Data and AI Strategy

Your expert for questions

Dr. Matthias Schlemmer

Dr Matthias Schlemmer
Partner at Strategy& Austria
Tel: +49 171 8179355
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A systematic AI strategy – for a transformation that creates value

Most companies have no shortage of ideas for using artificial intelligence. But which of these are truly viable – technically, organisationally and economically? Assessing this requires the right strategy and sound analysis. And that is precisely where we can support you. Our approach bridges the gap between your business objectives and a portfolio of use cases that have a direct impact on your profit and loss account. We guide you in integrating AI innovations meaningfully into your value creation. With a clear focus on costs, risks and scalability, we develop a roadmap that offers you full transparency and control at every stage.

“An AI strategy is only successful if it systematically unlocks innovative potential and makes a measurable contribution to the company’s bottom line.”

Dr Matthias Schlemmer,Partner at Strategy& Austria

Do you have any questions?

How the right strategic direction influences the value contribution of AI

To ensure that AI investments do not peter out in mere pilot and testing phases, early integration with financial planning is essential. We therefore start where the technology has a direct impact on your profit and loss account.

Typical starting points can be found in many core areas: in knowledge work, for example, productivity gains of 20 to 40 per cent are possible through intelligent assistants and research tools. In customer support, costs can be reduced through approaches such as automated document extraction and the pre-qualification of enquiries. In finance, AI is capable of reducing risk costs by 20 to 50 per cent – for example, through anomaly detection, forecasting assistance and automated controls.

Our services in the field of AI strategy

Definition of the target vision

Development of a clear AI vision that is precisely aligned with your business objectives

Without a clear direction, AI initiatives often get bogged down in minutiae. We work with you to develop a strategic vision that defines the role artificial intelligence should play in your organisation in the long term. In doing so, we ensure a realistic assessment of the possibilities and make sure the vision is consistent with your overall strategy. The result is a ‘North Star’ that provides guidance to managers and staff alike and forms the basis for all further investment decisions.

Use Case Identification & Prioritisation

Selection of the most effective use cases based on revenue, costs and risk assessment

Not every technically feasible use case makes economic sense. We evaluate your ideas against specific success criteria. In doing so, we not only consider the potential benefits, but also weigh these against the development and operating costs, as well as the necessary change processes. This results in a portfolio of use cases prioritised according to impact and feasibility. This well-founded basis for decision-making enables management to deploy resources specifically where they will have the greatest leverage.

Roadmap with clear milestones

A realistic implementation plan with clearly defined milestones for budget and performance monitoring

Grand visions often fail due to the complexity of implementation. We break the strategy down into a pragmatic plan – for example, in 30-, 60- and 90-day stages. This plan highlights dependencies on data and IT structures, identifies resource requirements and defines clear decision-making points. This ensures that you remain in control of the transformation at all times. By focusing on quick, visible results (quick wins), we also ensure early acceptance within the organisation and support from stakeholders.

AI Operating Model

Definition of roles, processes and guidelines for seamless collaboration with clear lines of responsibility

We define a bespoke Target Operating Model for you that governs the entire lifecycle of an AI solution – from the initial idea through to development and ongoing operation. The aim is to ensure clear accountability and seamless collaboration between business units, IT, data experts and compliance. We establish decision-making procedures and key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure that responsibilities are clearly allocated and that no isolated silos hinder progress.

Cross-functional collaboration

Establishing efficient interfaces between specialist departments, IT, data experts and the legal department

AI projects often fail due to internal barriers. We define clear decision-making processes and interfaces so that specialist departments, IT and compliance teams can work hand in hand. We break down silos and create structures in which expert knowledge can flow freely. The aim is to promote cross-functional cooperation and remove internal obstacles.

Talents & Skills

Assessment and targeted development of internal expertise for the sustainable use of AI

Even the best technology is of little use without the right people. We analyse the current level of expertise within your team and identify any gaps. This enables you to make an informed decision on which skills should be developed internally through further training and where targeted support from external experts would be beneficial.

Governance & Trustworthy AI

Establishing guidelines for the safe, transparent and verifiable use of AI systems

Trust is the currency of digital transformation. We integrate ethical guidelines and legal requirements directly into your AI strategy. This includes ensuring data quality, the traceability of AI decisions and protection against discrimination. We create structures that make your use of AI auditable and ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements. This enables you to minimise risks at an early stage and lay a solid foundation for the responsible use of technology, which will win over both customers and staff.

Frequently Asked Questions 

We carry out an assessment of your existing capabilities. Often, a small core team of subject matter experts is sufficient, which we reinforce through targeted training or ad hoc support from our experts.

In addition to realistic goals, a clearly defined operating model and a roadmap with clear milestones are crucial factors for success. It is important that AI solutions become a manageable business process with clear accountability.

We assess this as part of the strategy development process. Often, the first effective solutions can already be built on existing data structures, whilst we plan the roadmap for scaling in parallel.

“We translate your business objectives into measurable AI successes. Our aim is to develop a strategy that increases your value creation in a sustainable and controllable way.”

Dr. Matthias Schlemmer,Partner at Strategy& Austria

AI Kickstart Workshop – Book now!

Set priorities. Assess potential. Achieve measurable added value. We help you set the right course for a successful AI transformation right from the start. Our AI Kickstart Workshop provides clarity: together, we assess where AI delivers real added value, what is realistically achievable and how you can get off to a sensible start.

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Dr. Matthias Schlemmer

Dr. Matthias Schlemmer

Partner, Data & AI Strategy and Organization, Strategy& Austria

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