AI: A productivity driver for Quebec businesses

Artificial intelligence (AI) brings numerous benefits to companies, transforming the business landscape in Canada, and Quebec is no exception.

A recent study by the Conseil du patronat du Québec (CPQ) highlights its significant benefits for Quebec businesses, while also pointing out the challenges and delays in its adoption [1]. The study focuses on four specific sectors:

1. Manufacturing
2. Wholesale and retail trade
3. Finance and insurance
4. Transportation and warehousing

An Opportunity for Growth

The study reveals that AI offers considerable growth opportunities for businesses. By automating repetitive tasks and optimizing processes, AI enables companies to gain efficiency and productivity. Six main benefits for businesses that integrate it into their operational processes are cited:

1. Improved productivity through automation
2. Accelerated data-driven decision-making
3. Cost reduction through process optimization
4. Development of competitive advantages by being more responsive to changes and more innovative in the market
5. Enhanced customer experience through advanced personalization and real-time customer assistance
6. Strengthened security through better risk prediction

A success story is that of Pratt & Whitney, which has integrated AI into its operations to predict maintenance activities for various types of engines. By cross-referencing this information with their system, it can identify the customers to contact for maintenance. This initiative allows them to improve the quality of their customer service and present themselves as a reliable and trustworthy brand.

A delay in AI adoption in Quebec

Despite these advantages, the study highlights a delay in AI adoption in Quebec and Canada. In 2023, 73% of Quebec businesses reported not knowing where to start integrating AI into their operations. Companies struggle to identify their operational needs and lack knowledge about the technologies. This lack of clarity and direction hinders the innovation and competitiveness of Quebec businesses.

To bridge this gap, it is essential that companies receive adequate support. The CPQ study recommends providing businesses with the necessary tools to identify their specific needs and assess the potential return on investment of AI. Targeted support could help companies move from the exploratory phase to a more strategic and effective integration of AI.

At GTI, we have the expertise: discover our AI & Innovation practice

This is exactly GTI's approach. We support and guide you in identifying your operational challenges that can benefit from AI, in order to offer you concrete, efficient, and budget-friendly solutions.

Our goal? Increase your profitability. The use of AI proves to be another powerful lever for improving the performance and competitiveness of SMEs.

Whether through the automation of your business processes or the implementation of a conversational robot, GTI takes the time to understand and validate your needs with you. Our commitment remains the same: your satisfaction. Learn more about our approach here.

A Sustainable Competitive Advantage

To fully leverage its benefits, it is crucial to overcome adoption barriers and provide adequate support to organizations. By partnering with a trusted technology partner like GTI, businesses can empower their ambitions. Strategically integrated, AI can not only enhance the productivity of SMEs but also set them apart from the competition through their ability to innovate and quickly adapt to changes, leading to increased profitability.

Interested in discovering how AI could benefit your organization?

Let's start a discussion about your needs and goals.