What is AI consulting for businesses?

AI consulting is a strategic service that helps companies systematically identify, evaluate, and profitably implement artificial intelligence. It encompasses the analysis of suitable use cases, the establishment of a robust data foundation, the selection of appropriate technologies, the regulatory framework (EU AI Act), and change management to ensure sustainable AI adoption.

How many German companies are currently using AI?

According to a Bitkom press release dated September 15, 2025, 36% of German companies use AI—nearly twice as many as in the previous year (20%). Another 47% are planning or discussing its use. The main obstacles are: legal requirements (53%), lack of expertise (53%), and staff shortages (51%).

How long does an AI consultation at MaibornWolff take?

That depends on the objective. A discovery workshop typically lasts anywhere from a few hours to a full day. We usually deliver a functional AI prototype within 5 days. Depending on the complexity, it takes anywhere from a few weeks to several months to turn the prototype into a production-ready AI use case.

How much does AI consulting cost at MaibornWolff?

The initial consultation at MaibornWolff is free of charge. Additional costs depend on the scope of the project, the chosen roadmap phase, and the use case. Following the discovery phase, you will receive a detailed proposal outlining clearly defined services and a budget.

Does my company need to comply with the EU AI Act starting in 2026?

Yes. Starting August 2, 2026, the key requirements of the EU AI Act will apply to all companies that develop, offer, or use AI systems. These include governance documentation, risk assessments, AI literacy, and transparency requirements. MaibornWolff can help you ensure compliance.

Why do many AI projects fail?

According to Gartner, approximately 40% of projects involving agent-based AI will be discontinued by the end of 2027—mostly due to unclear objectives, poor data quality, or a lack of business cases. Bitkom also identifies legal uncertainty and a shortage of skilled workers as major obstacles. Structured consulting that includes clearly defined objectives, pilot projects, and change management significantly reduces the risk of failure.

How does AI consulting differ from traditional IT consulting?

AI consulting combines traditional IT topics (architecture, data, integration) with specific AI disciplines: model selection, data quality, prompt engineering, MLOps, Responsible AI, and compliance with the EU AI Act. In addition, AI requires a deep understanding of business processes and change management, as AI implementations always entail organizational change.

How do I start an AI consultation with MaibornWolff?

Contact us for a free initial consultation on equal terms. Together, we’ll clarify your goals, identify the right starting point, and explore initial use case ideas. Based on this, we’ll propose the ideal starting point for our 5-phase roadmap—from discovery to the finished AI product.

AI consulting for companies

Using artificial intelligence effectively in the company

From hype to business success: comprehensive AI consulting

AI is no longer a field of experimentation, but a decisive competitive factor. As experienced AI consultants, we support you in not only understanding this technological change, but also actively utilizing it for your growth. We accompany you throughout the entire process—from the initial idea to technical integration:

Artificial intelligence will dominate the IT agenda of German companies in 2026. According to the latest MaibornWolff “Technology Efficiency” Study for 2026, 61% of respondents confirm that the use of AI tools has increased in 2025. At the same time, the study shows that without a clear strategy and defined goals, AI does not solve problems—it merely amplifies existing inefficiencies. This is precisely where professional AI consulting comes in: it combines technological possibilities with a clear strategy, realistic use cases, and measurable results.

Your result: You benefit directly from more efficient processes, tap into new business models, and take your customer service to the next level through automation.

Current figures confirm that this leverage is real: 42% of the IT managers surveyed have already noticed an increase in process efficiency as the primary benefit of AI. In contrast, 19% currently see no tangible business value. The difference lies in the quality of preparation and implementation.

“Those who view AI merely as a panacea will be disappointed. Those who, on the other hand, see it as a specialized tool will reap significant benefits.” (MaibornWolff study “Technology Efficiency” 2026)

Less Technology. Better Business.

Individual Tempo

We tailor the speed precisely to your needs – from a quick MVP launch to a scalable rollout.

Strategy meets tech

Successful AI requires more than just code. We combine cutting-edge technology with economic strategy consulting.

Focus on people

Technology must be usable. We consistently focus on usability, acceptance, and change management in every solution.

Interdisciplinary power

Benefit from the combined expertise of our more than 1,000 IT specialists from a wide range of fields.

Optimized processes: Increase the competitiveness of your products through data-driven process improvements and greater efficiency.
Intelligent automation: Drastically reduce costs and the risk of errors by automating routine manual tasks with AI solutions.
Data-driven decisions: Use advanced analytics to transform large amounts of data into clear recommendations for action for your management.
Preventive risk management: Identify critical patterns and market trends early on (predictive analytics) in order to act proactively rather than reactively.
Transparent AI maturity level: We analyze your status quo (AI readiness) and identify specific weaknesses and potential for your implementation.

Your introduction to AI: Fast, cost-effective, and user-centered

We involve your key users from day one and focus on rapid prototyping rather than complex large-scale projects. This creates acceptance and direct added value.

