Enterprise vs. SMB
When Headcount Is Off the Table SMBs Turn to Embedded AI Engineering
Embedded engineers build AI systems that integrate with existing workflows, not just add tools.
Sigrid Halvorsen
· 9 min read
Embedded engineers build AI systems that integrate with existing workflows, not just add tools.
Mapping workflows first reveals which tasks AI can handle and which still need human judgment.
Faster deployment cuts the hidden cost of manual work that continues during implementation.
Small businesses skip enterprise approval layers and deploy AI in weeks, not quarters.
Disconnected tools create hidden costs that outpace productivity gains.
Measure workflow changes like time saved and quality gains instead of just counting tool usage.
Falling utilization and poor project data are destroying margins faster than firms can fix them.
Unclear contracts and manual invoice matching drain margins faster than small teams can absorb.