Everyone is talking about AI. And digitalization, of course. But what does that actually mean for an SME that simply wants to do a good job without getting caught up in overhyped promises? Patrick Büchler, CEO of soxes, speaks candidly about what really matters today, where AI fits in, and why a solid foundation is still more valuable than any technological trend.
AI is not a miracle cure. It is a powerful tool.
What IT trends are driving the success of small and medium-sized businesses?
End-to-end process digitization remains crucial. This means avoiding media discontinuities, integrating workflows, and creating real added value through additional digital services. Artificial intelligence plays a role where it is used effectively— namely , where companies have access to the right data and can thereby achieve tangible efficiency gains.
What IT topics and innovations are the focus at soxes?
We want to talk less and get more done. That’s why we’re investing internally in our development platform so we can deliver projects more reliably and efficiently. We also use AI wherever it helps us and our customers with automation, code quality, and smart processes. This results in digital services that deliver real value in day-to-day operations.
Digitalization, transformation, automation: What has changed in recent years, and where do SMEs stand today?
The past few years have brought two clear trends: On the one hand, AI has come sharply into focus. On the other hand, the pressure to digitize continues to grow. The expected economic boom following the pandemic failed to materialize; many SMEs are struggling with outdated systems and must now take action. At the same time, AI offers new opportunities when it is viewed as a support rather than a replacement. Successful applications emerge where processes are clearly defined, data is robust, and goals are realistic. Those who believe they can replace people, however, usually fail due to the complexity involved. AI is a tool, not a magic bullet. The key remains to integrate it meaningfully into well-documented, structured workflows, thereby creating genuine relief and added value.
Software will soon be free thanks to AI!
This is a common misconception we’ve been hearing more and more often lately. Yes, AI can write code. But how reliable are these solutions in the end?
Our CEO Patrick breaks down this topic and explains why and how we deliberately incorporate artificial intelligence into our projects so that the customer ultimately gains in efficiency!
What should SMEs avoid doing if they want to succeed in the digital realm?
The biggest risk today is investing in AI projects without knowing what they can and cannot do. Many providers promise to quickly solve problems using AI prototypes. But often the fundamentals are missing, and projects become costly before they deliver any value. This often ends in failure. My advice: First, modernize the foundation, ensure data quality, and refine strategies. Then talk about AI. Whether it’s machine learning or LLM only matters after that. Not all AI is created equal: What matters is the right application, backed by data, understanding, and clear goals. Only then can sustainable, valuable solutions emerge instead of short-term experiments.
In our opinion, which single trend or development is most overrated and which is underrated?
Ironically, my answer to both questions is AI. It is massively overrated when people believe it can solve every problem. Yet it is underrated when used in a targeted way. We need to move away from “all-knowing bots” like ChatGPT and Sora, and toward practical, data-driven applications that lighten the load on people and help them make better decisions.
My conclusion
Modernizing existing systems remains a key priority, especially for SMEs with legacy applications. Companies seeking digital success should consider value-added services, integrated platforms, and stronger links between physical production and digital solutions. This has nothing to do with short-term trends, but rather with sustainable competitiveness. In Switzerland in particular, it is crucial to keep processes modern and innovative in order to secure one’s technological leadership position in the long term.
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Artificial intelligence: When should your company use AI?
The field of Artificial Intelligence (AI for short) deals with the automation of intelligent behaviour and machine learning. AI is used today in many different forms and "strengths" and is becoming more precise and widely applicable thanks to intensive research. Why does soxes use Artificial Intelligence? By using artificial intelligence in software or, for example, IoT systems, complex problems can be simplified or even completely automated. Repetitive or lengthy tasks can be taken over by AI, for example to free up resources for more effective activities. In addition, AI programmes can be used to support information-intensive decisions. Where has soxes used Artificial Intelligence? With the application Assessment Gate, soxes has implemented an AI-based personnel selection tool for precise suitability predictions with individual candidate assessments. The tool was "trained" with corresponding data about positions in companies and their requirements so that it can make recommendations about the suitability of potential candidates. Thus, Assessment Gate can be used as a support in the recruitment process of new employees.
How does Artificial Intelligence work?
Artificial intelligence and related fields such as machine learning, image recognition or robotics form one of the most important innovation trends in IT today. They have been finding their way into software solutions for a long time, but are now also increasingly being used in smaller projects, start-ups and SMEs. AI has entered the mainstream and opens up many new application possibilities and thus business areas. For many decision-makers, it is clear that AI can now be used as an economic option, but how does AI work in the first place and what are the prerequisites for meaningful use?
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