1. artificial intelligence in use: buzzword or business booster?
Everyone is talking about AI - but how is it actually being used in companies? Our new market study* shows: For 63 % of IT managers in the DACH region, artificial intelligence is one of the most important areas of investment until 2027.
What companies actually plan depends heavily on the industry:
- Service provider rely on GenAI to automate communication, scheduling and content creation.
- Industrial companies analyze production data in real time with AI.
- Banks and insurance companies develop their own models for specialized data processing and risk analysis.
Conclusion: AI has passed the practical test - but standard solutions are not enough.
Background to the market study
This article is based on the current market study "Digitalization and software investments - What matters for DACH companies from 2025", conducted by techconsult on behalf of doubleSlash, Accso, iteratec, MaibornWolff and QAware.
201 IT and business managers from large companies in the DACH region with more than 1,000 employees were surveyed.
The study provides well-founded data, differentiated industry perspectives and insights from expert interviews - a strong basis for your digital strategy.
2. standard software is not enough - AI needs individuality and integration
Whether it's error detection in chemical production or a personalized customer approach in retail, AI only works optimally if it is tailored to the specific company data and processes.
This is why many companies rely on individual software or modular systems for AI projects:
- 30 % of the companies surveyed prefer Customized software for data-intensive applications
- 47 % rely on Modular architecturesto intelligently link existing systems
The accuracy of AI increases when it is tailored to the specific use case in the company.says a study expert
3. modularity meets individuality: more efficient development, targeted use
Fully customized software offers maximum accuracy of fit - especially for complex, data-driven processes. However, it is often cost-intensive and time-consuming to develop. Companies that want to scale faster and remain flexible at the same time are therefore increasingly turning to modular software solutions.
- Standardized modules enable a quick project start - for example through existing interfaces, AI modules or data visualization components.
- Individual extensions can be added in a targeted mannerif industry-specific requirements make this necessary - e.g. proprietary sets of rules, forecasting models or data-driven decision-making logic.
- Existing systems remain integratedThis saves time and costs - from ERP to personnel planning, existing tools can continue to be used and intelligently expanded.
An example from the study: A chemical company links its modular project management software with existing systems for time recording and personnel planning. As a result, the existing infrastructure remains usable, while new requirements can be flexibly integrated.
This approach offers clear advantages, particularly in the context of AI projects: The quick start with standard components is combined with the option of adding individual functions in a targeted manner - a pragmatic way to harmonize efficiency, flexibility and scalability.
4. partnership as a success factor: why communication makes the difference
Even the best technological solutions lose their impact if the collaboration does not work. This is why more than half of the companies surveyed cite transparency, communication and reliability as key success factors when working with IT service providers.
A deep mutual understanding is particularly important for complex individual projects - such as the development of AI-supported applications. Many companies therefore rely on long-term partnerships in which not only technical expertise counts, but also a clear line of communication between the project participants.
A CIO from the publishing industry puts it in a nutshell:
There must be no negative surprises. Reliability and transparency in communication are the decisive factors.CIO from the publishing industry
And a Chief Architect from the retail sector also emphasizes:
Transparency about where we currently stand is the key to being able to react and manage in good time.Chief Architect from the retail sector
Our tip: Choose a technology partner based not only on their expertise, but also on their communication culture and understanding of the industry.
5 Conclusion: Using AI correctly - with the right architecture and the right partners
The study shows:
- AI is not a self-runner - it only unfolds its potential through integration into individual and modular software landscapes
- Industries differ greatly in their strategies - and that is precisely why they need well thought-out, adaptable solutions
- Communication, trust and a deeper understanding of specialist processes turn technology into real progress
Download whitepaper: More data, more strategies, more insights
Do you want to know what trends are shaping your industry when it comes to software investments?
- where AI and data analysis bring the greatest benefits today?
- how to combine modularity and individualization efficiently?
Then download the full white paper now for free: "Digitalization & software investments 2025 - What matters for DACH companies"
