Small and Mid-sized Businesses Accelerate AI Implementation Amidst Training Challenges

SMBs Embrace AI but Face Training Gaps

The landscape of small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) is undergoing a transformative shift as they increasingly adopt artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance operations. A recent study conducted by TeamViewer revealed that while 95% of SMB decision-makers acknowledge a need for more training despite claiming to be AI experts, the trend represents a significant shift in how these organizations view technology.

Rapid Adoption but Variable Maturity

A survey of 1,400 business leaders, including 427 from SMBs, highlights that AI is firmly on the agenda for these companies, not restricted to IT departments alone. A whopping 86% of SMB leaders are comfortable letting employees outside of IT utilize AI tools, showing a willingness to broaden the technological skill set across their teams. However, only one in three respondents indicated that they use AI daily, and as of now, just 16% integrate AI tools into their routines on a weekly basis.

Interestingly, SMBs reported a higher maturity in AI usage than larger enterprises. While only 22% of larger organizations classified their AI deployment as 'very mature,' 35% of SMB leaders felt the same way, indicating a need for deeper integration rather than just surface-level usage.

The Risks of Inaction

As businesses anticipate the future, many SMB decision-makers express concerns about the consequences of delaying AI adoption. Approximately 28% believe that failing to implement AI could escalate operational costs due to automation opportunities slipping away. This sentiment stands in contrast with the broader business community, where fear of falling behind competitors is a prevalent concern.

Challenges in Skills and Security

Despite the optimism surrounding AI's impact, a skills gap remains evident. Although a notable 72% of SMB respondents identify as AI experts, a staggering 95% still feel they require additional education on the subject. More than a third of business leaders (38%) identified insufficient training as the main barrier hindering progress. Furthermore, security remains a pressing issue for many, with 74% expressing concerns about data management risks related to AI use.

Infrastructure Challenges and Future Investments

Infrastructure is another roadblock for AI scaling among SMBs, with nearly half (47%) stating they lack the necessary systems to enable swift AI enhancements. However, a shift is brewing. Approximately 75% of SMB leaders indicated plans to boost their AI investments within the next year, signaling an intent to transition from experimenting with AI to implementing it more comprehensively.

TeamViewer CoPilot: An Innovative Solution

To address the gap between AI access and practical integration, TeamViewer has introduced TeamViewer CoPilot, a digital assistant designed to streamline AI applications during remote support sessions. This intelligent aide allows IT agents to focus on essential tasks, automate routine processes, and make informed decisions without navigating multiple tools. By incorporating this resource, SMBs can effectively enhance IT productivity and service quality.

Artus Rupalla, Director of Product Management at TeamViewer, emphasizes the necessity of not only having tools but also effectively integrating them into daily operations. “SMBs are eager to adopt AI, but many are seeking the best path to turn those initial advances into significant impacts,” he states.

Conclusion

As SMBs attempt to navigate the complex world of AI, it becomes crucial for these businesses to bridge the training and integration gap they face. With the right support and resources, these companies can fully harness AI's potential, creating lasting improvements in productivity and overall business performance. The upcoming shifts in investment and strategic focus could signal a new era where AI becomes an indispensable element of the SMB operational playbook.

This report highlights insights from 427 SMB decision-makers from organizations with 200 to 999 employees conducted in October 2024 by TeamViewer, showcasing the evolving landscape of AI adoption in small and mid-sized businesses across various regions, including the UK, France, Germany, Australia, Singapore, and the US.