniques not only simplify decision-making, but also offer a level of customization and efficiency unattainable through traditional methods.
How to balance AI with data security
Another barrier that SMEs use as a limit to the adoption of AI solutions is the issue of security and it is understandable: the implementation of AI requires managing large amounts of sensitive data, which increases cybersecurity risks. According to a PwC survey, 71% of consumers would avoid buying from a company they don’t trust, and 81% would stop doing so after a data breach.
Fortunately, e-commerce platforms have developed robust solutions to address this issue. Technologies such as encryption transform sensitive data into unreadable codes for anyone without access keys. According to the Ponemon Institute, this measure can save companies up to $1.4 million from cyberattacks.
Blockchain technology, for its part, offers an additional layer of security. By organizing data into connected blocks, it ensures that any tampering attempts are detected immediately. This not only reinforces consumer confidence, but also allows SMEs to operate in digital environments without fear of information leaks.
Open trade as a facilitator
For many SMEs, the lack of resources to hire AI experts or development teams also represents another significant barrier to adoption.
The question is how can these small businesses bridge this gap and make the most of the advanced solutions that AI offers?
This is where open commerce platforms, like those mentioned in the Small Business AI Report, play a crucial role. These tools democratize access to advanced technologies, offering out-of-the-box solutions that integrate machine learning algorithms, real-time data analysis, and robust security systems.
These platforms not only facilitate the adoption of AI but also allow SMEs to focus on their core business without worrying about the technical aspects. Research from the Small Business AI Report highlights that these solutions can scale businesses efficiently, removing traditional barriers.
Thus, the concept of open commerce, powered by AI, is breaking down historical barriers for SMEs. This translates into greater equity in global supply chains and access to analytical tools that were previously exclusive to large companies.
Personalization, predictive analytics, and omnichannel retargeting are some of the strategies enabled by generative AI. These not only improve customer retention, but optimize operations, reducing dependence on human resources for operational tasks.
According to McKinsey, 65% of organizations already incorporate generative AI into their daily operations, marking a before and after in the way we understand commerce and technology.
Recent projections from Dimension Market Research indicate that the global e-commerce AI market will reach $25.1 billion by 2032, driven by 15.1% compound annual growth.
An effective way to simplify the adoption of artificial intelligence, especially for SMEs facing technical or knowledge limitations, is through specialized third parties. These platforms and providers (such as RedCloud) or specialized agencies eliminate much of the technical complexity, allowing companies to focus on the results and benefits of AI without worrying about operational details. As SMEs gain confidence and better understand how these technologies work, they may choose to internalize AI into other areas of their organizations, scaling their implementation more strategically and autonomously.
Although the adoption of AI in SMEs remains limited, the potential – as can be seen – is immense. Companies that dare to integrate these tools can unlock unprecedented levels of efficiency and competitiveness, maintaining data privacy and simplifying operational management. In an increasingly challenging market, AI is emerging not only as an option, but as a strategic necessity.
Country General Manager of RedCloud Technology Argentina
Source: Ambito
I am Pierce Boyd, a driven and ambitious professional working in the news industry. I have been writing for 24 Hours Worlds for over five years, specializing in sports section coverage. During my tenure at the publication, I have built an impressive portfolio of articles that has earned me a reputation as an experienced journalist and content creator.
