The AI revolution: How SMEs are benefiting from Artificial Intelligence
Last updated:
9/4/2025
In today's fast-paced digital age, artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just a futuristic concept seen in movies. It’s a powerful tool that even small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are beginning to leverage for growth and efficiency. While big corporations have been quick to jump on the AI bandwagon, the advantages for SMEs are just as substantial—if not more impactful. Let's dive into the world of AI for SMEs and discover how it’s transforming the business landscape, all while keeping a dash of humor along the way!
Think of AI as your tireless assistant who never takes a coffee break or calls in sick. For SMEs, automation is a game-changer. With AI, repetitive tasks that previously consumed time and resources can be automated, allowing companies to focus on more strategic and creative activities. Whether it's automating customer service through chatbots or managing inventory with AI-powered systems, SMEs can save both time and money.
Take the example of a small online retailer. Instead of manually updating stock levels, AI-powered inventory management software can monitor sales patterns, predict demand, and automatically reorder products before they run out. It’s like having a crystal ball that helps the business owner always stay one step ahead. And let’s face it, who wouldn’t want that?
One of the biggest advantages AI brings to SMEs is its ability to create highly personalized customer experiences. Gone are the days when small businesses had to rely on generic marketing campaigns. With AI, businesses can now analyze customer data, predict preferences, and deliver personalized recommendations, just like the big players do.
Imagine a small coffee house that uses AI to keep track of customer orders. After a few visits, the AI learns that Lisa likes a double espresso with almond milk every Monday morning. The next time she comes in, a notification appears for the barista to greet her by name and ask if she wants her usual order. This personal touch makes Lisa feel valued, which increases her loyalty and encourages her to come back more often.
Wouldn't it be great to predict future trends? Well, AI cannot predict the future with 100% accuracy (not yet!), but it can get very close with predictive analytics. SMEs can use AI to analyze vast amounts of data and identify patterns that point to future trends or customer behavior.
For example, a fashion boutique could use AI to predict upcoming fashion trends by analyzing customer preferences, seasonal trends and social media data. This allows the Organisation to stock the latest must-have items before they become popular, putting them ahead of the competition.
With AI sounding so exciting and fun, it is important to ensure that its use is both ethical and standardized. This is where international standards for AI come in. These standards ensure that AI systems are transparent, fair and accountable, allowing companies of all sizes-including SMEs-to build trust with their customers and partners.
For example, imagine a small AI-driven recruitment agency that uses an algorithm to screen candidates. Without standardized practices, the algorithm could inadvertently favor certain demographics, leading to biased hiring decisions. International standards ensure that AI is used responsibly, promoting fairness and reducing the risk of discrimination or abuse.
At the international level, ISO developed the first-ever AI management system standard, ISO/IEC 42001. Like most standards, it offers best practices, rules, definitions and guidance. That guidance is greatly appreciated in the rapidly changing tech world of AI. It addresses the unique challenges posed by AI, such as ethical considerations, transparency, and continuous learning ("continuous learning").
Important steps are also being taken at the European level. CEN and CENELEC have created a new JTC (Joint Technical Committee) 21 "Artificial Intelligence. This is partly based on their own recommendations following the Whitepaper, which the European Commission had prepared in 2020 around AI. In this context, CEN-CLC/JTC 21 is currently developing European harmonized standards that in the future will offer manufacturers the 'presumption of conformity' to the upcoming Artificial Intelligence Act.
In January 2024, the Commission launched the AI Innovation Package to support start-ups and SMEs. The package includes several measures to support them in developing reliable AI that respects EU values and rules.
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) will host the International AI Standards Summit in 2025. This joint initiative aims to address challenges in AI, with a focus on developing and maintaining standards that promote safety, transparency and inclusiveness in AI.
So it is clear that a lot is moving at the international level to make the world of AI as safe and inclusive as possible through standards. And although on an international level, this reinforces the importance of standards for companies in Belgium.
By adhering to international AI standards, SMEs can use AI to their advantage and scale their operations globally without running into regulatory problems. It is like a universal passport that allows companies to expand their AI-driven operations across borders without worrying about compliance issues.
AI is not just for tech giants and multinationals. SMEs can benefit from it too, from automating mundane tasks to delivering personalized customer experiences and staying ahead of market trends. And by embracing international standards for AI, SMEs can ensure that their AI use is ethical, transparent and scalable.
So, whether you run a cozy cafe, a busy online store or have a niche service Organisation , AI is here to help you grow-and the possibilities are as vast as your imagination!
