AI Compass / Quick reads
Watch first, then automate
AI in a business does not start with a tool, but with an hour of watching.
In depth: AI process audit – splitting a workflow into software, AI and human
AI LABS describes “Forward Deployed Engineering”: a developer sits with the customer and watches the real work before building. For small businesses, this becomes an audit. Sit for an hour next to the person who does the workflow every day, classify every step: fixed rule → ordinary software, judgement or unclear text → AI, costly mistake → human, test with already solved cases and quantify the value in money. Torben Platzer gives tailor-made AI mini tools for small businesses the best grade in his ranking, a 2 on the German school scale (20 September). The market figures in the video (729% more job postings, 95% failed projects) are unchecked.
Tool and alternative
No tool needed, just time (about 4–8 hours for the first small audit, my estimate). That an audit can be sold is not proven. Clarify confidentiality by contract before observing.
Sources
- AI LABS, “This Is How Forward Deployed Engineering Is Actually Done”, 7 August 2026 (approx. 9:00, 9:20–10:16, approx. 10:48, 11:19, 14:02)
- Torben Platzer Podcast, “Mein Sidehustle-Ranking in Schulnoten”, 20 September 2026 (in German; 10:46–18:35)
Advertising in the source: AI LABS sponsored by Dex AI (approx. 7:55–8:39). Torben Platzer sponsored by Higgsfield.
Want to try this with your team? That’s what the AI Lab is for. See the AI Lab