As India’s MSMEs gear up for digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a crucial driver of productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness. Yet, for many small and medium business owners, AI still feels abstract or out of reach. How can businesses with limited resources and technical expertise begin leveraging AI meaningfully? And what does it truly mean to adopt an “AI-first mindset”?
These were the questions explored on Day 3 of YourStory’s week-long MSME Sparks initiative, during a fireside chat titled ‘The AI-first mindset: Reimagining MSME productivity in the age of intelligent devices’. The session featured Vivekanandh NR, Technical Staff, Software Engineering – DMTS at Dell Technologies, in conversation with Shivani Muthanna, Director – Strategic Partnerships and Content, YourStory.
A mindshift change in progress
To frame the discussion, Vivekanandh drew a compelling parallel: just as computers transitioned from being specialist tools to essential, everyday devices, AI is now following the same path. “AI today is where computers were years ago. You may not fully understand it now, but soon, you won’t be able to work without it,” he observed. This shift, he noted, is not merely about adopting new tech—it reflects a deeper change in how businesses think and operate.
He explained that Dell Technologies, which traditionally followed an “innovation-first” approach, is now embracing an “AI-first” mindset, placing AI at the core of solution design, process optimization, and product development. For MSMEs, this doesn’t mean reinventing every workflow. It starts with a simple question: how can AI improve the way we work today? From summarizing documents and analyzing customer data to accelerating market research, AI can significantly streamline routine tasks.
Citing an example, he described how Dell’s AI PCs powered by Microsoft Copilot are already enabling users to perform time-intensive tasks in minutes. “If you’re preparing a pitch or analyzing a market, Copilot can shrink that effort down significantly. That’s what an AI-first mindset looks like; letting AI sit at the center of daily work,” he said.
AI without the capex: How MSMEs can adopt with flexibility
One of the most common concerns among MSMEs is the perceived complexity and cost of adopting AI. Vivekanandh addressed this directly, acknowledging that capital expenditure remains a hurdle for many small businesses. “The first question that comes to any MSME founder’s mind is, ‘What’s the ROI?’ And, ‘Do I really need to invest in an AI PC?’”
To address this, he highlighted Dell’s Apex PC-as-a-Service model, which allows businesses to use high-performance AI-enabled devices through a pay-as-you-go model, reducing the need for heavy upfront investment. “This model lets you explore what AI can do for you, without locking up your capital,” he added.
He also touched upon the importance of data security, particularly relevant for MSMEs handling sensitive customer or operational information. “Once you upload proprietary data to public AI models, you risk losing your edge,” he cautioned.
Dell’s AI solutions, he noted, are designed to support on-device processing, allowing businesses to run AI models locally. This not only protects data privacy but also ensures faster execution and full control, especially crucial for companies in regulated sectors or those that rely on maintaining a competitive advantage through data confidentiality.
Experiment. Evaluate. Evolve: A practical AI adoption framework
Importantly, Vivekanandh debunked the notion that a dedicated data science team is required to begin an AI journey. What’s needed instead, he said, is a mindset that’s open to experimentation. He introduced a practical framework for MSMEs: Experiment, Evaluate, and Evolve.
Businesses should start by testing available AI tools, evaluate their real-world impact, and scale what works. “AI changes rapidly. What was true two years ago is already outdated today. If you wait too long, you’ll miss the opportunity to grow alongside it,” he cautioned.
AI isn’t the future—it’s now. And MSMEs are ready to lead
The conversation also highlighted how MSMEs are already benefiting from AI in everyday applications, whether it’s streamlining recruitment by matching resumes to job descriptions, automating billing, or detecting anomalies in retail transactions. In all these scenarios, the goal is not to replace human intelligence, but to augment it, freeing up time and energy for higher-value work.
Throughout the session, Shivani brought the discussion back to the practical questions that MSMEs often grapple with: Is AI really for me? What if I get it wrong? Is it too soon? Vivekanandh responded with clarity and reassurance. “Don’t fear AI,” he said. “Like computers, it will become part of everything you do. The sooner you start, the better prepared you’ll be.”
As the discussion came to a close, one message stood out: AI is already shaping how businesses operate and grow, and MSMEs don’t need to wait for the perfect moment to start. With increasingly accessible tools, flexible adoption models, and a supportive ecosystem, the real differentiator now lies in mindset. For those willing to explore, experiment, and evolve, AI offers a pathway to not just improved productivity, but sustainable, intelligent growth.
