Across Canada, I work with organizations of all sizes. They all face the same pressures: rising labour costs, increased competition, growing customer expectations and the constant need to do more with fewer resources. In this environment, artificial intelligence and digital adoption are no longer emerging concepts. They’re here now. When implemented correctly, they’re practical tools that materially improve efficiency and growth.
What I consistently see is that AI adoption alone doesn’t create value. Value emerges when AI and digital tools are aligned to business goals and measurable performance indicators.
Digital adoption as the foundation
Many Canadian businesses have invested in Microsoft 365, cloud accounting and CRM tools, yet use only a fraction of available capabilities. Before adding AI solutions, ensure your digital foundation is solid:
- Standardized Processes
- Clean Data
- Documented Workflows
- Trained Employees
CRITICAL STAT: Without this foundation, AI projects fail at rates often exceeding 90 percent.
Source: Jason Snyder, “MIT Finds 95% of GenAI Pilots Fail Because Companies Avoid Friction,” Forbes, August 26, 2025
I’ve seen AI-driven reporting introduced into environments with inconsistent data entry. The result? More errors delivered faster.
AI as a business support tool
When positioned correctly, AI acts as a force multiplier, amplifying what teams can do. High-impact use cases include:
- Automating routine workflows like invoice processing and document classification
- AI-assisted customer support and internal help desks
- Predictive analytics for sales forecasting and inventory planning
- Knowledge management or search tools that provide internal expertise and information when employees need it
AI reduces friction in existing processes, enabling teams to redirect energy toward higher-value work and customer engagement.
Tying AI to business goals & KPIs
The most common mistake is adopting AI out of fear rather than for clearly defined outcomes. Every AI initiative should tie to strategic goals and KPIs:
Improving customer satisfaction? Focus AI on reducing response times or resolving issues immediately, known as “first-contact resolution”.
Cost containment? Apply AI to automate manual processes or improve forecasting accuracy.
Growth priority? Use AI for sales support and scalable training programs.
Every initiative needs a clear success metric: reduced processing time, lower cost per transaction, improved Net Promoter Scores (aka Customer Satisfaction), or increased revenue per employee.
A Canadian Perspective on Responsible Adoption
Canadian businesses must navigate specific challenges: where data is stored and protected, privacy regulations and how AI affects their workforce.
Responsible AI requires transparency and governance. Organizations that involve employees early, help them understand how AI supports their workand position AI as a support tool achieve higher adoption rates and better outcomes.
Driving Sustainable Growth
AI and digital adoption aren’t one-time projects but ongoing capabilities. Successful organizations start small, prove value, measure outcomes and scale responsibly. When AI aligns to business goals, supported by effective use of technology and is measured against meaningful KPIs, it drives efficiency, resilience and growth.
Here’s the good news: I’ve seen business owners and executives fall back in love with their businesses through this process. Process reviews become reminders of why you started in the first place, what you love about the work and the real value you bring. The energy in these sessions is infectious. Watching businesses unlock opportunities with AI never gets old.
Sandy is the Founder and President of MIPGlobal.ai, a Canadian business AI consulting company and the Director of Infrastructure and Technology at Alt-tech Inc.
