THE ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY OF ARTIFICIAL-INTELLIGENCE-BASED BUSINESS PROCESS AUTOMATION IN SMALL BUSINESS ENTITIES

Abstract

This article scientifically analyzed the economic efficiency of artificial-intelligence-based business process automation in small business entities. The study examined labour intensity, error frequency, and process duration as the main efficiency channels. Criteria for selecting processes for automation, maintenance costs, digital security, and implementation stages were systematized. OECD evidence and official statistics on small businesses in Uzbekistan were comparatively reviewed. The findings showed that AI-based automation supported labour-time savings, reduced operational errors, accelerated routine processes, and improved the quality of managerial decisions. The proposed approach provided a practical foundation for the phased evaluation and implementation of automation projects in small enterprises while maintaining cost control, process measurability, and baseline digital security requirements.