and the integration of AI into existing software architectures.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nThis work has since evolved into a dedicated development platform with an integrated AI layer. It includes, among other things, custom model definitions in various size classes, an AI adapter, a benchmark interface for directly comparing different models, and an agent runtime.<\/p>\n
These aren't presentation slides or theoretical concepts. The systems are actually being used and further developed. As a result, I'm familiar not only with the impressive capabilities of today's AI systems, but also with their limitations, their resource requirements, and the situations where a solution that looks elegant on paper suddenly becomes unnecessarily complicated in day-to-day operations.<\/p>\n
So what I don't want to sell you is as much AI as possible. I want to find out how much AI your company actually needs.<\/p>\n
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An example from our own development environment: different AI models and technical approaches are compared under real-world conditions, rather than relying solely on manufacturers' specifications.<\/p>\n
Assessing AI Readiness: An Independent Assessment<\/h2>\n
Two days of analysis. Fixed price of 2,900 euros. Written report with specific recommendations.<\/strong><\/p>\nThe AI Assessment is designed for small and medium-sized businesses that need clarity before committing significant budgets to software, consulting, or infrastructure. The goal is explicitly not yet to implement a large-scale AI project. Rather, the goal is to establish a solid basis for decision-making. By the end, you should be able to answer the following questions:<\/p>\n
Where in our company is artificial intelligence actually worthwhile?<\/p>\n
\n- What do we need to prepare for this?<\/li>\n
- What would be a technically appropriate solution?<\/li>\n
- What kind of investment would likely be required?<\/li>\n
- And which ideas should we avoid pursuing?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
What Is Examined as Part of the Assessment<\/h3>\n
Data Inventory<\/strong>: First, we examine what relevant company data is available and where it is located.<\/p>\nThis is not about a comprehensive technical review of all systems, but rather about determining whether the existing data environment is fundamentally suitable for the planned applications. The following, for example, will be examined:<\/p>\n
\n- Databases,<\/li>\n
- ERP and inventory management systems,<\/li>\n
- CRM systems,<\/li>\n
- Document storage,<\/li>\n
- Excel structures,<\/li>\n
- File server,<\/li>\n
- Interfaces<\/li>\n
- and other relevant sources of information.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
This also highlights which data should be cleaned, standardized, or better structured before an AI project begins.<\/p>\n
Process Evaluation<\/strong>: AI can support processes. However, it cannot magically transform unclear processes into good ones. That is why we examine selected workflows within the company and assess:<\/p>\n\n- How does the process actually work today?<\/li>\n
- What information is required?<\/li>\n
- Where do media breaks occur?<\/li>\n
- Where is there duplication of effort?<\/li>\n
- What kinds of decisions does a person make?<\/li>\n
- Which of these follow clear rules?<\/li>\n
- Where would AI be useful?<\/li>\n
- Where would traditional automation likely be more effective?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
This distinction is particularly important. Some tasks do not require a language model, but simply a clean interface or a well-structured workflow.<\/p>\n
Three Prioritized AI Use Cases<\/h3>\n
Based on the analysis, we have identified three use cases that appear to be of particular interest to your company. For each use case, you will receive an assessment of potential benefits, technical effort, organizational effort, data requirements, risks, possible solutions, and recommended priorities.<\/p>\n
Not every interesting idea automatically makes it onto this list. What matters is not what sounds technically impressive, but what makes economic sense for your company.<\/p>\n
On-premises, in the cloud, or a combination of both?<\/h3>\n
Many companies today assume that artificial intelligence must necessarily run through large cloud providers. That is not always necessary. Modern on-premises AI models can now handle numerous tasks on their own hardware. Other applications, on the other hand, benefit significantly from powerful cloud models.<\/p>\n
A hybrid approach often makes sense. That is why we do not provide an ideological recommendation for or against the cloud, but rather a technical and economic assessment tailored to your specific use case. Among other factors, we take the following into account:<\/p>\n
\n- Privacy,<\/li>\n
- Confidentiality,<\/li>\n
- Performance,<\/li>\n
- Hardware requirements,<\/li>\n
- ongoing costs,<\/li>\n
- Maintenance costs,<\/li>\n
- Availability<\/li>\n
- and the desired independence from individual providers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
A clear \"no\" when something isn't worth it<\/h3>\n
