How the Online Group supports companies in their AI transformation
Digital transformation is high on the agenda for many companies and AI transformation is increasingly becoming the focus of attention. On March 27, 2025, we at the Online Group held a webinar entitled “From idea to implementation: starting your transformation with AI” to provide a practical insight into how companies can successfully get started with the use of artificial intelligence (AI). Over 120 participants took the opportunity to learn valuable insights and tried-and-tested approaches.
Why tackle the AI transformation now?
The rapid development of artificial intelligence is fundamentally changing business processes. While companies were still thinking about the first steps of digitalization a few years ago, the focus today is on AI transformation. Balz Zürrer, CEO of the Online Group, emphasized the importance of a strategic approach in the webinar:
“The speed at which AI technologies are developing is breathtaking. The key is to translate this dynamic into sustainable and practical solutions.”
Balz Zürrer
CEO
With AI transformation, companies can not only increase their efficiency, but also rethink processes. While traditional digitalization projects are often lengthy and complex, the use of GenAI enables rapid success. However, without a clear strategy, even the best technology cannot achieve its full effect.
Practical and concrete: how the AI transformation succeeds
Fabienne Bouffé, AI Consultant at the Online Group, led the webinar through the practical steps to a successful AI transformation. The introduction begins with an assessment of the current situation: Where does the company currently stand in terms of digitalization and AI? Our AI Readiness Check, which provides companies with a clear overview of potentials and challenges, helps with this.
“Don’t wait for the perfect moment to start the change. Success comes from courageously moving forward – even if the path is not yet completely clear.”
Fabienne Bouffé
AI Consultant
The analysis is followed by the development of an implementable roadmap. The aim here is to identify the first AI applications and create the framework conditions. It is particularly valuable to rely on practical prototypes and proof of concepts (PoCs) at an early stage. This allows opportunities and risks to be identified before comprehensive implementations take place.
The success factor: practice-oriented implementation and change management
The AI transformation is more than just the introduction of new technologies – it is a change process that affects the entire organization. Ralf Angermann, Head of AI Solutions, explained in the webinar why change management is a key success factor:
“Even the best AI solutions are ineffective if employees are not involved.
Ralf Angermann
Head of AI Solutions
Our projects have shown that it is crucial to involve employees right from the start. This is achieved through practical training that promotes the safe use of AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot. In this way, we reduce fears and create trust in the new technologies.
Best practice: AI transformation at BERNINA
Ralf Angermann presented an impressive example of a successful AI transformation with the “BERNINA Mate” project. The AI agent supports BERNINA dealers worldwide in efficiently finding information on machines, spare parts and marketing materials. The challenge was to make a huge amount of data accessible in different languages and formats.
With the AI agent, retailers can not only start traditional search queries, but also retrieve relevant information directly by voice input. This multimodal approach saves time and significantly improves the user experience. The success of the project shows that AI not only requires technical innovation, but also the willingness to question and redesign existing processes.
Success factors of the AI transformation: our learnings
We have gained valuable insights from over 25 AI projects, which we shared in the webinar:
- Strategic clarity: Define concrete goals for your AI transformation right from the start.
- Iterative development: Use prototypes and PoCs to obtain feedback at an early stage.
- Involve employees: Change management is essential – train your team early on.
- Clean database: AI requires high-quality and structured data.
- Flexibility and agility: Technology is developing rapidly – stay open to adaptation.
In our projects, we have found that a clear focus on specific use cases has a significant impact on success. Instead of converting all processes at the same time, companies should take the first targeted steps and learn from them.
The next steps: How to start your AI transformation in the company
The webinar showed once again: AI transformation offers enormous potential if it is approached strategically. Start with a clear understanding of your current situation and identify the first concrete fields of application. Use our AI Readiness Check to assess your starting position and create a sound basis for the next steps.
At the Online Group, we support companies in every phase of the AI transformation: from strategy development, prototyping and proof of concept to successful implementation. Thanks to our experience and comprehensive expertise, we are the ideal partner to successfully shape your digital transformation with AI.
