We are not classic consultants. We are practitioners with 20 years of manufacturing experience, helping SMEs deploy software solutions that deliver immediate value.
Managing Director|AI Restructuring Expert|ISO/IEC 42001 Senior Lead Auditor
Operational turnaround architect, specialised in implementing software solutions that deliver immediate value. Digital remediation with surgical precision for the mid-market.
FERNAU Consulting guides you through strategy, implementation and operation of your AI and digitalization projects. For independent, formal audits to ISO/IEC 42001 and ISO/IEC 27001, and for structured EU AI Act readiness, we deliberately operate a separate brand: DER-KI-AUDITOR. Consulting and audit stay cleanly separated, as professional audit practice requires.
Both brands are led by Lars Zimmermann: PECB Senior Lead Auditor ISO/IEC 42001 and Lead Auditor ISO/IEC 27001, with 20 years of industry and leadership experience in mid-sized manufacturing. Plain talk from practice — no consultant blabla.
Under the DER-KI-AUDITOR brand we deliver internationally recognized PECB training programs (Authorized Training Partner) for ISO 42001, ISO 27001 and the EU AI Act.
We come from industry, not from consulting. That makes the difference.
From idea to productive solution. Hands-on, no consultant fluff.
We are not classic consultants. We are practitioners helping SMEs deploy software solutions that deliver immediate value.
Tailored software solutions that create immediate value.
No buzzword bingo. We optimise where it really matters. Honest. Direct. With surgical precision.
Deep know-how from certification, industrial practice and 20+ years of experience — combined for your AI success.
We show you how artificial intelligence, generative AI and AI agents can transform your company. Whether ChatGPT integration, intelligent assistants or custom AI solutions — not as a hype, but as a real tool for growth, efficiency and digital transformation in the mid-market.
A systematic analysis of your business processes: where do AI agents, predictive maintenance or data analysis create the biggest leverage? We find the use cases with the highest ROI for your manufacturing company.
Not every AI use case is worth it. We evaluate feasibility, value and risk of automation, predictive quality and ERP integration and prioritise with a clear roadmap.
From ambition to execution: we develop your individual AI strategy with clear milestones and realistic goals — including funding advice for AI projects in the mid-market.
From idea to productive solution: AI pilot, AI agent integration, low-code automation or hybrid approach. Our AI Readiness Check shows where to start — we build, support and ship. Even without an in-house IT department.
From quoting to quality control: we automate recurring tasks with AI-powered workflows, RPA and intelligent document processing for SMEs.
Change only works with people. We guide your team through digitalisation, digital transformation and AI adoption — pragmatic and on eye level.
Lean manufacturing with AI support: predictive maintenance, shorter cycle times and data-driven optimisation of shopfloor processes. Industry 4.0 in practice.
We help you deploy AI responsibly and legally. Including risk classification under the EU AI Act, NIS2 readiness, DORA compliance and ISO 42001 preparation. GDPR-compliant AI solutions are standard with us — with transparent data processing agreements and fair contract terms.
Structured, transparent and results-focused.
We analyse your processes and identify optimisation potential.
Together we develop a tailored roadmap for your company.
Hands-on implementation. We support you through to productive use.
Measurable improvements in efficiency, quality and cost.
We combine deep understanding of industrial manufacturing with modern AI expertise to deliver solutions that actually work.
Let us find out in a non-binding conversation how we can optimise your processes with AI and industrial experience.
Request a consultation nowRegulatory safety for your digital transformation
Formal audits to ISO/IEC 42001 and ISO/IEC 27001 are delivered through our sister brand DER-KI-AUDITOR.
Answers to the most common questions about our consulting offer.
Tell us about your project — we get back to you within 24 hours.
Six focus pages with concrete examples, pricing and process — available in German and English.
Strategy, use-case scoring and delivery for manufacturing SMEs.
Maturity assessment and roadmap within a few weeks.
Risk classification, documentation and ISO/IEC 42001 preparation.
Sensors, data pipeline and models for maintenance operations.
Workflow automation, RPA and ERP-adjacent system integration.
Identify matching funding programmes in Germany and the EU.
Your privacy matters to us
We use cookies and similar technologies in accordance with § 25 TDDDG to provide the best possible experience on our website. Technically necessary cookies are set on the basis of our legitimate interest (Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR in conjunction with § 25 (2) TDDDG). For all other cookies we require your consent (Art. 6 (1) (a) GDPR in conjunction with § 25 (1) TDDDG). More information in our Privacy Policy and the Legal Notice.
