FAQ | IDC AI Unit

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The questions that almost always come up in the initial consultation — answered briefly and honestly here, sorted by topic. If yours isn't among them, simply ask us directly.

Getting started & audit

What is an AI Audit?

A guided analysis of your current workflows: we look at where a lot of time in your business goes into recurring work, where AI pays off and what to watch out for in terms of data protection. The result is not a slide deck but a prioritised roadmap — an honest stock-take as a starting point.

What does getting started cost?

That depends on the scope — on the size of the business and on how many areas we look at. That's why we don't quote a flat fee out of thin air. The initial consultation is non-binding, and we define the framework together and transparently before anything is commissioned.

What does management do during the audit?

It is involved from the start. An AI Audit always takes place with management — only then are the results supported and actually implemented. Management sets goals and priorities; the workflows are mapped together with the team.

What happens after the audit?

The roadmap turns into implementation: first an AI agent for a specific workflow, later Helix as a personal assistant for individual people and — as a further stage — an AI operating system for the whole company. Each stage stands on its own; none has to be booked right away.

Technology & systems

How quickly will we see first results?

The first AI agent is deliberately applied to a workflow that brings noticeable relief quickly. How long that takes depends on the workflow and your systems — realistically we are talking weeks, not months, and you first see it working in the background before it runs on its own.

Which systems does this work with?

With the ones you already use: Microsoft 365, Outlook, Teams, your telephony as well as your website and CRM are typical integration points. We clarify specifically what is possible in your case — instead of making sweeping promises.

What is an AI agent — as opposed to ChatGPT?

A chat tool answers questions when you open it. An AI agent takes over a real workflow from start to finish — connected to your systems, following your rules, even at night. It doesn't wait for a question; it gets a task done.

Do we need our own IT department?

No. Having your own IT is not a prerequisite — we come from an IT company ourselves and meet everyone involved where they are. If you have an IT department, we work closely with it and give it a clear foundation.

Data protection & security

How secure is our data?

For us, data protection is the starting point, not a footnote. We rely on EU hosting on our own infrastructure, your data stays in the company, and no third-party trackers run on the website. We work in line with the GDPR and actively raise the topic of a works council agreement.

Will AI replace our employees?

No. Our approach is relief, not replacement. AI agents take over the same recurring routine so that your people have time for the work that requires experience, judgement and a human touch. Where that is different, we say so openly.

Collaboration & costs

Does this also work for a small business?

Yes. Smaller businesses in particular feel the relief quickly, because a few people often hold many threads together. We start small — one workflow, one agent — and build from there at your pace.

Why IDC?

Because with us, IT experience meets hands-on AI practice: we have been looking after real IT environments for years and use the same AI agents we recommend ourselves every day. An Austrian partner, GDPR-first, who honestly tells you what works — and what doesn't.

Your question isn't listed? No problem — write to us or give us a call. We'll answer it honestly and without sales pressure, even if the answer is “AI isn't the right approach for this (yet)”.