Peter Mangin is a seasoned technology leader with over 25 years of experience, Peter has a knack for leveraging technology to drive innovation and business transformation. One of his core competencies lies in the practical application of AI, using it as a tool to unlock new possibilities, drive insights, and create value. His current focus is on taking Pure SEO to the next level, embodying his commitment to impactful work.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer just a buzzword. It’s becoming an integral part of the business landscape, changing the way organisations operate, innovate and grow. AI is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, ushering in an era of enhanced automation. It’s set to be the next major disruptor in the business world.
In New Zealand, small businesses make up a significant portion of the economy. Often faced with resource constraints, these organisations need smart solutions to stay competitive. AI automation is emerging as a lifeline for these enterprises, allowing them to operate more efficiently and innovate at scale.
Several factors are influencing this adoption of AI automation in New Zealand. The country, like many developed nations, is grappling with workforce woes. Entry-level positions often remain unfilled, and wages are on the rise. These factors put pressure on small businesses that typically operate with lean staff levels. In this context, AI automation offers an effective way to augment human resources, automating repetitive tasks and freeing up humans to focus on more strategic and creative work.
Simultaneously, rapid advances in technology are changing the way people work. We live in an age where digital technologies, including AI, are influencing almost every aspect of our lives. AI automation is set to be the next major shift in this digital transformation journey, promising to revolutionise industries, redefine jobs and reshape economies.
In addition to mitigating workforce challenges and harnessing technological advances, AI automation is driving business innovation. AI enables companies to explore new possibilities for their products and services and discover more efficient ways of working. This capacity for innovation is crucial for small businesses, allowing them to differentiate themselves in competitive markets and achieve their growth aspirations.
Cost reduction is another significant advantage of AI automation. By automating routine tasks and processes, AI can help companies reduce operational costs. For small businesses operating on tight budgets, these savings can be significant. In fact, cost reduction is often a major factor driving the adoption of AI automation.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the adoption of AI and automation. When lockdowns and social distancing measures were put in place, digital intelligence and automation became the go-to solutions for executing urgent tasks at scale. For small businesses, this meant a faster transition to digital operations, and an increased reliance on AI and automation.
While the pandemic has been a disruptive force, it has also served as a catalyst for change. It’s accelerated the digital transformation of businesses, and underscored the value of AI automation. Today, AI automation is no longer seen as a threat, but as an opportunity – a tool that can enhance business operations, drive efficiency and deliver value.
AI automation is now increasingly accessible for small businesses in New Zealand. There’s a growing array of AI tools and solutions tailored to the needs and budgets of smaller enterprises. Whether it’s automating customer service with chatbots, enhancing marketing efforts with AI-driven data analysis, or streamlining administrative tasks with AI-powered software, small businesses can leverage AI automation in various ways.
One key area where AI automation can deliver significant benefits is lead generation. AI can help small businesses generate more leads than traditional methods, automate the marketing process, and track results. This not only increases efficiency but also helps small businesses realise a return on investment quickly.
Targeted marketing is another area where AI excels. By analysing existing leads, AI can
help identify which ones are most likely to convert into paying customers. This targeted approach can make marketing campaigns more effective and yield better results.
AI also brings automation to the process of lead scoring and qualification. This saves time and resources for small businesses, allowing them to focus on nurturing the most promising leads. Similarly, AI can enable personalised marketing, tailoring campaigns to the needs and preferences of individual customers.
Today’s customers expect quick responses to their queries and concerns. AI automation, especially in the form of chatbots and virtual assistants, can help small businesses meet this demand. These tools can engage with leads in real-time, providing immediate responses and follow-ups. This level of responsiveness can strengthen relationships with customers and increase the chances of converting leads into sales.
AI automation can lead to improved lead conversion rates. By identifying the most promising leads and focusing efforts on nurturing these, small businesses can increase their sales performance.
AI automation also brings the benefit of reduced operational costs. Automating tasks such as data entry and customer service can free up staff resources, allowing them to concentrate on more strategic tasks. For small businesses, this not only saves costs but also enhances overall operational efficiency.
AI automation may seem like an expensive proposition, but it’s becoming more affordable for small businesses. This is primarily due to the rise of no-code or low-code application building tools and platforms that offer existing user interfaces. These resources, designed with user-friendliness in mind, allow even non-technical users to leverage AI and automation in their work.
In the New Zealand context, with small businesses forming a large part of the economy, such affordable and user-friendly AI tools can help democratise access to AI technology, enabling more businesses to reap its benefits.
While AI and Intelligent Automation (IA) are often used interchangeably, they are not the same. AI refers to the capability of a machine to mimic human intelligence, learning from experience, adapting to new inputs, and performing tasks that usually require human intellect.
On the other hand, Intelligent Automation represents the integration of AI and automation. It involves the use of AI and related technologies, such as machine learning and natural language processing, to automate complex processes that require decision-making, judgement, and interaction capabilities similar to humans.
So, while all IA involves AI, not all AI involves automation. For small businesses, understanding this distinction can help them choose the right tools and solutions for their specific needs.
Automation has permeated various facets of business operations. Here are five examples that highlight its wide-ranging applications:
AI automation presents an exciting opportunity for small businesses in New Zealand. It offers a pathway to increased efficiency, improved customer service, effective marketing, and cost savings. As technology continues to evolve and AI tools become more affordable and accessible, it’s expected that more small businesses will embrace AI automation, leading to a more competitive and innovative business landscape.
Located in Auckland, New Zealand, AI Innovisory is your strategic partner in navigating the complex landscape of AI and its transformative impact on businesses. We are not an AI solution provider but a dedicated AI consulting firm that empowers businesses to harness the power of AI in innovative and strategic ways.
If you’re prepared to lead in your industry, we’re here to help you excel. Let’s explore how you can maximise the potential of advanced technologies.
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