Artificial intelligence for companies - an overview

Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the global economy and German companies are also facing the challenge of optimizing processes with AI. Recent studies show what has long been clear to everyone: AI tools are on the rise and are increasingly being recognized as a lever for growth and innovation. A fact that can undoubtedly also be observed in the German corporate landscape!

Are you wondering how, where and why companies are using AI applications? We ourselves are a medium-sized software and consulting company and offer innovative AI products as well as consulting services in the field of AI. We show you how companies use AI and what you should look out for when dealing with AI technologies.

What are the 4 types of AI technologies?

Not all AI is the same! Artificial intelligence can be divided into four types, which differ in terms of their functionality and performance. While the first two types are already in use today, the last two are still under development and could have a significant impact on the future of AI.

Type 1: Reactive machines - the simplest form of AI

Reactive machines are specialized in a single task. They react to inputs without learning or developing further. A classic example is a chess computer that calculates the optimal move - but can only play chess.

Type 2: Limited storage capacity - AI that learns from experience

These AIs are more powerful because they can store information and learn from experience. Voice assistants such as Siri or Google Assistant, self-driving cars and AI models such as ChatGPT are among them. They analyze large amounts of data and react flexibly - but they lack real understanding or emotions.

Type 3: Theory of mind - AI with real understanding?

This type does not yet exist, but could be revolutionary. This type of AI would not only process data, but also recognize thoughts, emotions and intentions. This would enable it to understand people better and interact socially - a huge step forward in AI development.

Type 4: Self-awareness - the future of AI?

The highest level would be a self-aware AI that is aware of its existence and thinks independently. It could perform tasks just as well or even better than humans. Whether we ever create such an AI - and whether it represents more of an opportunity or a danger for us - remains to be seen.

How can AI applications be used in companies?

Enough theory. One thing is clear, AI is no longer a topic that is only relevant for large companies! Medium-sized companies are also increasingly recognizing the potential that AI technologies offer for optimizing their business processes. The range of possible applications is vast and extends from automation and data analysis to the creation of new products and services.

Would you like to find out how companies are already using AI today? We'll show you some practical examples.

Product design - driving innovation with AI

Innovation processes often take years and often just the one last inspiration is missing to round off a new development! With the help of AI applications, such cycles can be shortened. With the help of AI, new ideas or product designs can be visualized within a few seconds.

One example of the use of AI in product design is provided by car manufacturer BMW. BMW is certain: "Artificial intelligence is opening up new avenues and is only at the beginning of its career in the design process. It is already part of our daily communication and is becoming increasingly important."

Process management - automation and increased efficiency:

A typical symptom of SMEs. Long processes, a lack of digitalization and a mountain of paper files. AI applications can help here too and relieve you of routine tasks!

In accounting, invoices can be processed automatically and payment flows monitored, while chatbots have long since taken over some of the advisory work in customer service.

Tools such as GPT4YOU, our GDPR-compliant alternative to ChatGPT, are particularly suitable for processing texts!

Human resources - employee training:

Employee training is an essential part of every company - whether for new team members or to upskill the existing workforce.

Thanks to AI-supported tools such as Coursebox, EdApp or Courseau, training processes can now be made more efficient and simpler, allowing companies to train their employees in a targeted manner and with little effort.

Knowledge management - processing and structuring knowledge:

The ability of AI to process large amounts of data and make it accessible is revolutionizing knowledge management in companies. AI tools can help to consolidate, organize and process information from various sources. This makes relevant knowledge available to employees more quickly and effectively.

With our GDPR-compliant AI solution GPT4YOU, we provide an application that can be fed with company data and information without any data protection concerns! GPT4YOU is the best alternative to ChatGPT!

Chatbots - personalized customer service:

We've all been there: you're in an online store or using any software, but you have a problem and want to contact customer service. Real employees are often overloaded and it takes forever to get an answer to your problem.

By using AI chatbots, companies can answer their customers' questions in real time. Have you ever met a support chatbot? With our AI solution GPT4YOU, we also provide the right application for companies.

Are AI applications the future for companies?

Yes and no! There is no doubt that companies should take a close look at the topic of AI applications. However, in our AI consulting work, we see time and again that entrepreneurs want to use AI with all their might in every area. In the worst case scenario, this can lead to processes becoming slower and more error-prone instead of better and faster. The question of whether and which processes should be supported by AI must therefore be answered with caution!

According to EY, 94% of the technology leaders surveyed see innovation as the key to emerging stronger from the current economic uncertainty. Similar to the USA, where 80% of managers are planning to increase their investments in AI, awareness of the potential of AI technologies is also growing in Germany.

Nevertheless, there are challenges that prevent small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from exploiting the full potential of artificial intelligence. A lack of knowledge, concerns about data protection and worries about the legal consequences are reasons that are often cited.

As a consultancy with many years of experience in the development of AI technologies, we support companies in the introduction of artificial intelligence and also offer AI training courses.

