Artificial intelligence (AI) isn’t just for tech giants anymore. Increasingly, Australian small and medium businesses are embracing AI to reduce admin headaches, lift productivity and make themselves more resilient—and more attractive—when it’s time to sell. But how do you know if now’s the right time to get started?
According to AI business strategist, keynote speaker and author of AI & U: Reimagine Business, Tracy Sheen, there are nine signs your business might be primed to harness AI as she shows how SMEs across industries are already using it to gain back time, save money and future-proof their operations.
1. You’re spending too much time on admin
If your team is stuck in spreadsheets, chasing signatures or wading through email threads, AI can help you reclaim precious hours. A Sydney-based HR firm implemented an AI tool to summarise meeting notes and draft follow-up emails. What used to take two hours per client now takes 20 minutes—freeing up staff for higher-value advisory work.
According to Xero’s Future Focus AI research, 80 per cent of small business owners are concerned AI development and adoption are outpacing regulation, highlighting the need for more knowledge and tools to ensure small businesses aren’t left behind.
2. Your systems don’t talk to each other
Disconnected CRMs, finance platforms and inventory systems mean lost time—and missed insights. A regional wholesaler used a low-cost AI integration to sync their sales, inventory and reordering systems. They cut stock losses by 30 per cent, boosting cash flow and improving customer satisfaction. With the average SME using over 10 digital tools, smart integrations are no longer a luxury—they’re a must-have for growth.
3. Customers want faster, smarter service
AI-powered chat assistants and email triage tools can handle everyday queries around the clock, without adding headcount. A boutique ecommerce brand installed an AI chatbot to handle questions around shipping and returns. It now resolves 70 per cent of enquiries without human input, improving both response times and buyer satisfaction.
Want to read more? Check out the full article in our technology feature in Giftguide’s winter issue.
Image: iStock – Khanchit Khirisutchalual
