AI-Inbounding: How AI assistants are triggering the structural change in external services towards hybrid solutions

by Teymur Schafi-Neya und Hauke Wolfram

In a world where companies are increasingly relying on external consultants, be it for IT, transfer pricing, marketing, strategy, compliance, etc., a crucial question arises:

How much of these services could be taken in-house through the targeted use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)?

The term AI inbounding describes precisely this approach – and offers companies the opportunity to save costs, build up internal expertise, become less dependent on consultants, pick up speed and future-proof their processes.

What does AI inbounding mean?

AI inbounding refers to the systematic integration of AI-supported solutions to replace or supplement external consulting services.

At the same time, it aims to automate internal processes and make them smarter through the use of AI assistants.

From contract management and documentation to internal communication, for example, AI assistants can identify optimization potential, develop solutions and also take on repetitive tasks, freeing up valuable capacity for strategic activities.

Priority should be given to administrative-intensive processes that focus on efficiency, quality and speed. Freed-up capacities can, for example, improve personal customer interaction and thus create a competitive advantage.

The aim is to make companies more independent, efficient and innovative – both in dealing with external and internal challenges.

The double opportunity: redefining external services and transforming internal processes?

Here are some exciting application areas that companies can revolutionize through AI inbounding and internal AI repurposing:

• • Finances: Automated reports, budget planning and cash flow management – efficient and cost-saving.
  • Supply chain: Making supply chains smarter with AI-supported forecasts and risk management. fast deliveries, optimized capital commitment
  • Marketing: Data-driven campaigns that address target groups with pinpoint accuracy.
  • Product development: Drive innovation faster through AI-supported design and simulations – shorter product development cycles, cost reduction
  • Legal and compliance: Check and secure contracts and risks at lightning speed. – Legally compliant and up-to-date
  • HR: AI finds talent, retains employees and personalizes training programs
  • Sustainability: Optimize carbon footprints, make better use of resources and comply with ESG standards.
  • Transfer pricing documentation: Automated creation and review – OECD-compliant and faster than external experts.
  • IT & software implementations: Support with software implementations (configuration), process optimization and system integration – AI-based tools make it possible.
  • …

Advantages of AI inbounding

• • Cost efficiency: Reduction of dependence on expensive external consultants.
  • Independence: development of internal expertise and skills.
  • Innovative strength: unlocking potential through AI-supported processes.
  • Scalability: Rapid adaptation to changing market conditions.
  • Speed: Faster results, shorter searches
  • Quality: Results based on a broader database (quality through 3Q-Approach)

The challenges of AI inbounding

Of course, the introduction of AI-supported solutions also brings challenges. These include investing in technology, training employees and managing cultural change within the company.

However, those who take the plunge can not only save money in the long term, but also significantly increase their company’s competitivenessFazit: AI-Inbounding als strategischer Vorteil

AI inbounding is more than a concept – it is a strategic decision for the future.

Companies that start analyzing external consulting services and supplementing them with AI today are laying the foundation for sustainable success.

The use of AI should not only be seen as a cost factor, but above all as an opportunity to drive innovation and develop internal strengths. AI inbounding has the potential to save costs in the short term when using external consultants.

Now is the right time to ask ourselves: How can AI assistants not only reduce external dependencies, but also revolutionize our internal structures?