Automation with AI reduces costs and improves efficiency for SMEs in Brazil

Summary
The adoption of artificial intelligence has generated annual savings of up to R$25,000 for SMEs and optimized operational processes, although it still faces challenges such as cost and technical qualification.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a key factor in gaining operational efficiency in small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs). Technology, once seen as reserved for large companies, now acts as an engine for growth, competitiveness and cost reduction.

The benefits of using this resource extend throughout the operational cycle, which includes the complex and strategic process of supplier management, an activity that requires attention to detail and adherence to market rules.

By adopting decision-making algorithms, leaders achieve benefits for their business that go beyond simply reducing costs; there is also an improvement in response capacity and the general quality of the services they provide.

This democratization of AI makes the technology an accessible resource for millions of micro-entrepreneurs and an important support in overcoming obstacles, such as attracting customers and maintaining competitiveness.

The numbers prove the effectiveness of AI in SMEs

The adoption of smart tools allows small and medium-sized businesses to save on average up to R$25,000 per year in productivity. Automating routines results in a reduction of approximately 50 hours of work per month, according to research from ActiveCampaign.

Instead of spending time on repetitive, manual activities, AI tools allow the entrepreneur and their team to focus their efforts on activities that require human attention and interaction, such as planning and direct customer relationships.

In this context, several areas of SMEs obtain more gains. A Microsoft survey showed that 77% of decision-makers observed improvements in the quality of work, 76% highlighted growth in productivity, and 70% highlighted increased levels of customer satisfaction.

When it comes to the application of artificial intelligence in small and medium-sized businesses, ActiveCampaign highlights marketing automation. Predictive AI helps identify the best time for the brand to communicate with customers, as well as create personalized emails.

This technology also improves the service through WhatsApp, thanks to a more precise understanding of the consumer’s needs and correct advice to resolve the problem in less time.

Chain optimization: application of AI in supplier management

Procurement is a strategic area in which optimization brings direct benefits to the productivity and legal and financial security of SMEs. Intelligent tools like SRM are transforming this field through automation of critical steps and predictive analytics.

Approval and qualification of suppliers requires the compilation of documents, certificates and due diligence. Executing this process manually is a time-consuming and error-prone activity, increasing the risk of non-compliance and compromising execution agility.

In this activity, algorithms automatically check documents, certifications and compliance history. AI platforms enable constant monitoring of the registration, tax and professional status of business partners, and alert SMEs of any regulatory changes or reputational risks in real time.

Predictive risk analytics systems analyze large sets of historical data on performance, seasonality and economic indicators to predict the likelihood of delivery failure, the threat of supply chain disruption or even supplier insolvency.

In logistics and imports, this verification is essential. Businesses are able to model tax scenarios and adjust their strategy before regulatory issues materialize, ensuring compliance and avoiding fines.

Additionally, by processing market data and purchase history, AI helps identify the right price and ideal contract terms. Negotiating power increases with accurate and well-founded information.

Business software that uses AI also has the ability to learn from user behavior and identify consumer trends to suggest savings opportunities. The ability to predict future risks and demands allows you to preemptively adjust your strategies, minimize losses and optimize the security of your business.

Barriers and Optimism: The Challenges of AI Adoption in SMEs

Despite the obvious benefits, the adoption of artificial intelligence solutions by small and medium-sized businesses still faces significant obstacles on the national stage. Technology faces resistance that prevents the full exploitation of its potential.

High access and implementation costs, concerns about data privacy, cybersecurity threats, and malware are the top issues for managers.

There is also a shortage of skilled labor, making it difficult to recruit new talent and spend on training for the existing team so they can use the tools accurately.

In this scenario, the democratization of technology plays a fundamental role in stimulating the growth and competitiveness of small and medium-sized businesses. When large platforms and startups offer accessible and intuitive “Plug & Play” solutions, the barrier to entry drops drastically.

Accessibility of AI is crucial to enable SMEs to compete on an equal footing with large players, particularly in the areas of customer experience and personalization.

For those who offer the tool, the lean structures of small companies are advantageous, because they escape the generalisms of big brands and facilitate development and implementation.

Ultimately, adopting smart tools allows these businesses to survive and thrive in an increasingly digitalized market by transforming data into practical value.

The future of SME growth is through the use of AI

Artificial intelligence has evolved from a futuristic trend to a strategic necessity in the business environment. For SMBs, data from ActiveCampaign and other sources confirm that automation represents more than just a technological convenience and translates into concrete savings in time and resources, essential for sustainability.

By integrating AI, particularly in critical areas like supplier management, small and medium-sized business leaders ensure internal efficiency and resilience in their value chain.

Research proves that the path SMEs must take is to turn optimism into action, overcome initial distrust, and prioritize training to fully utilize the tools available.

In this way, these companies consolidate their space using artificial intelligence as the main competitive differentiator for sustainable growth.