Relais & Châteaux currently has 580 establishments in 65 countries, which together have 385 Michelin stars. The network is represented by several establishments in Switzerland. The global network of independent top hotels and restaurants is now relying on Oppenheim & Partner for its PR work in Switzerland and Liechtenstein. The owner-managed agency is taking on the role of official press office and is to increase the visibility of the brand in the region.

The collaboration focuses on strategic communications consulting, media relations and the organization of press trips and events. The aim is to anchor the aspects of the brand - outstanding hospitality, culinary excellence and cultural roots - more firmly in the local market.

Tina Seiler, Partner at Oppenheim & Partner and responsible for the new mandate, comments: "We are delighted to be able to support such a traditional and internationally renowned brand as Relais & Châteaux. The addition to our portfolio in the hospitality sector is a significant milestone and underlines our passion for the hotel and restaurant industry."

Large public companies, banks and insurance companies in Switzerland have had to publish reports on non-financial matters since the 2023 financial year. Since 2024, companies have also had to disclose their climate impact as set out in the Climate Reporting Ordinance. What's more, at the end of June 2024, the Federal Council opened a consultation on further provisions on reporting obligations. As in the EU, even more companies are to report on the risks of their business activities in the areas of the environment, human rights and corruption and explain what measures they are taking in this regard.

Many companies are now faced with the question: Can the evaluation of such ESG obligations be integrated into existing EHS management systems? Or does this require additional efforts? The answers are not easy. It is therefore worth comparing the topics of "ESH" and "ESG".

EHS: locally and regionally oriented management system

Safe and environmentally friendly operating and production processes, resource conservation (e.g. cradle-to-grave optimization approaches or cradle-to-cradle cycles) and the avoidance of critical incidents and thus the avoidance of monetary and reputation-related costs are established in many companies. Such EHS management concepts are often institutionalized in the form of ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certification systems, in which compliance plays a central role in addition to the mission statement, environmental or safety policy, continuous improvement process (CIP), the use of measurable indicators and the derivation of key figures. For example, audits are carried out to check whether the site-specific operating processes are designed in such a way that, for example, the heating systems do not exceed the applicable limit values in accordance with the Ordinance on Air Pollution Control (OAPC) or whether waste water is treated in accordance with the Water Protection Ordinance (WPO). Other points include the legally compliant storage of chemicals and waste disposal. In the area of occupational health and safety, the aim is to protect employees, for example, from dangerous mechanical impacts as a result of suboptimal installation or improper handling. There are many other examples of EHS. What they all have in common is that most of the potential impacts or resource consumption are of an internal, local or regional nature. Aspects relating to international supply/value chains, the "upstream", as well as consumption and end-of-life-related issues, the "downstream", are not included here.

ESG: Thematically, geographically and stakeholder-related expanded

In contrast, ESG has a global, universally diverse claim: although "E" and "S" in the term ESG basically mean the same or similar concepts as in the case of EHS, they extend the frame of reference to the global level. Upstream processes that, as part of the supply chain, are associated with a disregard for environmental regulations or human rights are searched for with a sustainability telescope, identified and dissected as precisely as possible under the microscope, evaluated, the necessary conclusions drawn and measures taken. Downstream processes are also at least considered (e.g. with regard to modular product design and therefore better reparability). Finally, the "G" in the meaning of integral, exemplary and ethical corporate management extends the concept of sustainability to the ethical and philanthropic.

Investors and decision-makers are involved in the stakeholder-centered sustainability strategy and policy, as are manufacturers far "upstream" in the supply chain. Furthermore, price structures are established that allow living wages in low-wage countries, and agreements are made with local authorities in other countries or NGOs, e.g. to support the education system. "Downstream", consumer organizations are consulted in order to initiate or establish, for example, the recycling, upcycling or reuse of certain goods. The ESG claim to overall social responsibility contrasts with the self-serving ESG drivers that also exist to position a company as "sustainable" in order to increase its reputation, turnover and shareholder value.

Which decrees and obligations apply? Difficult to see through

Establishing legal compliance in terms of ESG within the framework of ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 therefore falls short. These standards do require the identification of applicable regulations, status quo analyses, the formulation of measures and their review in the sense of continuous improvement. The legal compliance evaluation remains a key criterion for successful certification, but is limited to the EHS criteria and takes too little account of the global aspects. In addition, while the obligations are being extended to even more companies - unless the EU "omnibus laws" pointing in the opposite direction come into force - the mountain of laws and regulations that must be taken into account (e.g. CSDDD, CSRD, CBAM) is also growing in parallel. This means that an orientation solution is needed to keep key regulations on the radar, monitor ongoing changes and define measures. The consulting firm IPSO ECO identified around 40 key Swiss and European decrees. From these, the most important company-relevant, specific articles were prepared as separate question masks and categorized into meaningful topics and sub-topics. Such a user-friendly electronic solution in the form of a checklist can serve as an evaluation tool. Today, it should be part of the basic equipment of good corporate management. n

Author

Niklaus Renner, a qualified environmental scientist (ETH), is Head of Compliance Management and SENS eRecycling Auditor at IPSO ECO AG. www.ipsoeco.ch, www.complyant.ch

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/managementsysteme-am-limit/

Mr. Mastrodomenico, what does quality mean to you in the context of the furniture industry?

