A Successful Transition to AI in Practice: New Approaches at Germerott Innenausbau

October 28, 2026– Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the world of work. But how can a company get started with AI when resources are limited? Germerott Innenausbau GmbH has systematically built up AI expertise within the company in collaboration with KI.WI—the AI network of the Hanover economic region.

Sieben Frauen stehen nebeneinander und lächeln in die Kamera — Second-level management at Germerott Innenausbau GmbH & Co. KG

Curious About AI—But Where Do You Start?

Artificial intelligence has long been on everyone’s lips. But small and medium-sized businesses, in particular, often face the same question: How can we use AI effectively in our company?

Germerott Innenausbau GmbH faced exactly this challenge. The family-run company from Gehrden, with about 60 employees and more than 135 employees from partner companies, carries out interior construction projects in both the residential and commercial sectors—from drywall installation in attics to the implementation of new office concepts. From the smallest residential job to public and commercial projects. When competing with large companies, efficient processes and quick decisions are crucial factors for success.

Managing Director Wolfgang Germerott therefore began exploring the possibilities of artificial intelligence early on. It quickly became clear that many solutions marketed as AI merely automate existing processes. However, the company wanted more—AI was supposed to create real added value and support employees in their day-to-day work.

Several years ago, a digital wiki was set up as a knowledge management system. The idea was good, but usage fell short of expectations. There was a lack of guidance, personnel and time resources, and a clear strategy for the use of AI.

“We were faced with the question: How can we really make meaningful use of AI? Many people talk about it—but how can we successfully integrate it into our day-to-day business operations? ”

Wolfgang Germerott, Managing Director of Germerott Innenausbau GmbH

The Right Impulse at the Right Time

Wolfgang Germerott learned about KI.WI, the AI network of the Hannover economic region, through an invitation from the Hannover Region Economic Development Agency. The kickoff event and the subsequent AI Canvas workshop provided exactly the guidance he had been looking for.

“I had practically no idea about it before,” Germerott says, looking back on his first encounters with the topic. He was particularly impressed that the workshops didn’t stop at theoretical knowledge but instead outlined concrete ways for companies to develop and successfully implement their own AI projects. It quickly became clear that a successful implementation requires more than just technical solutions. Above all, it requires people who support the changes and act as change agents within the company.

Building AI Competence Step by Step

Zwei Männer zeigen auf ein Papier, was auf dem Tisch vor ihnen liegt.

Germerott’s journey truly began with KI.WI’s digital AI competency development program. The learning platform covers both the fundamentals and more advanced topics, and guides companies in identifying their own areas of application.

About ten employees at the company are now using the program. Among them are dual-track students with prior AI knowledge who have nonetheless gained new insights—for example, on topics such as data management in production or building their own language model. Wolfgang Germerott and his employees were particularly impressed by the hands-on approach of the learning platform.

“KI .WI guides users step by step. The program is structured in an easy-to-understand way and offers real added value for both beginners and advanced users. For me, the economic development agency is by far the best point of contact when it comes to AI expertise.”

Wolfgang Germerott, Managing Director of Germerott Innenausbau GmbH

In addition to the learning platform, the company also utilizes the personalized initial consultation provided by KI.WI with Dr. Jöran Wrana from the Hannover Region Economic Development Agency. Together, they evaluated initial application possibilities and defined concrete development steps.

From Knowledge to Application

The skills acquired are now being directly incorporated into the company’s development. The goal is to make internal processes simpler, more transparent, and more stable. The existing knowledge management system is being continuously refined and supplemented with AI applications. The company sees further areas of application in recruiting and the digitization of internal processes, among others.

For Managing Director Wolfgang Germerott, it is clear that the move into AI is not a one-time project, but rather a continuous development process. Small and medium-sized enterprises, in particular, have a decisive advantage here. Decisions can be made quickly, and new ideas can be tested immediately.

Aufenthaltsbereich mit Stühlen, Tischen und großer Holzverkleidung in modernem Stil

AI as an Investment in the Future

The experience of Germerott Innenausbau GmbH shows that the successful use of artificial intelligence does not begin with the selection of software. What is crucial is building knowledge, guidance, and trust within the company.

This is exactly where KI.WI—the AI network of the Hannover economic region—comes in. Through workshops, personalized consulting, and the digital AI skills development program, companies receive practical support to identify AI potential and successfully implement their own solutions.

» Many companies know they need to address AI. The key is to structure the initial steps in a way that gets employees on board and leads to concrete applications. That’s exactly where KI.WI provides support. «

Dr. Jöran Wrana, Project Manager for KI.WI and Consultant at the Economic Development Agency of the Hannover Region

Targeted Development of AI Skills

Artificial intelligence offers companies a wide range of opportunities—provided the necessary skills are in place. With KI.WI, the AI network of the Hanover economic region, the economic development agency supports companies in getting started with AI. The free AI skills development program provides practical knowledge for executives and employees and helps them develop concrete AI applications for their own businesses. In addition, workshops and individual consulting services are available to guide companies from the initial idea through to successful implementation.