AI consulting, AI agency or IT service provider: Which is right for your project?
An AI consulting service clarifies where AI makes sense and how you should proceed; an AI agency implements concrete solutions; an IT service provider operates systems and infrastructure. If you do not yet know where to apply AI, start with consulting – unlike implementation, it is eligible for funding.
A AI consulting clarifies where artificial intelligence makes sense in your company and how to proceed. An AI agency implements concrete solutions, such as a chatbot or automation. An IT service provideroperates systems, networks and licenses. If you do not yet know where to apply AI, it is best to start with a consultation – unlike implementation, it is eligible for funding through BAFA and INQA.
The three partners compared
AI consulting | AI agency | IT service provider | |
|---|---|---|---|
Focus | Analysis, strategy, selection | Implementation of concrete AI solutions | Operation of IT, network, licenses |
Typical outcome | Prioritized use cases, roadmap, rules | Finished solution, e.g. chatbot or workflow | Ongoing systems, support |
Suitable if … | it is still unclear where AI can help | the goal and the solution are already defined | infrastructure and operations are the main focus |
Funding | BAFA up to 80%, INQA 80% | Implementation not funded | not funded |
When AI consulting is a good fit
Consulting is worthwhile when you know AI could help you, but not exactly where. It structures ideas, evaluates use cases by benefit and effort, clarifies data protection and rules, and defines an initial pilot. How to identify the right partner for this is shown in the article Find AI consultants.
When an AI agency is the right fit
An agency is the right choice when it is clear what needs to be built – for example, an AI chatbot for the website with clearly defined topics. Make sure that data protection, hosting, and ongoing maintenance are clarified, and that you are not permanently tied to a single tool.
When an IT service provider is the right fit
Your IT service provider remains important: they know your systems, user accounts, and networks. In AI projects, they should be involved early, because many solutions need to be connected to existing systems. As a rule, they do not replace an AI strategy.
Consulting and implementation from a single source?
Many providers combine consulting and implementation. This has advantages: the consultant can realistically assess the effort involved, and the handover to implementation is eliminated. It is important that the consulting remains open-ended. The results should be documented in such a way that you could also implement them with another partner. In subsidized consulting, this is mandatory anyway: in the end, there is a written report with recommendations.
Questions that help with the decision
- Do we already know which problem AI is supposed to solve?
- Is the solution already fixed, or do we first need an assessment?
- Who takes care of operations, maintenance, and training after the launch?
- Which data is involved, and where may it be processed?
- Do we want to use the funding for the consulting?
This is how bettersorted works
bettersorted advises and implements. In the AI consulting we work with you to determine where AI can help; the results belong to you. You can then implement them with us – for example through AI automation, an AI chatbot or an AI telephone assistant – or with another partner. Our solutions run on servers in Germany.
Funding
The consulting itself is eligible for funding. The BAFA consulting grant covers 80% of consulting costs in the new federal states as well as the Lüneburg and Trier regions (up to €2,800) and 50% in the rest of Germany (up to €1,750); it was extended in October 2026 until the end of 2028. For a longer, guided introduction with your team, there is INQA-Coaching with 80% of up to €1,200 per day for up to twelve days. The consulting is funded, not software or implementation. The funding check shows which program is suitable.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between AI consulting and an AI agency?
AI consulting analyzes, evaluates and plans; the AI agency implements concrete solutions. Many companies start with consulting and then commission the implementation.
Is implementation by an AI agency subsidized?
Usually not. BAFA consulting subsidies and INQA coaching support consulting and coaching, not software or programming.
Do I need AI consulting if I already know what I want?
Not necessarily. If the solution is already decided, a good implementation partner is often enough. A short consultation can still help clarify data protection and follow-up costs in advance.
Can my IT service provider take over the introduction of AI?
They are important for operations and integration. For evaluating use cases, rules, and supporting the team, AI experience is usually also needed.
Status: October 2026. Funding conditions may change; the applicable guidelines in force at the time are decisive.
Muhamed Alahmed
With over 10 years’ experience in IT, I develop solutions that not only work from a technical perspective, but also create real added value and open up new possibilities.
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