Challenges for companies in dealing with AI applications

You are often told all about AI applications on websites. Your processes will be faster, you'll deliver better results and you'll save tons of money. And yes, all of this can be true. However, the reality is that companies have to overcome a number of challenges before they can really benefit from the advantages of AI technologies. The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy has published a study on this in 2021!

In our AI consulting, we repeatedly see similar hurdles that need to be overcome when introducing AI in companies.

Data protection concerns and legal uncertainties

Nobody wants their data to be outlawed and, in the worst case scenario, company secrets to be freely accessible on the internet at some point. The use of AI technologies is therefore also subject to legal regulations. Data protection regulations such as the GDPR require a high degree of care when handling personal data, which AI applications are also subject to.

International AI solutions such as ChatGPT often cannot guarantee compliance with such regulations, which poses a risk for companies that want to use artificial intelligence to increase their profitability.

High costs for the introduction of AI

Smaller and younger companies see high costs as a greater challenge than larger and established companies. Especially companies in the experimental stage or with open source solutions often find the costs high, as additional adjustments are necessary and budgets are often limited.

Problems with integration into existing systems

You know how it is - you use the same systems at your workplace every day. Now suddenly everything is supposed to be new and better with AI?

Older and larger companies, the manufacturing industry and companies with a low level of AI maturity in particular have difficulties integrating AI into existing systems. We take this step together with you in our AI consulting!

Employee skills and lack of expertise

Medium-sized and large companies as well as companies with a low level of AI maturity see a lack of employee skills as a major challenge. In particular, companies that use individual solutions from third parties often lack the necessary expertise.

Since February 2025, the EU AI Act, which makes training mandatory for employees who work with AI, has been in force here! If you are looking for suitable AI training for yourself or your employees, you should take a look at our FIDAcademy! You can find out more about the regulation on mandatory AI training here!

Lack of proof of the added value of AI

AI applications can reduce costs and speed up processes, but without the definition of KPIs, the benefits and added value of these AI systems often remain hidden.

Proving clear added value compared to alternative methods is a challenge for larger companies and companies with little AI experience alike.

We help companies to define clear KPIs that make the added value of AI technologies measurable! The measurement of such key figures usually clearly shows the advantages of using AI applications in companies!

Advantages of AI applications for companies

The use cases and the use of artificial intelligence in companies is like a colorful bouquet of flowers! Somehow and somewhere, a process can be improved in every company through the use of artificial intelligence! Contact us and together we will find out which adjustments we can make in your company so that you too can benefit from the advantages of artificial intelligence!

Fast and precise data analysis

Data is the most valuable business asset for many companies. However, the potential hidden behind the raw numbers often remains untapped. AI enables the efficient analysis of large volumes of data and supports data-based decisions.

In marketing, AI analyses consumer behaviour for targeted campaigns, while in logistics it optimizes supply chains. Our own AI products are also based on software solutions for data processing!

Automation of recurring tasks

Nobody enjoys monotonous work! So why not hand these tasks over to artificial intelligence? Most repetitive tasks are based on clear patterns and can be summarized in an algorithm!

By using AI-driven chatbots and automation tools, routine tasks such as customer inquiries, appointment scheduling and data entry are handled efficiently. This increases productivity and frees up employees for strategic tasks. One AI tool that is ideal for this application is our GPT4YOU!

Improved customer experience

Have you ever been amazed that you got an answer in real time in a support chat? You think you were communicating with a real person? Probably not. Artificial intelligence in the form of language models is often used in the form of chatbots. Providers of online tools, stores or other websites can offer their customers a better user experience by integrating tools such as GPT4YOU.

Reducing costs and increasing efficiency

What, you were just saying that the introduction of AI is expensive? Yes, at the beginning, but the return on investment is usually not long in coming! In the long term, we see a reduction in process costs in almost all cases!

Examples from production show this: AI-supported, predictive maintenance minimizes equipment failures and reduces associated costs. In manufacturing, it optimizes production plans, resource utilization and reduces material waste. A great example of an immense increase in efficiency is our AI use case at a recruitment agency!

Conclusion: using AI as an opportunity with caution

Artificial intelligence has long been more than just a trend - it is permanently changing the way companies work, make decisions and drive innovation. Whether in product design, process management, customer service or knowledge management - AI offers enormous opportunities for increasing efficiency and automation.

However, the use of AI needs to be well thought out. Not every application automatically brings added value, and challenges such as data protection, high implementation costs and a lack of employee skills should not be underestimated. Companies should therefore specifically address the question of where AI can be meaningfully integrated in order to actually optimize processes instead of making them more complicated.

One thing is clear: those who use AI strategically can secure decisive competitive advantages. For SMEs in particular, it is important to address the opportunities and challenges at an early stage in order to strengthen their own future viability. With the right strategy and the right know-how, nothing stands in the way of a successful AI transformation!

Are you looking for a partner who can provide you with strategic and operational support in the development and implementation of an AI strategy? We will accompany you on the path to a digitalized future!