This point is explicitly part of the consultation. If, in my view, a planned AI application does not appear to offer any reasonable economic benefit, that is exactly what will be stated in the report. If a traditional software solution would make more sense, that will also be noted. If the data structure needs to be improved first\u2014before we even discuss artificial intelligence\u2014that is also a possible conclusion.<\/p>\n
Not starting a project can be a highly profitable decision.<\/p>\n
What You'll Receive After the Two Days<\/h3>\n
You will receive a written report that you can use internally as a basis for decision-making. It typically includes:<\/p>\n
\n- a summary of your current situation,<\/li>\n
- an assessment of the relevant data landscape,<\/li>\n
- identifiable weaknesses,<\/li>\n
- an assessment of selected business processes,<\/li>\n
- three prioritized AI use cases,<\/li>\n
- an assessment of on-premises, cloud, or hybrid operations,<\/li>\n
- Technical requirements,<\/li>\n
- a rough estimate of the effort required,<\/li>\n
- Information on Data Protection and Data Sovereignty,<\/li>\n
- Recommended Next Steps<\/li>\n
- as well as, specifically, projects that I would currently advise against.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The report should be clear enough for management to understand and, at the same time, detailed enough for subsequent discussions with internal or external IT specialists.<\/p>\n
What might happen next\u2014but doesn't have to<\/h3>\n
The assessment is a standalone consulting service. By engaging in it, you are not committing to any follow-up project.<\/p>\n
\n- Perhaps the conclusion is: Don't implement anything yet. Clean up the data first.<\/li>\n
- Maybe a small project will come up that can be completed within a few weeks.<\/li>\n
- Perhaps it will become clear that a larger AI project would make economic sense.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
And you may be able to implement the recommendations with your existing IT department or an existing service provider. If further collaboration seems appropriate, we can discuss it.<\/p>\n
If you decide to work with me on a related follow-up project within 90 days, the 2,900 euros paid for the assessment will be credited toward that project.<\/p>\n
Which companies the AI assessment is intended for<\/h3>\n
This offering is particularly well-suited for companies with approximately 5 to 100 employees, where digital transformation and business software have long been part of everyday operations, but no one has yet been explicitly assigned responsibility for an AI strategy. Typical situations include, for example:<\/p>\n
\n- Employees are already using ChatGPT or other AI services.<\/li>\n
- Management would like to know what risks this poses.<\/li>\n
- There is a wealth of data, but no consistent data strategy.<\/li>\n
- Processes have evolved organically over the years.<\/li>\n
- An external vendor has proposed a major AI project.<\/li>\n
- It is difficult for management to assess the benefits and cost of an offer.<\/li>\n
- Certain tasks regularly involve a great deal of manual labor.<\/li>\n
- The company wants to use artificial intelligence, but it doesn't want to blindly follow every trend.<\/li>\n
- Data protection and control over company data play an important role.<\/li>\n
- There is interest in local AI solutions or an independent second opinion.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Who this offer is not really intended for<\/h3>\n
A needs assessment is probably not the right option if it has already been fully determined which system is to be implemented and you are simply looking for a service provider to carry out the implementation. For example, if it has already been decided that:<\/p>\n
\u201eWe want Product X from Vendor Y and just need someone to implement it.\u201c<\/em>,<\/p>\nA specialized implementation partner is often the better choice. Consulting is equally pointless if you are simply looking for general AI training or a presentation for employees.<\/p>\n
My focus is on corporate data, processes, software architecture, and the question of how artificial intelligence can be meaningfully integrated into real-world business operations.<\/p>\n
Why a fixed price?<\/h3>\n
Especially during an initial analysis, a company should know what financial commitment it is making. That is why the two-day AI assessment has a flat fee of:<\/p>\n
2.900 Euro<\/strong><\/pre>\nThis includes the agreed-upon analysis, evaluation, and written report. If it becomes clear during our first meeting that a needs assessment would not provide any discernible benefit for your company, I will not recommend that you commission it.<\/p>\n
The next step is intentionally small<\/h3>\n
Before you invest 2,900 euros, let's talk. During a phone call lasting about 20 minutes, we'll go over the following:<\/p>\n
\n- What are you currently thinking about when it comes to AI?<\/li>\n
- What systems do you use?<\/li>\n
- What problem are you trying to solve?<\/li>\n
- What has already been tried?<\/li>\n
- And is a structured assessment of the current situation even the right next step?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
After that, you\u2019ll know whether the consultation makes sense for you. And if I think it won\u2019t be very helpful for you right now, I\u2019ll tell you that, too. A 20-minute conversation can therefore be enough to avoid an unnecessary five-figure project.<\/p>\n
Request AI consulting here<\/h3>\n
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