AI workshop for SMEs – using artificial intelligence efficiently, turning data into decisions
Many SMEs face similar hurdles: Data is scattered across systems, knowledge about AI is unevenly distributed, tools are heterogeneous, time and resources are scarce – and the question remains as to where artificial intelligence can really deliver measurable benefits. In addition, there are requirements for data protection, governance, ROI and seamless integration into the corporate strategy. Our AI workshop for SMEs addresses precisely these challenges. We make AI usable in concrete terms, identify value-creating use cases, build initial prototypes and develop a sustainable roadmap for implementation. The goal is not the next workshop without impact, but tangible results that scale and noticeably advance your organization.
- Clarity on where AI creates real value in the company
- Prioritized use cases instead of a list of ideas
- Validated MVP as a tangible result
- Implementation roadmap with responsible parties and KPIs
What the AI workshop for SMEs with Ventum Consulting offers you
Our AI workshop for SMEs offers you clear benefits and practical results – beyond buzzwords and hype:
- Results instead of buzzwords: focus on business-critical goals and measurable benefits. We prioritize use cases that directly improve sales, service, controlling or operations and quickly become part of everyday life.
- 20+ years of expertise: experience from numerous digital and AI projects in the SME sector. You benefit from best practices that work and a workshop design that is geared towards sustainable transfer.
- Scalable right from the start: Solutions that grow with you - from MVP to rollout across teams and locations. We think about data, processes and systems in such a way that scaling is possible.
- Focus on strategy alignment: AI becomes part of your corporate strategy, not an isolated solution. We ensure technical and organizational connectivity, clear responsibilities and alignment with management goals.
Contents and procedure of the AI workshop for SMEs
The process is individually tailored to your strategy, goals and previous knowledge and consistently geared towards added value for your company. We work with modules, each of which concludes with a concrete result. In addition to the modules, we provide support with review, implementation, scaling and long-term support on request – including follow-ups and iterative optimizations.
Module 01
Compass and opportunities for SMEs
Result: Joint AI compass and a prioritized picture of opportunities with a clear focus on value-creating topics for your company.
- Demystifying AI: what is relevant for SMEs and what is not? Market and maturity level overview in understandable pictures.
- Create value cards: Where do the greatest levers arise in your processes (e.g. lead qualification, service automation, controlling analyses, back-office assistants)?
- Clarify stakeholder and data context: Which teams, systems and digital information are crucial (ERP, CRM, DMS, cloud)?
- Idea development and pitch: Structure and briefly evaluate the most promising use cases.
Module 02
Data, governance and prioritization
Result: Reliable use case backlog including business value, effort, risks and clear decision template
- Data inventory: relevant sources, quality, access routes and pragmatic use of data within the SME framework.
- Governance & cybersecurity lean and effective: data protection, responsibilities, minimum requirements that are practicable in SMEs.
- Prioritization according to value, feasibility and lighthouse character (portfolio logic).
- Evaluation matrix: Platforms, Microsoft Copilot, open source approaches, agent systems – to suit your IT landscape.
Module 03
Prototyping and MVP
Result: Validated MVP with initial usage data, clear decision on the next expansion step and quantifiable effects
- Development of simple prototypes/MVPs (e.g. chatbots for customer FAQs, assistants for reporting, automation in the back office).
- Prompt engineering for consistent results; data access concepts and tool setup for a secure start.
- Iterations with specialist departments (feedback loops), internal pitches and tests.
Module 04
Implementation path and scaling
Result: Concrete roadmap with responsible parties, timelines, KPIs – compatible with your strategy and ready for implementation.
- Reflection, feasibility analysis and development of an implementation roadmap.
- Roles, resources, schedule, dependencies (organization and management).
- KPI definition, success criteria, monitoring, continuous improvement.
Who is the AI workshop for SMEs suitable for?
The AI workshop for SMEs is aimed at decision-makers, technical experts and interdisciplinary teams in SMEs who want to make targeted use of digital information and artificial intelligence – regardless of whether they are just starting out or have already launched their first initiatives.
Packages for different levels of experience (examples – each package is individually tailored to your needs)
- Fundamentals of AI, LLMs and data; initial use case identification with clear quick wins.
- Introduction to prompt engineering and safe application; practical exercises with simple tools.
- Focus on pragmatic steps, quick results and low-risk entry.
