More and more SMEs in Liechtenstein and Switzerland are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to improve their processes. But the reality shows: Many digitization projects are not (yet) delivering the expected success.

The reasons are often these:

• Existing processes are not optimizedAI doesn't automatically make bad processes better - it just speeds them up.
• There is no clear strategy: Companies are introducing AI without knowing exactly where it will bring the greatest added value (return on investment).
• Employees are not involved: Without acceptance within the team, AI remains an isolated tool that does not help the entire organization.

The result: High investments, but little sustainable benefit.

Lean & AI: The key to sustainable digitalization

Companies that first optimize their processes with Optimize lean principles and then make targeted use of AI, achieve measurable improvements:

✔ More efficient processes - Less manual work, clear workflows.
✔ Higher quality - Automation in the right places reduces errors.
✔ Better acceptance - AI is perceived as support, not a threat.

Our experience with SMEs in Liechtenstein shows: Combining lean and AI sustainably increases efficiency and competitiveness.

Implementing lean & AI step by step

With these seven steps, SMEs can ensure that AI really creates added value:

1️⃣ Carry out value stream mapping.
- Identify where time is lost and bottlenecks occur.
- Analyze processes before AI is used.

2️⃣ Optimize critical processes first.
- Do not simply automate, but eliminate unnecessary steps.
- Example: Automate quotes & offers - but first bundle the existing data and optimize the dialog with the employee.

3️⃣ Use AI specifically for real bottlenecks.
- Use AI where it reduces manual work or errors.
- Example: Automatically create meeting minutes and control the next steps in project management.

4️⃣ Improve interfaces to the customer.
- Professionalize customer communication with the help of AI.
- Analyze data from customer interactions for marketing & strategy.

5️⃣ Actively involve employees in the change.
- offer training courses and workshops on AI applications.
- Reduce anxiety by working with employees to make things easier.

6️⃣ Measuring success and further improving processes.
- Use data to see where AI has the greatest impact.
- Continuously optimize existing processes.

7️⃣ Scaling and developing a long-term AI strategy.
- Extend AI solutions to other processes.
- Ensure sustainable integration into the corporate strategy.

Experience AI & Lean in practice

AI is not only changing processes, but also the way we work, make decisions and lead. But success depends on it, how well AI is integrated into existing processes.

We therefore invite SMEs to analyze their processes with us and use AI in a targeted manner.

What's the point?
✔ Individual process analysis - Identify where Lean & AI have the greatest leverage.
✔ Best practices from other SMEs - Learning from real success stories.
✔ Practical implementation - Try out the first optimization steps directly.

Interested? Get in touch for a non-binding exchange - we look forward to the dialog!

👉 Here is a recent study on the optimal interaction between lean and AI.