Are Indian SMBs adopting AI for operations, or is it still too early?

I run a small business and recently I’ve been exploring whether AI can actually save us time on daily operations things like generating invoices, handling WhatsApp orders, or even basic catalog management. Most of the tools I’ve come across seem very U.S. centric they assume credit card billing, they don’t support regional languages, and they don’t really integrate with the way Indian SMBs actually work.

The cost factor is also real. Tools priced in dollars quickly add up when converted to INR, and it just doesn’t make sense for a small shop or D2C brand that’s trying to keep overheads low. I know a few businesses experimenting with freelancers or agencies for automation, but I wonder if AI native tools are catching on here.

For those of you managing businesses in India have you found AI tools that genuinely help with day to day processes, not just as a gimmick but something that frees up real hours? Or is it still more of a wait and watch thing until Indian first solutions mature?

I’d love to hear from others in this community whether you’ve tried something that worked, or hit roadblocks. Are SMBs in India really ready for AI driven workflows, or are we still a few years away from it being practical?