AI takes the offensive at Heraeus
Artificial intelligence (AI) is fundamentally changing the world of work and Heraeus discovered the benefits for itself early on. The company has been using AI in production for some time. Since 2023, an internal AI assistance system based on a large language model has been successfully supporting the majority of employees in various areas. For Heraeus, AI is not just a technological tool, but a strategic instrument for driving innovation and ensuring sustainable success.
From precise data analysis to creative content creation, the targeted development of AI applications at Heraeus illustrates how effectively the company uses these technologies to optimize internal processes and offer customers real added value. The driving force behind this progress is the Digital Hub, Heraeus' digitalization unit.
A key milestone was the launch of the Heraeus AI Assistant in June 2023. As a central element of the digital transformation, it enables employees with office access to use state-of-the-art AI technologies without restriction and free of charge through a Large Language Model and the Dall-E imaging AI system. A Large Language Model (LLM) is an advanced AI system that analyzes and understands large amounts of text data to generate human-like text and solve complex tasks.
Christian Piazzi, Program Manager AI at the Heraeus Digital Hub, explains: "The introduction of a Large Language Model was the next logical step in our AI strategy. We want to provide our employees with the best tools to drive innovation and make their daily work more efficient."
One tool with many functions
A special AI application is the Heraeus AI Assistant. The Heraeus AI Assistant has redefined work at Heraeus in many areas and has become an indispensable tool. Its diverse functions offer a number of advantages:
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Efficient job advertisements
The AI Assistant uses templates and language recommendations to ensure that all job advertisements are brand-compliant, efficient and appealing. This not only speeds up the recruitment process, but also increases the professionalism of communication. -
Targeted development
The AI Assistant supports the creation of personalized development plans (Individual Development Plans (IDPs)) that are aligned with both the individual career goals of employees and the company's goals. Through direct integration into the internal e-learning platform, employees can access suitable courses and resources to drive their development forward. This promotes a proactive learning culture and sustainable talent development.
Work on new features is already in progress. "We already have concrete plans," reveals Christian Piazzi. "For example, we will make Heraeus-specific information and knowledge databases available via the AI Assistant." The goal is to improve knowledge management within the company and ensure that all employees are always up to date with the latest guidelines and processes.
Relieve, Inspire, Improve Quality
The success of the AI applications speaks for itself: around 500 employees use the tool every day, and the number of requests is constantly increasing. Elisa Kromer, Digital Customer Experience Manager, describes it this way: "Both the AI Assistant and Copilot help me to complete everyday tasks faster and are indispensable, especially when it comes to new topics. From simple emails to helping with complex analytics, they make my day-to-day work much easier. With Microsoft Copilot and the further development of the AI Assistant, Heraeus is pursuing a clear vision: technology that inspires - and people who use it to shape the future.
The security of the applications is a top priority: the AI Assistant is only accessible via the intranet to provide the best possible data protection. Heraeus also offers training on the opportunities and risks of AI, such as ethical issues and the correct formulation of prompts.
The Drivers of the Digital Transformation
For Heraeus, one thing is clear: AI is a crucial building block for the future. "Our employees not only learn how to use AI tools efficiently, they also become innovation drivers themselves," emphasizes Christian Piazzi. In the long run, Heraeus' customers should also benefit from the competitive advantage gained through targeted training and innovative technologies - through more efficient processes, faster delivery times, and creative solutions.
