人工智能在中小企业中的实践应用

Artificial Intelligencein Action for Small andMedium-Sized Enterprises Partners TheDiversity Instituteconducts and coordinates multi-disciplinary,multi-stakeholder research to address the needs of diverseCanadians, the changing nature of skills and competencies, andthe policies, processes and tools that advance economic inclusionand success. Our action-oriented, evidence-based approach isadvancing knowledge of the complex barriers faced by under-represented groups, leading practices to effect change, andproducing concrete results. The Diversity Institute is a researchlead for the Future Skills Centre. TheFuture Skills Centre(FSC) is a forward-thinking centre forresearch and collaboration dedicated to driving innovation inskills development so that everyone in Canada can be preparedfor the future of work. We partner with policymakers, researchers,practitioners, employers and labour, and post-secondaryinstitutions to solve pressing labour market challenges andensure that everyone can benefit from relevant lifelong learningopportunities. We are founded by a consortium whose membersare Toronto Metropolitan University, Blueprint, and The ConferenceBoard of Canada, and are funded by theGovernment of Canada’sFuture Skills Program. Funder The Future Skills Centre – Centre des Compétences futures is funded by theGovernment of Canada’sFuture Skills Program. The opinions and interpretations in this publication are those of the authors and donot necessarily reflect those of the Government of Canada. Funded by theGovernment of Canada’sFuture Skills Program Authors Simon BlanchetteSenior Research AssociateDiversity Institute Wendy Cukier Founder and academicdirectorDiversity Institute Visiting Scholar and LecturerMcGill University Professor, Entrepreneurship andInnovationToronto Metropolitan University Publication Date:September 2025 Contents Context1 Artificial Intelligence Across theValue Chain:Primary Activities3 Artificial Intelligence Across theValue Chain:Enhancing SupportActivities 20 The Way Forward29 References30 Context Canada is recognized globally for itsleadership in artificial intelligence (AI) research,but many of its small and medium-sizedenterprises (SMEs) remain hesitant to adoptthese technologies. Yet SMEs stand to gainthe most, with generative AI alone projectedto add up to $100 billion in annual value by2030. Artificial intelligence is no longer just forbig tech firms: From maple syrup producersin Quebec to logistics providers across thecountry, SMEs are already putting AI to workto streamline operations, cut costs, andinnovate. scheduling and AI-supported training shortenonboarding, optimize staffing levels, andfree managers from repetitive administrativetasks. In marketing and customer service,recommendation engines, chatbots, andpersonalization tools allow even the smallestteams to deliver faster responses, morerelevant offers, and a smoother customerexperience that builds trust and loyalty. The impacts are tangible, and they flowdirectly from concrete applications of AIacross the business. In operations, AIenhances quality control, guides equipmentmaintenance, and provides digital workinstructions, which reduces rework,improves consistency, and create safer andmore efficient production lines. In logisticsand supply chains, forecasting tools andalgorithmic inventory planning help SMEsanticipate demand, cut stockouts andexcess inventory, and simplify coordinationwith suppliers, turning hours of manualwork into automated insights. In HRand workforce management, predictive SMEs stand to gain the most,with generative AI aloneprojected to add up to $100billion in annual value by 2030.From maple syrup producers inQuebec to logistics providersacross the country, SMEs arealready putting AI to work tostreamline operations, cut costs,and innovate. This bulletin highlights real-world successstories across the value chain, from logisticsand operations to marketing, HR, andcustomer service. Together, they show thatadoption is not only possible for SMEs, butalready driving measurable gains in efficiency,productivity, service quality, and cost savings. For a deeper look at barriers,skills, and adoption strategies,see the report:Bridging the AIGap in SMEs in Canada. Artificial Intelligence Across theValue Chain: Primary Activities Inbound logistics: Smarter supply monitoring AI is transforming how businesses manage the flow of inputs. From predictive demand planningto sensor-based monitoring, it helps SMEs reduce waste, cut holding costs, and better coordinatewith suppliers. These case spotlights showcase challenges and solutions AI provides. Maple Syrup Production1 Québec, Canada A rural Quebec maple syrup producer turned to AI-enabledsensors to modernize a centuries-old process. Partnering withCisco and IPConsul, the company installed 30 smart sensorsacross 4 square miles of sugar bush. These sensors tracked sappressure and tank levels in real time, replacing the need for dailym