What does an AI consultant actually do?

Artificial intelligence (AI) has long since arrived in companies. Whether in process automation, data analysis or the development of new services — AI holds enormous potential. But how does a company find out which AI applications really fit its own goals? This is where AI consultants come into play.

AI consultants support companies in identifying, evaluating and profitably implementing possible AI application scenarios. They have to take into account not only the technical but also the strategic and organizational requirements — while at the same time being familiar with the latest trends, innovations and possibilities in the fast-paced world of AI. But what exactly do they do in their day-to-day work?

AI consulting: A definition

AI consulting involves advising on, designing and implementing artificial intelligence solutions. The spectrum is broad, ranging from process automation using machine learning models to setting up chatbots and performing complex analyses using deep learning methods.

However, the definition of AI consulting goes beyond the purely technical perspective. It is an interdisciplinary approach that aligns technological innovation with business requirements. AI consultants are able to design technological solutions that are not only efficient but also make strategic sense.

Another important aspect of AI consulting is the adaptation to industry-specific requirements. Whether healthcare, retail or financial services — each industry presents its own challenges that require specific expertise and customized AI solutions.

In addition, the topic of ethics is playing an increasingly central role in AI consulting. AI solutions have the potential to have a profound impact on society and the economy. AI consultants are therefore required to develop solutions that are not only technically optimal but also ethically justifiable. This includes, among other things, handling sensitive data, avoiding discrimination through algorithmic bias, and taking into account regulatory requirements such as the GDPR and the AI Regulation.

An AI consultant’s tasks

As an AI consultant, you are initially a sparring partner and interface between the different company departments, similar to other consulting professions. The range of tasks includes the following:

• Requirement analysis and feasibility studies. AI consultants identify which business processes can be supported or optimized by AI and assess whether and how the proposed solution can be implemented technically, organizationally and economically (proof of concept).
• Strategy development and consulting. They develop an AI roadmap that is aligned with the company’s goals and resources, with the intention of implementing the right use cases at the perfect time, including selecting the right technologies and tools.
• Model and data analysis. They examine existing data sources and select, train and evaluate suitable AI models and algorithms.
• Implementation and integration. As in other projects, the topic of installation and integration into existing IT structures also plays a role in AI projects. In this context, collaboration between data engineers, software developers and technical experts is particularly important. This should ensure that new AI processes interact smoothly with existing systems and applications.
• Supporting employees and managers during the introduction of new AI solutions. AI consultants impart basic knowledge and best practices, demonstrate specific application scenarios and raise awareness among staff and management of ethical and/or regulatory issues.

All in all, both technical and strategic thinking is required: Unlike some other technology professions, AI consulting not only requires in-depth knowledge of algorithms and data processing, but also strategic and communication skills.

AI consultants talk to software development and IT departments as well as to management, product management or employees from the relevant field. They have to explain technical interrelations clearly and comprehensibly so that the company can make decisions based on this knowledge.

Since AI technologies are developing rapidly, continuous training is important. Online courses, boot camps and certificates (such as AWS Machine Learning Specialty or Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate) as well as workshops and conferences. However, the most important thing for gaining experience is to work on AI projects in a real-world setting. Above all, a good AI consultant is willing to learn. Technologies, frameworks and standards change quickly – if you want to be in the game for the long haul, you have to stay on top of things.

An AI consultant’s most important skills

The most important skills of AI consultants are, accordingly, programming, data analysis and mathematics/statistics. Mastering programming languages such as Python is a great advantage, as is a sound knowledge of data (databases) and general software development. Above all, however, it is important to understand how to handle data and algorithms.

Equally important as the “hard skills,” however, are the “soft skills.” These include:

• Analytical and structured thinking. breaking down complex interrelationships into subtasks and solving them efficiently.
• Communication. Communicating results and concepts in a way that is easy to understand; understanding and combining the requirements of different stakeholders.
• Teamwork. Working closely with IT, specialist and management teams.
• Project and change management. Time and resource planning, stakeholder management and moderating change processes.
• Ethical awareness and data protection. Handling sensitive data responsibly and complying with legal requirements (e.g. GDPR).

A job with a future

The role of AI consultants has become an integral part of many digitalization and transformation projects. Whether in the automotive, finance, healthcare or retail industries, AI solutions help optimize processes, provide data-driven insights and enable new business models.

The profession of AI consultant combines technology and management. Companies benefit not only from expertise in the development and implementation of AI solutions but also from the ability to integrate these solutions deeply into the strategic and organizational DNA of the company. This is particularly evident in the wide range of possible applications: While some projects aim to increase the efficiency of internal processes, others open up completely new business areas or improve the customer experience through personalized interactions and data-driven decisions.

The influence of AI consultants goes far beyond the mere implementation of technical solutions. They are strategic partners who support companies not only in recognizing the potential of artificial intelligence, but also in exploiting it sustainably. In doing so, they must keep an eye not only on technical progress, but also on social and regulatory developments. AI is not only a technological change, but also a cultural one that affects employees and managers alike.

So if you enjoy complex technological issues and have strong consulting skills and an interest in economic interrelationships, you will find a future-oriented and varied career in AI consulting. One thing is clear: artificial intelligence will remain one of the most important drivers of innovation in the economy — and so the demand for excellent AI consultants will remain high.

René Kessler is the senior consultant for AI and data science at abat, an SAP software and solutions provider to clients in the automotive and logistics industries. With a focus on computer vision and natural language processing, Rene combines advanced technologies with the requirements of production and logistics and helps companies optimize their processes with tailor-made solutions.