In the exchange of experiences, the topic of AI in the company was discussed from safe application to strategic implementation.
How do I bring AI into the company? How do I enhance my own product with AI and initiate innovations? What is the best way to train my staff on the topic of AI? How do I get started with AI – in a structured and safe way?
Artificial intelligence is increasingly finding its way into everyday operations – even in medium-sized industrial companies. But how can you get started using AI without neglecting safety concerns? How can AI be strategically anchored step by step and real added value achieved? The web workshop “AI in the company – from secure application to strategic implementation” was aimed at specialists and managers from innovation management and human resources who are dealing with these questions – or are looking for a structured impulse for their first AI steps. Two presentations provided a practical insight into different perspectives on the topic: internal, strategic, secure.
Dr. Manuel Niever (Head of Strategy and Transformation, esentri AG) emphasized in his keynote speech “AI in mechanical engineering: from pilot project to real added value” that a solid AI strategy is needed to secure competitive advantages and develop innovative solutions. In some companies, every department is trying things out independently without central control. The big picture is missing. However, individual solutions for individual problems do not provide sustainable and company-wide added value. Essential prerequisites for the use of AI are: structured data infrastructure, binding guidelines for dealing with AI, sufficient skills in the team, acceptance of AI-based solutions. Niever outlined the benefits and added business value resulting from digital technologies and processes as follows: Increased efficiency and productivity through process automation, Improved customer experience through personalized and innovative services, Real-time monitoring and control of processes and systems for faster response times, Cost savings by reducing manual work and implementing more effective processes, Improved decision making through real-time analytics and data visualization.
Josephine Bonica (Managing Director MAKI42 GmbH, a subsidiary of GAL Digital GmbH) addressed the aspects of security and data protection in her presentation “Internal AI: How do I make AI secure with regard to my know-how?”. According to the 2024 Work Trend Index Annual Report by Microsoft and LinkedIn, 78% of employees of all age groups bring their own AI tools to work. An absurdity in terms of security and data protection, according to the speaker. Bonica used the example of Samsung, where employees had sent confidential data to ChatGPT to make their work easier, to explain the consequences of using AI solutions without due consideration. The Samsung data leak that occurred as a result of this behavior was reported in the press, radio and television, according to Bonica. The following points are therefore essential to ensure a high level of security and data protection: data protection impact assessment, local data protection contact, EU servers that guarantee data sovereignty, C5-certified servers, pseudonymization before AI use.
The participants were invited to actively participate – both in the chat and in the group work. The breakout sessions enabled in-depth discussions with the speakers. The online event offered participants valuable inspiration for their own business practice.
Organizer
The event was organized by VDMA Nord in cooperation with ProduktionNRW. ProduktionNRW is the cluster for mechanical engineering and production technology in North Rhine-Westphalia and is organized by VDMA NRW. ProduktionNRW sees itself as a platform for networking, informing and marketing companies, institutions and networks with each other and along the value chain. Significant parts of the services provided by ProduktionNRW are funded by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia.