Research on the Impact of AI Tool Use on Operating Cost Control of Small and Micro Enterprises

Abstract

Small and micro enterprises often face pressure from labor cost, time cost, communication cost, management cost, and marketing cost. Because their staff and financial resources are limited, operating cost control has a direct influence on their daily operation and long-term survival. This paper discusses the impact of AI tool use on operating cost control of small and micro enterprises through a theoretical analysis. Based on the technology acceptance model, transaction cost theory, and cost control theory, the paper argues that AI tools can improve cost control by raising work efficiency, shortening information processing time, reducing repeated communication, supporting process standardization, and lowering the initial cost of marketing content production. The paper also points out that AI tools may create new costs and risks, such as tool subscription fees, weak employee skills, output errors, data security concerns, and excessive reliance. Small and micro enterprises should use AI tools according to clear business scenarios and should combine tool use with human review, employee training, and data protection rules.