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AI in an SME: where to start and who builds it

Markku PulkkinenPublished Reading time 4 min
In shortAn SME should start AI with the repetitive work that takes the most time each week and is quick to automate, such as writing quotes. The deciding question is whether someone in-house can grow into the company's AI lead.

Why AI experiments stay disconnected

Many companies have tried AI, but experiments don't turn into savings because they weren't chosen by where time goes and nobody owns them.

Choosing the first target

  1. Map the processes: which repetitive work takes the most time?
  2. Assess potential: which task is rule-based and quick to build?
  3. Calculate the saving in hours and euros.

Three ways forward

Management uses AI: AI as a Leadership Tool. Your own AI lead: AI Academy, a year at about four hours a week. Ready-made automations: Process Automation.

And security?

Before the first automation, agree on AI usage principles: what data may be given to AI, which tools are used and who is responsible.

FAQ

Do we need an IT expert?

Not necessarily. An interested, tech-savvy employee can grow into an AI lead with coaching. Otherwise automations can be bought ready-made.

How quickly does AI bring savings?

When the most time-consuming repetitive task is automated first, savings start within the first months. Measure each solution in hours and euros.

Next step

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