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Techday NZ
3 days ago
- Business
- Techday NZ
Businesses embrace AI but lack training & infrastructure for growth
A recent global survey by TeamViewer has found that while small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) are adopting artificial intelligence (AI) at a rapid pace, their overall maturity in using the technology remains limited, with a particular need for better training and infrastructure. The survey drew responses from 1,400 business leaders worldwide, including 200 based in Australia, and highlighted both the promise and persistent challenges of AI adoption for smaller organisations. The majority of SMB decision makers—95%—acknowledge they need additional training to use AI effectively, despite 72% describing themselves as AI experts. Productivity and insight Australian business leaders reported notable benefits: 33% said increased efficiency and productivity were the main advantages, and a further 28% cited improved insights into processes and performance. However, challenges remain substantial. Respondents identified the lack of education on using AI, perceived security or legal risks, and high implementation costs as their three key concerns. The Australian findings also showed that 70% of business leaders see AI as critical to business innovation and growth, with 67% specifically concerned about the security risks related to data management and 74% stating they use AI cautiously with security measures in place. Additionally, 59% believe AI will have a positive impact on their revenue growth in the coming year provided it can be scaled effectively, while 68% expect AI will drive the most significant productivity increase in a century. Adoption is common, but depth lags The survey found that 86% of SMB leaders globally are comfortable with AI tools being used by employees outside of IT. Yet, regular use remains limited; only one third of SMB respondents use AI daily, and just 16% do so weekly. Despite this, 35% of SMB leaders describe their use of AI as "very mature", compared to just 22% among larger enterprises. Failure to embrace automation through AI is viewed as a tangible risk. For 28% of SMB respondents, increased operational costs resulting from missed automation opportunities are the biggest consequence of inaction. In comparison, larger loss of competitive edge is a greater concern elsewhere, cited by 26% of the wider business community. Security and training Despite optimism about AI's potential—72% of SMB leaders globally expect AI to generate the greatest productivity boom of the century and 76% say it is essential to business performance—skills and security gaps persist. More than one third (38%) say insufficient AI training is a significant hurdle, with 74% expressing concern about data management risks and 65% only using AI in tightly controlled security environments. Furthermore, 77% would not risk a week's salary on their business's ability to manage risks such as unauthorised AI tool usage. Infrastructure and investment Infrastructure readiness is also a major issue. Nearly half (47%) of SMB decision makers say their current systems are insufficient to scale AI as swiftly as they would like. Still, signs of further investment are apparent: 75% of SMBs plan to increase their AI investment in the next 12 months, with the same proportion expecting to ramp up spending within six to twelve months. This suggests a move from initial experimentation towards more advanced implementations. Focus on practical tools TeamViewer has introduced TeamViewer Intelligence, featuring session insights and analytics, alongside its digital assistant, TeamViewer CoPilot, which is designed to help IT teams improve efficiency during support sessions. This tool aims to enable agents to stay focused, automate tasks, and receive real-time guidance without switching applications. "SMBs are clearly motivated to embrace AI, but many are still searching for the right way to turn early adoption into lasting impact," said Artus Rupalla, Director of Product Management at TeamViewer. "The key isn't just more tools, but smarter integration – solutions that bring automation, insight, and consistency into everyday operations. This research confirms what we're seeing across our customer base: SMBs want AI that solves real problems, not just theoretical ones. With practical tools like TeamViewer Intelligence, we can help these businesses move from experimentation to execution and drive real performance gains." The TeamViewer survey report focuses on respondents from businesses with 200–999 employees, and its findings underline the continued challenges faced by SMBs striving to keep pace with AI developments while addressing skills and infrastructure limitations.
