Knowledge base
AI and automation, clearly explained.
Plain-language explanations of AI, integrations, custom software and privacy. For owners of small and medium-sized businesses, written by Bart van Engelenhoven.
Articles
Explanations for business owners.
What something is, what the costs depend on and when it makes sense. The question is in the heading, the answer in the first sentence.
Article · 10 min read
What is an API integration?
What is an API integration and how does it work? A plain-language explanation: standard or custom, what happens when it fails and when retyping is fine.
Read moreArticle · 11 min read
What does an API integration cost?
What does an API integration cost? See what makes the price higher or lower, which costs recur monthly, how to compare quotes and what to arrange first.
Read moreArticle · 10 min read
Reading invoices automatically: package or custom?
Many accounting packages already read invoices automatically. What does yours do, where does it stall and when is custom software worthwhile?
Read moreArticle · 11 min read
What does custom software cost, and when does it make sense?
What does custom software cost? See what sets the price, which costs are one-off and which monthly, how to compare quotes and who owns the code.
Read moreArticle · 11 min read
How do you create quotes with AI?
Creating quotes with AI: what AI does well, what a person still does, and how enquiry, quote, planning and invoice fit together.
Read moreArticle · 10 min read
What does an AI consultant do?
What does an AI consultant do, what do you get and how do they differ from an implementation partner? With questions for the first meeting.
Read moreArticle · 11 min read
When does an AI agent make sense for your business?
What is an AI agent, how does it differ from a chatbot or AI assistant, and which tasks suit it? With the rules, the risks and how to start small.
Read moreArticle · 10 min read
What is an AI assistant on your own documents?
Ask your own manuals and procedures questions: how an AI assistant on your documents works, what your office suite already does and what to watch.
Read moreArticle · 10 min read
Is ChatGPT safe for businesses?
Is ChatGPT safe for your business? The difference between a free and a business account, the data processing agreement and which data to keep out.
Read moreArticle · 10 min read
ChatGPT, Copilot or Claude: which AI suits your business?
ChatGPT, Copilot or Claude for your business? An honest comparison of business plans, how you pay, administration and data.
Read moreArticle · 9 min read
Is AI literacy mandatory? What you need to arrange
AI literacy is mandatory for businesses that use AI. What Article 4 of the EU AI Act has required since July 2026, and how to arrange it.
Read moreArticle · 9 min read
AI policy example: what does a one-page AI policy look like?
A one-page AI policy you can adopt: which tools are allowed, which data stays out and who checks. With an example of an AI register.
Read moreArticle · 8 min read
What is a digital job sheet and how does it work with AI?
What is a digital job sheet, what goes on it and how does AI create one from a voice message? An explanation for contractors, builders and installers.
Read moreArticle · 8 min read
How do you automate customer service with AI?
Automating customer service with AI: which questions work, chatbot or draft reply, what the EU AI Act requires and what stays human work.
Read moreArticle · 7 min read
How do you process webshop orders automatically?
Process webshop orders automatically: choosing between parcel service and own transport, planning routes and integrating. With an example from Ede.
Read moreArticle · 13 min read
How do you automate planning with AI?
Automating planning and rosters with AI: what software can already do, which rules it needs and why the planner decides. With steps to start small.
Read moreArticle · 15 min read
How do you automate trip planning, and how does AI help?
Automating trip planning: orders land in the right trip automatically, AI makes a proposal and a planner decides. With rules, driving times and examples.
Read moreArticle · 15 min read
How do you process email automatically with AI?
Process email automatically with AI: recognise mail, put data into your systems and prepare drafts. What works, what doesn't and what to watch out for?
Read moreArticle · 14 min read
What can AI do in work preparation for construction and installation?
AI in work preparation for construction and installation: what it can do now with specifications, purchasing and files, what not, and how to start small.
Read moreArticle · 16 min read
Are there grants for AI and automation in SMEs?
Grants for automation or AI in SMEs? What SLIM, MIT, WBSO and other schemes do and don't pay for, and why you shouldn't count on them.
Read moreArticle · 15 min read
What does AI cost an SME?
What does AI cost your business? Read about the types of cost, what sets the price, how to compare quotes and which costs are easy to forget.
Read moreArticle · 15 min read
How do you map your processes before you automate?
Mapping processes before you automate: which process to choose, what to note per step and how to see what software, AI or a person does.
Read moreTerms
From API to GDPR.
Short explanations of words you come across with AI, integrations and software. By topic, A to Z.
AI
From language model to AI agent, and the rules around them.
Integrations & automation
How systems exchange data and how you automate recurring work.
Custom software
Words you come across when you have software built.
Data, privacy & security
What you arrange for your data: privacy, access and backups.
Would you like help with one of these topics? Read more about AI consultancy, automation, custom software and AI training.
Sound familiar?
Situations you may recognise.
Work that takes time every week, in plain words. For each situation you read what can be done about it. All situations
Sound familiar?
You retype the same data in different systems
Do you retype the same client, order or invoice in two systems? Let the data flow through, and find out whether an integration makes sense.
How to tackle itSound familiar?
Making quotes takes too much time
Rebuilding every quote from emails and price lists? How automating quotes works: a draft is ready, you check it and send it.
How to tackle itSound familiar?
Your team uses ChatGPT without agreements
Your team uses ChatGPT or other AI tools, but nobody knows what is allowed. Make short agreements and teach your team to work safely with AI.
How to tackle itSound familiar?
Your Excel lists have got out of hand
Does your team work in Excel lists nobody can keep track of any more? From a better layout to replacing Excel with software: choose the right step.
How to tackle itSound familiar?
Customer questions are left unanswered
Questions come in by email, form and phone, and some get lost. How to put every question in the right place, with a draft reply attached.
How to tackle itSound familiar?
You don't know where to start with AI
Everyone talks about AI, but what's in it for you? Start with your own work, not the tool. How to choose a small first step that suits your business.
How to tackle itSound familiar?
You enter invoices and packing slips by hand
Does someone retype packing slips and invoices every day? Have documents read automatically. Exceptions go to an employee. Using what your package can do.
How to tackle itSound familiar?
The schedule lives in one person's head
Does only your planner know how the schedule fits together? Write down the rules, let the system make a proposal and let the planner decide.
How to tackle itSound familiar?
Everyone asks the same colleague
Does everyone ask the same colleague? Secure knowledge: record recurring questions, keep documents up to date and let AI search, with the source.
How to tackle itFree: where are you losing time? Five questions, then I will send you three ideas. Take the time check
Next step
Curious what could work for you?
- The first conversation is free and without obligation
- By phone or at your premises
- You speak directly with me
Bart van Engelenhoven You tell me what takes up your time, I tell you honestly whether I can help.