IIT Madras and TIMEA Host Transformative AI Workshop for Trichy MSMEs
A significant workshop aimed at empowering Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with cutting-edge technology was held in Trichy on Friday. The event, a collaborative effort between the Tiruchirappalli Industrial Micro Entrepreneurs Association (TIMEA) and the Walmart Center for Tech Excellence (WCTE) at IIT Madras, focused on introducing artificial intelligence (AI) and data analysis tools to simplify operational workflows and drive business growth.
Driving Digitalisation for Competitive Advantage
Organised under the guidance of Facilitating MSMEs of Tamil Nadu (FaMe TN), the workshop encouraged regional MSMEs to embrace AI tools and accelerate their digital transformation. This initiative is designed to help businesses thrive in an increasingly competitive market by moving away from traditional methods.
Pulok Mohanta, Senior Project Officer at WCTE, IIT Madras, provided detailed insights into how digital technologies and AI can enhance operational efficiency, improve competitiveness, and foster business expansion. He offered practical perspectives on adopting these tools, identifying relevant AI use cases, and building readiness for a technology-driven transformation.
Practical Applications and Modern Solutions
Participants were urged to replace outdated practices, such as maintaining manual logbooks for recording revenue, managing inventories, and tracking credit details, with digital tools to streamline routine business operations. M Natarajan, Chairman of TIMEA, highlighted the benefits, stating, "The workshop shared insights on Internet of Things (IoT) tools and AI-based solutions for entry-level entrepreneurs. By managing operational workflows through modern tools, MSMEs can free up resources to focus on other critical areas like marketing."
The session covered a range of advanced topics, including:
- An introduction to data analysis tools for better decision-making.
- Predictive maintenance techniques in manufacturing to reduce downtime.
- Automated quality control systems using AI to ensure product consistency.
This comprehensive approach ensures that MSMEs are well-equipped to leverage technology for sustainable growth and innovation in their respective industries.
