How Consulting Must Adapt in the Age of AI

Artificial intelligence is no longer just a trend topic, but reality in everyday consulting. Tools like ChatGPT, SAP Joule or Business AI Services are changing how we work, make decisions and manage projects. But what does this mean specifically for consulting firms and customer projects?

1. AI Takes Over Routines

Whether meeting minutes, reporting or initial analyses: many activities previously handled by junior consultants can now be efficiently automated. This is not a loss – on the contrary. It creates space for consultants to focus on what matters: strategy, transformation and genuine collaboration with clients.

2. New Areas of Competence Become Critical

AI tools alone are not enough. Consulting firms and clients need expertise in change management, contextual understanding and communication. Only those who combine technical possibilities with human factors can create sustainable value.

3. Complexity Remains – and Even Increases

Especially in SAP projects, much remains non-automatable: interfaces, legacy systems, complex processes and – most importantly – people. The greatest challenge lies not in the technology itself, but in how we integrate it into existing structures while bringing everyone along.

4. Training New Consultants Must Be Rethought

Here lies perhaps the greatest challenge of the coming years: Many tasks traditionally taken on by junior consultants – documentation, minutes, standard analyses – are increasingly being replaced by AI.

This means:

• Young colleagues no longer automatically learn "on the job" through these entry-level tasks.
• Consulting firms must develop new training methods so that junior staff still gain necessary experience.
• Without targeted support, there is a risk of a gap in the consultant pyramid: experienced senior profiles will be lacking in the medium term if juniors no longer grow practically in projects.

At the same time, this opens up opportunities: Training programs can be focused from the start on higher value creation, soft skills and interface competence. Those who actively shape this change will have a decisive advantage in recruiting.

What Does This Mean for Consulting Firms?

• Restructure teams: build AI competence, automate routine activities, develop consultants into interface managers between IT, AI and departments.
• Rethink training paths: specifically create practical fields for junior staff where they learn how consulting works beyond routine tasks.
• Develop clear processes for how AI is used responsibly (data protection, GDPR, liability).

And for Clients?

• Understand that consulting is changing: less busy work, more focus on strategy and implementation.
• Find partners who not only operate tools but guarantee project success – through experience, responsibility and context.
• Accept that the "consultant of tomorrow" is not the one who just builds slides, but the one who translates technology and drives change.

My Role in This

I support both consulting firms and clients in successfully shaping this transformation:

• Building AI-supported project processes
• Training teams in dealing with AI and new roles
• Developing change strategies that bring technology and people together
• Ensuring SAP projects remain successful despite automation

Conclusion

AI is changing consulting – but it is not replacing it.

Consultants remain indispensable when it comes to context, responsibility and trust. But: the way we train, how we set up projects and how we define consultant roles must change.

Those who actively shape the change will not only remain more relevant – but reinvent consulting.