AI potential analysis
In two weeks: processes, data and costs. The result is a prioritised list of use cases with effect, effort and risk.
Digitalisation & AI
AI consulting for the mid-market: digitalisation that shows up in the P&L.
Many mid-sized companies have AI pilots, but few have measurable results. We identify the use cases with the greatest effect on costs, lead times and liquidity, implement them within weeks and embed them in operations. Sober, compliant with data protection rules and backed by a clear business case.
In short
At Tactical, AI consulting for mid-sized companies means identifying use cases with a measurable economic effect, putting them into production in a use case sprint of six to eight weeks and embedding them in day-to-day operations. Typical levers are quotation and order processing, procurement, receivables management, document processing, quality inspection and planning. The foundation is a clean data base, clear responsibilities and compliance with the GDPR and the EU AI Act.
For us, digitalisation is not an end in itself but a lever for earnings and liquidity. In turnarounds it is often the way to reduce costs permanently rather than making one-off cuts. In healthy companies it is the precondition for doing more with fewer skilled staff.
We come from restructuring and investing, not from software sales. That is why we do not recommend a platform we earn money from, but the solution that pays off for the company. Our portfolio includes Quarero Robotics, a company that deploys robotics and AI-based image analysis in the security sector. We know what it takes to bring AI into operations.
According to Bitkom, in 2026 a majority of German companies (57 percent) use AI for the first time, while among mid-sized companies it is only around 20 percent according to KfW Research. That gap is an opportunity for those who implement now.
Updated: September 2026 · Responsible: Dr. Raphael Nagel (LL.M.), Founding Partner
Typical situations
When an AI and digitalisation project pays off.
- Quotations, orders and invoices are still processed largely by hand.
- Skilled staff are scarce and know-how depends on a few individuals.
- Data is scattered across ERP, Excel and email, and analyses take days.
- AI pilots are running, but without measurable impact.
- A turnaround needs permanent cost reduction rather than one-off cuts.
- A buyer or investor expects a credible digitalisation plan.
What we actually do
What we implement.
Use case sprint
Six to eight weeks from idea to production use, for example for quotation preparation, document capture or receivables management.
Process automation
Automation of recurring workflows in procurement, accounting, order handling and service, with clear measurement of the time saved.
Data foundation and reporting
Clean master data, a KPI system and weekly management reporting as the basis for every AI application.
ERP and systems landscape
Selection, implementation or clean-up of ERP systems. In carve-outs, also the IT separation from the group.
AI governance
Policies, responsibilities and training. Implementation of the requirements of the GDPR and the EU AI Act, including the obligation to ensure AI literacy among staff.
Business case
Typical use cases and their levers.
The overview shows where, in our experience, AI delivers the fastest effect in mid-sized companies. Which application pays off in an individual case is shown by the potential analysis.
| Area | Application | Lever |
|---|---|---|
| Sales | Quotation preparation from enquiries, drawings and price lists | Shorter quotation times, higher hit rate |
| Procurement | Automated price and supplier comparison | Lower material costs |
| Finance | Invoice capture, dunning, liquidity forecasting | Less tied-up capital, faster closings |
| Production | Image-based quality inspection, predictive maintenance | Less scrap and downtime |
| Service | Assistance for customer enquiries and technical documentation | Relief for scarce skilled staff |
| Management | Weekly reporting from ERP and accounting | Faster, better decisions |
Process
From potential to production use.
Weeks 1 to 2
Potential analysis
Processes, data, costs. Prioritised list with a business case.
Weeks 3 to 8
Sprint
Implementation of one to three use cases during ongoing operations.
Weeks 9 to 12
Embedding
Training, responsibilities, measurement. The solution keeps running without us.
After that
Scaling
Further use cases, data strategy and systems landscape.
More than advisory
We measure digitalisation by liquidity and earnings.
For us, a digitalisation project is successful when it shows up in costs, lead times or tied-up capital. That is why we combine AI projects with operational restructuring and liquidity management. And if implementation needs capital, we can provide it.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
Is AI worthwhile for smaller mid-sized companies?
Yes, if the use case is right. Especially in companies with 50 to 500 employees, the biggest effects often lie in simple, recurring tasks such as preparing quotations, capturing invoices or answering customer enquiries. What matters is a business case before you start.
How long does an AI project take to deliver results?
The potential analysis takes about two weeks, the first use case sprint six to eight weeks. After around three months, a first use case should be in production and delivering measurable impact.
What does the EU AI Act require of mid-sized companies?
The AI Act applies in stages. Since February 2025, companies using AI must ensure sufficient AI literacy among their staff, and certain practices are prohibited. The obligations for high-risk applications have been postponed to 2 December 2027. Most applications in mid-sized companies, such as quotation preparation or document processing, do not fall into the high-risk category. We review the classification together with legal advisers.
Is Tactical tied to any software vendors?
No. We recommend the solution that pays off for the company, whether standard software, a cloud service or custom development, and we pay attention to data protection and digital sovereignty.
Does digitalisation help in a crisis too?
Yes, often especially so. In turnarounds, automation is one of the few ways to reduce costs permanently without losing capability. The precondition is that liquidity is secured for the implementation period.
Related services
One thing usually leads to another.
Confidential first call
Let us talk before your options narrow.
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