Associated Press
3 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Skip the Quiz, Watch the Person: Personality Pool's New Free Tier Delivers Video-Based Personality Insights
United States, June 18, 2025 -- Personality Pool, the human-centered hiring platform redefining how companies connect with talent, today launches a Forever Free tier and a video-based personality assessment that together eliminate the pre-screen phone call and the one-dimensional quiz. A New Kind of First Impression Founded by lifelong 'personality hire' Lauren Mullins, Personality Pool lets recruiters see authentic energy, communication style, and problem-solving in 60-second clips—cutting screening time by up to 50 %, reducing assessment spend, and putting real people back at the heart of hiring. Free Plan Highlights A Personality Assessment That Makes Sense Instead of sifting through identical resumes or relying on boxed-in personality tests, Personality Pool, Powered by Google Gemini, uses three concise video prompts that spotlight real-world energy, empathy, and grit. AI-powered sentiment analysis fuses traditional personality metrics with on-camera cues for data-driven confidence in every hire. 'I landed my first role because someone saw my energy and believed in me,' says Mullins. ' Every candidate deserves that opportunity, and Personality Pool makes sure they get it while helping hiring teams spot standout potential earlier. When you let personality lead, hiring becomes faster, fairer, and far more accurate, giving teams the insight they need without the noise they don't. Why Hiring Teams Should Care Game-Changing for SMBs & High-Touch Industries Retail, hospitality, healthcare, fitness, and customer-service teams are already using Personality Pool to hire faster and improve retention. The new free tier opens the door to every lean team ready to make smarter, more human-first hiring decisions. About Personality Pool Personality Pool is a modern screening platform that puts personality front and center in hiring. Trusted by forward-thinking companies across the U.S., the platform offers customizable video questions, streamlined review, and soon, AI-enhanced assessments that merge soft-skill data with visual impressions. Learn more or try it free at Contact Info: Name: Lauren Mullins Email: Send Email Organization: Personality Pool Website: Release ID: 89162595 In the event of detecting errors, concerns, or irregularities in the content shared in this press release that require attention or if there is a need for a press release takedown, we kindly request that you inform us promptly by contacting [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our dedicated team will promptly address your feedback within 8 hours and take necessary actions to resolve any identified issues diligently or guide you through the removal process. Providing accurate and dependable information is our utmost priority.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
90% of SMB leaders say they'll be paperless in five years despite poor data concerns
This story was originally published on To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily newsletter. Just like their larger competitors, small and mid-sized businesses are eager to modernize, but turning bold intentions around technology into execution is proving harder than expected. Even at these smaller organizations — often with leaner resources, different ownership structures and a more cautious approach to risk — demonstrating ROI on new systems remains one of the biggest challenges for CFOs. When looking at SMB modernization efforts, 90% of the 1,003 small and mid-sized business financial decision-makers surveyed by financial operations platform Bill believe their business will be completely paperless within five years. While optimism around technology adoption is high, most of those surveyed also said they lack the tools to monitor their finances in real time. Most respondents said they can't access current cash positions on demand. This disconnect between ambition and execution is something CFOs know all too well and has become a major competitive advantage for those who have managed to get it right. Despite widespread optimism about going paperless, many SMB leaders remain bogged down by manual processes and limited financial visibility, according to the data. Among those who believe a fully paperless operation is realistic, 33% expect to reach that goal by 2026. Here, headcount plays a role. Forty percent of the largest businesses in the survey, those with 201 to 1,000 employees, are most confident in their ability to go paperless by 2026. This embedded content is not available in your region. Data quality concerns are prevalent among SMBs, though they do not appear to be slowing modernization efforts. Nearly two-thirds of respondents said they cannot access current cash positions across their accounts. For a fifth (20%) of companies, access to real-time cash data can lag by days or weeks. 'The Bill report confirms one of the most critical priorities for CFOs and finance leaders — that is, better cash flow management,' said John Rettig, president and CFO of Bill. 'Finance leaders are recalibrating and navigating a dynamic economic environment, and the ability to see, control, accelerate and leverage cash flow is one of the most powerful strategic levers businesses have.' Some finance leaders argue data must come from a single source of truth, while others say that idea is unrealistic. Either way, inconsistent or incomplete data remains a common obstacle. Smaller businesses, possibly to compete with larger firms and retain talent, may be integrating technology into their core operations prematurely. The issues these businesses are facing mirror problems many CFOs know firsthand. Multiple bank relationships were the most common challenge cited, followed by current technology limitations (29%), system integration issues (27%) and overreliance on paper (26%). As the accounting talent shortage has shifted from a seasonal issue to a year-round risk, SMBs may be feeling the strain more than most. Seventy-seven percent of companies said they are concerned about rising accounting costs, and six in ten (60%) say they may need to bring more work in-house. That contrasts with larger firms, which are responding to similar challenges by outsourcing. Despite this, most SMBs still report strong and valuable relationships with their accountants. Data suggests that companies adopting automation and modern financial technology can close the talent gap by letting systems handle compliance while human professionals focus on strategic planning. For CFOs at companies of all sizes, choosing accounting partners with a strong technology foundation without being swayed on services by overzealous salespeople may reduce staffing risks while improving the quality of financial guidance. For finance leaders at SMBs, the ability to identify strong talent will be just as critical, but from a different labor perspective. As larger companies outsource more, skilled accounting talent who might once have joined a large company may be available to those who know where to look. Recommended Reading Only 9% of SMB finance teams are still working fully remote Sign in to access your portfolio
