KI im Mittelstand

Mid-sized companies often face challenges when implementing artificial intelligence. On the one hand, they frequently lack the necessary resources and expertise; on the other hand, they often do not have access to suitable data required for AI projects. According to a PwC study, mid-sized companies often struggle to collect and analyze the right data for AI initiatives.

Another obstacle is the shortage of qualified personnel. A Deloitte study found that many mid-sized companies lack the IT specialists needed to implement AI projects. To overcome these challenges, mid-sized companies should first focus on process automation before tackling AI implementation. According to a Bitkom Research report, automating business processes is a crucial step toward digitalization for companies. It increases efficiency and reduces manual effort and errors.

An example of process automation in a mid-sized company is digital invoice processing. Instead of manually checking and entering invoices, the process can be automated. Another example is the automatic collection and analysis of data. By using software tools, data can be automatically captured and evaluated to optimize, for example, order processes or inventory levels. A third example is the automation of marketing processes.

Once the necessary automation has been successfully implemented, AI shows great potential. “Traditional software follows fixed rules and instructions that move data from status A to status B,” explains BusinessCode employee Oleg Bayer. “An AI, on the other hand, could learn directly from new data and make decisions based on that. AI is supposed to exhibit human-like behavior and is especially helpful in cases where, as a human, you can see it right away, but don’t know how to define it.”

This capability can also help mid-sized companies automate repetitive tasks or, for example, increase customer satisfaction with the help of a chatbot, thereby differentiating themselves from the competition. “Moreover, the topic holds massive innovation potential!” explains Oleg Bayer. “Those who invest early can benefit from the broad range of possibilities and stand out from competitors with new services and business models.”

It is important for mid-sized companies to first focus on process automation before turning to AI implementation. Only when processes run efficiently and without errors can AI systems fully realize their potential.

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