Canadian firms accelerate rollout of AI-powered PCs for productivity
A significant majority of Canadian businesses are accelerating plans to upgrade workplace computing with artificial intelligence (AI) powered PCs, according to new research among business and IT leaders. The study, which surveyed decision-makers across a range of industries, suggests that these organisations view AI as a crucial step in boosting productivity, addressing talent shortages, and keeping pace with digital transformation demands.
Adoption trends
The research found that 85% of surveyed Canadian organisations are already upgrading or planning to upgrade to PCs equipped with AI capabilities, while 3% are already fully reliant on such devices. Almost four in five respondents said they are familiar with the technology and its potential to enhance operational efficiency.
Industry perspectives indicate the shift towards AI-powered PCs has gathered momentum as the end of support for Windows 10 prompts businesses to review legacy IT infrastructure. Many now regard AI-equipped machines as a strategic investment to support long-term competitiveness, particularly as digital work demands intensify.
"We're entering a new era of workplace innovation where AI is no longer a future vision but instead a productivity engine built into the tools we use every day," said Asma Aziz, General Manager, Intel Canada.
Workforce skills
Leaders participating in the survey overwhelmingly expect AI integration to alter, rather than reduce, the workplace. In the human resources function, 33% anticipate the need for more specialised skills, and 23% foresee a growing requirement for cross-functional abilities. Only 20% expect a reduction in headcount due to AI adoption.
Similar responses were registered across other business areas, including marketing, operations, customer support, IT, finance, and sales. Here, leaders expect jobs to evolve, emphasising attributes such as digital adaptability, critical thinking, and ethical judgment.
The study highlights the need for continuous reskilling. Leaders are focused on ensuring workers have the literacy required to collaborate with AI systems and respond effectively as automation assumes routine tasks.
Productivity impact
Nearly 90% of businesses surveyed anticipate a moderate to strong uplift in workforce productivity once AI is embedded in their computing platforms. The prospect of higher performance and productivity was the main reason cited for investment by 47% of respondents, while 43% pointed to greater operational efficiency, and 34% expect savings through better resource management.
Barriers identified
Despite high levels of AI awareness and intent to invest, several obstacles remain. Upfront cost was cited as a major barrier by 37% of participants, with ongoing operational expenses identified by 36%. Security concerns remain for 30% of respondents, particularly as reliance on digitally enhanced systems increases.
Skills gap
The analysis also revealed a significant gap in workforce readiness. While 95% of business and IT leaders agree that employee training is essential for successful adoption of AI, only 37% have ongoing training programmes, and 27% rely on one-off sessions. At the same time, 45% of organisations encourage staff to experiment with AI tools in daily tasks, suggesting a pragmatic approach to bridging the skills divide.
As shifts in software support and growing competitive pressure force technology upgrades, the study suggests AI-enabled PCs represent a timely solution to tackle productivity bottlenecks and bolster IT security for Canadian firms.
"AI PCs represent a major opportunity for Canadian businesses to empower their people, streamline operations, and build resilience for the future," said Aziz.