Techday NZ
12-06-2025
- Business
- Techday NZ
SMBs overestimate cyber readiness as tools & AI uptake lag
A new global survey shows a significant gap between small and medium-sized businesses' confidence in their cybersecurity readiness and the actual measures they have in place to defend against evolving threats. The "State of IT Security for SMBs in 2025" report, released by Devolutions, draws on responses from 445 IT, security, and executive professionals around the world. It finds that while 71% of SMBs say they feel confident in handling a major cybersecurity incident, only 22% report having an advanced cybersecurity posture. This disparity suggests that many organisations may be at greater risk than they believe. PAM practices The report highlights privileged access management (PAM) as a particular area of vulnerability. More than half of SMB respondents (52%) still depend on manual solutions—such as spreadsheets or shared digital vaults—to manage privileged credentials. This reliance on manual methods has actually increased since 2023, raising concerns about efficiency and security. "Manual access management isn't just inefficient – it's dangerous," notes Maurice Côté, VP Product at Devolutions. "The human is often the weakest link – and spreadsheets don't make us stronger. SMBs need lightweight, easy-to-deploy PAM tools designed for their reality." Despite the increasing risks, many SMBs have not adopted automated or fit-for-purpose tools to manage sensitive access rights, potentially exposing them to insider threats and credential misuse. Slow uptake of AI Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being discussed widely as a potential game-changer for cybersecurity. The report finds that 71% of SMBs intend to increase their use of AI-driven tools, which can aid in threat detection, anomaly identification, and predictive analysis. However, only 25% of respondents are currently leveraging AI in their cybersecurity practices, and 40% say they have not started at all. The slower pace of adoption is partly attributed to concerns about cyber threats targeting AI systems themselves, issues of data privacy, and a shortage of in-house expertise to implement advanced technology. "Artificial intelligence is a powerful advancement, but like fire, it must be handled with care," said Martin Lemay, CISO at Devolutions. "It's not without flaws, and its reliance on vast amounts of data makes strong governance and clear regulations essential to prevent misuse." This highlights that while AI can offer efficiency and intelligence in defending digital assets, it introduces new challenges that SMBs must navigate carefully. Budget issues The report also notes a general trend of increased investment in cybersecurity, with 63% of SMBs boosting their security budgets. However, nearly a third still allocate less than 5% of their overall IT budgets to security-related spending. This raises questions about whether new investment is being targeted effectively toward the highest-priority areas. "Budget increases are encouraging, but throwing more money at cybersecurity doesn't work if it's not aligned with real risks," said Simon Chalifoux, CIO at Devolutions. "SMBs need to spend with intention – on tools, processes and training that match their environment." The survey findings indicate that organisations often spend in ways that do not correspond to their most significant security risks, leaving gaps that could be exploited by attackers. From awareness to action Across all key areas—PAM, AI adoption, and budgeting—the report identifies a pattern: increased awareness is not always translating into practical action. While SMBs are more alert to cyber threats than in the past, many have not yet implemented measures that are widely considered best practice. "Cybersecurity isn't a checklist – it's a commitment," said David Hervieux, CEO of Devolutions. "It's not enough to feel secure; SMBs need to build the systems, habits and culture that make them secure. That means measuring their posture honestly – and investing like it truly matters. Because it does." As cyber threats become more sophisticated, organisations face growing pressure to close the gap between perceived preparedness and the reality of their cybersecurity defences. The report suggests that without updated tools, smarter spending, and a commitment to continuous improvement, SMBs risk remaining vulnerable as the threat landscape evolves.
Business Wire
11-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Tailor Launches Operations Resilience Grant for U.S. Retailers Impacted by Tariffs and Supply Chain Disruptions
SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Tailor, the headless ERP platform for modern retail and ecommerce operations, announced the Tailor Operations Resilience Grant, a financial support program for U.S.-based retailers. The company has extended the application deadline to June 20, 2025, in light of ongoing tariff and supply chain volatility. 'Economic shocks like this year's new tariffs often hit SMB retailers the hardest, especially those that already operate complex, omnichannel supply chains." The initiative is designed to support ecommerce and retail operators navigating increased sourcing costs, vendor price hikes, and fulfillment disruptions, particularly in verticals most affected by recent economic policy shifts. 'Economic shocks like this year's new tariffs often hit SMB retailers the hardest, especially those that already operate complex, omnichannel supply chains,' said Tailor Co-founder and CEO Yo Shibata. 'Our intention behind this program is to help business owners and operators focus more on adapting to rapidly changing market conditions, and not only absorbing losses.' Grant Details and Eligibility Applications are open to U.S.-based ecommerce and omnichannel retailers that made at least $1 million in annual revenue in 2024 and are planning or currently undergoing supply chain transformation in 2025. Award amount is $5,000; recipients will be selected based on need and impact Open to current Tailor customers and non-customers alike Deadline: June 20, 2025 Recipients will be notified by email 1-2 weeks following the application deadline Strongly encouraged for companies in affected categories such as home goods, apparel, electronics, beauty, and custom products Short, 5-minute application: About Tailor Tailor is the headless ERP for modern mid-sized and enterprise businesses. Purpose-built for operators in retail, ecommerce, and supply chain, Tailor enables companies to automate workflows and quickly adapt to change. Tailor's composable architecture empowers companies to streamline operations with customizable modules for inventory, purchasing, fulfillment, finance, and omnichannel management. Tailor is backed by Y Combinator, Global Brain, ANRI and Spiral Capital.