- In-depth study of architectures, data thinking, tools and integration (e.g. platform/agent selection, connection).
- Data governance, scaling concepts, KPIs and performance measurement during operation.
- Prototyping/MVP with iterative validation, decision basis and roadmap for rollout.
What you can do immediately after the AI workshop for SMEs
Immediately afterwards, you and your team will have the knowledge and tools to make a well-founded assessment of AI initiatives and start implementing them with a clear priority. The following points are an excerpt – we adapt the learning objectives to your needs.
- Evaluate AI use cases yourself: assess analysis, feasibility and potential ROI in a structured manner.
- Designing AI workflows: Define requirements, clarify data access and define test criteria for reliable results.
- Build and validate MVPs: Start experiments, pitch prototypes, test with teams and derive improvements.
- Make confident decisions: Compare and select technologies, platforms and approaches on a sound basis.
- Scalable results: Transferring identified and evaluated use cases with measurable business value into a viable implementation roadmap.
AI workshop for SMEs: group size, location & format, costs
- Group size: Up to 20 people; larger groups on request
- Location & format: On site at your premises, remote or hybrid; on request in our office in Munich
- Costs: Depending on duration, scope and group size; on request
- Additional services: Optionally bookable - follow-up sessions, prototyping, implementation and scaling support
About Ventum
With over 20 years of consulting experience, we combine in-depth expertise in the introduction of digital innovations such as artificial intelligence with tried-and-tested methods. Our aim with the AI workshop is to enable you and your team to recognize AI potential in the long term and use it directly in your company.
SME DNA
We know the reality of SMEs: pragmatic, impact-oriented, close to the business - with a focus on concrete results.
Effect before theory
Our workshop delivers tangible results: prioritized use cases, validated MVPs, roadmap and clear responsibilities.
Strategy connection
AI solutions are aligned with corporate goals - no isolated solutions, clear connection to management and organization.
Designed to be scalable
We plan data, processes and systems from the outset so that solutions are viable from pilot to rollout.
Over 20 years of experience
Digital projects, data-driven decisions and effective change - best practices that have proven their worth.
Support until success
On request, we provide support with review, implementation, scaled introduction and sustainable optimization.
Our references and projects in AI and data
Sorry, we couldn't find any posts. Please try a different search.
Your experts in the AI workshop for SMEs
Request a non-binding appointment now
- Field-tested expertise: Over 20 years of experience in consulting and introducing digital innovation in companies - with a focus on SME requirements.
- Individual workshops: Content and formats are adapted to your specific goals and challenges - tailor-made instead of "off the shelf".
- In-depth expertise: Experts with in-depth practical experience in management and day-to-day use of AI, such as GPT-based solutions and other services.
- Immediately applicable knowledge: Directly applicable methods, best practices and templates that you can use immediately for measurable success in your day-to-day work.
TISAX and ISO certification for the Munich office only
Your message
FAQ - Frequently asked questions about the AI workshop for SMEs
No. The AI workshop is tailored to your level of knowledge. Beginners receive compact basics on AI and LLMs as well as secure, easy-to-use tools. Advanced users delve deeper into architecture, data governance and integration. The goal is always a productive, low-risk introduction with tangible results.
Ideally, we work with real company data (e.g. from ERP, CRM, DMS or cloud services) in order to achieve practical results. If it is not yet possible to use real data, we use representative sample data. Together, we define which sources are useful and available and ensure that access rights and data protection are complied with.
Governance is an integral part of the workshop. We take internal guidelines, legal requirements and role-based access into account. Sensitive data is only processed in secure environments. On request, we can work with you to develop a practicable minimum standard for data protection and information security that works for SMEs.
We work on a vendor-neutral and needs-oriented basis – from prompt tools and platforms to agent systems. Where appropriate, we evaluate Microsoft Copilot, open source approaches or existing tools in your IT landscape. The decision criteria are benefits, feasibility, costs and connectivity to your systems.
Yes, we offer on-site, remote and hybrid formats. For remote, we recommend clear role allocation, prepared data access and short, focused iterations so that you achieve the same level of efficiency as on-site.
German; also in English on request. For multinational teams, we coordinate content, examples and documentation accordingly.
Yes, we offer review meetings, implementation support, follow-ups and continuous optimization – including support with prototyping, scaling and organizational anchoring. In this way, we ensure that the results have a long-term effect and that your company benefits measurably.