Why a structured approach is crucial: According to Gartner (2025), over 40% of projects involving agent-based AI will be discontinued by the end of 2027—mostly due to unclear objectives, poor data quality, or a lack of business cases. Bitkom also identifies the three biggest hurdles: legal requirements (53%), lack of expertise (53%), and staff shortages (51%). Professional AI consulting addresses precisely these stumbling blocks.

MaibornWolff's focus areas in AI consulting

Every project starts with an individual needs analysis. Our core competencies lie in:

AI deployment preparation

We make your data fit for AI – from quality assurance to IT architecture.

Process optimization

Increase efficiency, reduce costs, and minimize the risk of errors with AI.

Data & AI strategy

Develop an AI roadmap that measurably contributes to your business goals and ROI.

AI transformation

We support change through change management and upskilling for maximum acceptance.

AI area of application in the company

Which AI use cases can you implement with AI consulting from MaibornWolff?

The market for AI consulting is growing rapidly: According to the Federal Association of German Management Consultancies (BDU, January 2026), AI became the industry’s key growth driver in 2025 (+18.8%)—and the BDU expects AI-driven growth of +22% in 2026. At the same time, our market research data shows that 47% of respondents feel overwhelmed by the sheer number and frequency of new AI tools. This makes AI consulting by experienced consultants more important than ever. After all, the range of feasible AI use cases is virtually unlimited, spanning everything from R&D to interactions with employees and customers.

Research & Development

Digital Twins & Simulation: Test products virtually.
Knowledge Management: Centralize research knowledge.
Generative design: Optimizing material properties.
Time-to-market: Drastically shorten development cycles.

Production

Predictive Maintenance: Predicting failures.
Computer vision: Automated quality control.
Smart Energy: Minimizing resources and waste.
HMI & Cobots: Intuitive human-machine interaction.

Distribution

Lead scoring: Filter potential customers accurately.
Dynamic pricing: Optimize prices in real time.
Churn Prediction: Prevent customer churn.
Sales Assistants: Automated sales support.

Marketing

Hyper-personalization: Content for segments of one.
Conversational AI: Interactive customer engagement.
Predictive analytics: Anticipating purchasing behavior.
Content Automation: Scalable creation of assets.

Human Resources (HR)

Recruiting-Support: CV-Screening und Matching.
Skill gap analysis: Targeted team development.
Adaptive Learning: Personalized training programs.
Workforce Analytics: Data-driven workforce planning.

Frequently Asked Questions About AI Consulting (FAQ)

What is AI consulting for businesses?

AI consulting is a strategic service that helps companies systematically identify, evaluate, and profitably implement artificial intelligence. It encompasses the analysis of suitable use cases, the establishment of a robust data foundation, the selection of appropriate technologies, the regulatory framework (EU AI Act), and change management to ensure sustainable AI adoption.
How many German companies are currently using AI?

According to a Bitkom press release dated September 15, 2025, 36% of German companies use AI—nearly twice as many as in the previous year (20%). Another 47% are planning or discussing its use. The main obstacles are: legal requirements (53%), lack of expertise (53%), and staff shortages (51%).
How long does an AI consultation at MaibornWolff take?

That depends on the objective. A discovery workshop typically lasts anywhere from a few hours to a full day. We usually deliver a functional AI prototype within 5 days. Depending on the complexity, it takes anywhere from a few weeks to several months to turn the prototype into a production-ready AI use case.
How much does AI consulting cost at MaibornWolff?

The initial consultation at MaibornWolff is free of charge. Additional costs depend on the scope of the project, the chosen roadmap phase, and the use case. Following the discovery phase, you will receive a detailed proposal outlining clearly defined services and a budget.
Does my company need to comply with the EU AI Act starting in 2026?

Yes. Starting August 2, 2026, the key requirements of the EU AI Act will apply to all companies that develop, offer, or use AI systems. These include governance documentation, risk assessments, AI literacy, and transparency requirements. MaibornWolff can help you ensure compliance.
Why do many AI projects fail?

According to Gartner, approximately 40% of projects involving agent-based AI will be discontinued by the end of 2027—mostly due to unclear objectives, poor data quality, or a lack of business cases. Bitkom also identifies legal uncertainty and a shortage of skilled workers as major obstacles. Structured consulting that includes clearly defined objectives, pilot projects, and change management significantly reduces the risk of failure.
How does AI consulting differ from traditional IT consulting?

AI consulting combines traditional IT topics (architecture, data, integration) with specific AI disciplines: model selection, data quality, prompt engineering, MLOps, Responsible AI, and compliance with the EU AI Act. In addition, AI requires a deep understanding of business processes and change management, as AI implementations always entail organizational change.
How do I start an AI consultation with MaibornWolff?

Contact us for a free initial consultation on equal terms. Together, we’ll clarify your goals, identify the right starting point, and explore initial use case ideas. Based on this, we’ll propose the ideal starting point for our 5-phase roadmap—from discovery to the finished AI product.