Davide Mastrodomenico: Furniture should be aesthetically pleasing, functional and durable. It has to withstand everyday use for years - without losing any of its character or comfort.

On Swiss Quality Day, you will be talking about the implementation of a resource-saving vision. What is behind it?

Our vision is reflected in the area of remanufacturing: we extend the service life of furniture by refurbishing it - regardless of brand. This is unique. In our supreme discipline of "upcycling", we create customized solutions from existing recyclable materials. Together with architects and designers, we develop high-quality furniture without compromising on appearance or quality. The solutions must be economically viable for both customers and us - because sustainability can only be successful in the long term if it pays off.

Girsberger was awarded the German Sustainability Award 2023 for this commitment. How did this come about?

The idea arose from the desire to reduce our ecological footprint. Originally, we only offered repairs for our own products. Growing demand led us to expand our range of services independently of manufacturers. Getting there was challenging - both technically and in terms of communication. It took a lot of convincing, because the idea of refurbishing furniture instead of replacing it was anything but self-evident. Today, we feel that thinking is changing.

The motto of TSQ 2025 is "Taking off with vision". How do you interpret this theme in relation to your work at Girsberger?

For me, this means not acting in the short term, but developing long-term, sustainable solutions. The circular economy is central to this. Our aim is to reuse materials instead of disposing of them. This requires not only technical expertise, but also the courage to break new ground. Our manufactories with their high level of craftsmanship are a decisive factor in our success.

How do you convince customers to use remanufacturing instead of buying new?

We show that refurbished furniture can be just as high-quality and individual as new products. We create trust through workshops, transparent communication and ecologically and economically attractive offers. Much of the furniture we refurbish has a substance that is often superior to today's standards.

How do you ensure the quality of the refurbished furniture?

Through strict controls and specialists who know their trade. We only use high-quality materials and guarantee the same quality as new products - including a full guarantee.

Do you have an example of a successful project?

One highlight is the "ReCollection ZH" upcycling project for the Canton of Zurich. Together with the Department of Construction and the University of Zurich, we developed a collection of office furniture that had been put into storage. Instead of being disposed of, this was used to create soft seating furniture for common areas - resource-saving and cost-effective. The ReCollection ZH was included in the cantonal procurement catalog and sends a strong signal for sustainable building.

What trends do you expect to see in the furniture industry?

Remanufacturing and upcycling will continue to gain in importance - as will leasing and sharing concepts and, as a result, second-hand offers. Digital technologies will help to improve processes and promote the implementation of circular concepts.

What synergies do you see between the furniture sector and other industries?

The furniture industry benefits from synergies with architecture, materials science and technology. Sustainable overall concepts are created with architecture in particular - through the joint use of resources and know-how. Cooperation with network partners in specialist areas also creates helpful synergies.

Why should you not miss the TSQ 2025?

Because the event offers a platform for exchange, inspiration and concrete learning. Participants benefit from insights into other industries and implemented concepts. This in turn provides valuable inspiration for their own solutions.

Thank you, Davide Mastrodomenico, for the inspiring insights. Your commitment shows how quality and sustainability go hand in hand and how quality can be rethought.

 

About the person

Davide Mastrodomenico joined Girsberger in 2002 and discovered his passion for high-quality furniture. He successfully managed the Customized Furniture and Remanufacturing divisions, which he played a key role in shaping and expanding. Since mid-2023, he has been Managing Director of Girsberger AG with responsibility for the Swiss and French markets.

 

Swiss Quality Day 2025

The Swiss Quality Day was launched in 2008 by the SAQ Swiss Association for Quality. The aim of the event is to promote a cross-industry exchange on the topic of quality as one of the cornerstones of the Swiss economy. The annual congress is organized by the SAQ Swiss Association for Quality in cooperation with Shift Switzerland. The next Swiss Quality Day will take place on May 13 in Bern.

More information and registration

 

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/design-trifft-nachhaltigkeit-kreislaufwirtschaft-neu-gedacht/

The global agency group Dentsu has become the first global marketing and advertising holding company to sign the EU AI Pact - a voluntary initiative of the European Commission to promote the responsible and transparent use of artificial intelligence. With this step, the company is not only positioning itself in a forward-looking regulatory manner, but is also responding to increasing concerns on the part of advertising companies, as a recent survey by the World Federation of Advertisers shows: 80 percent of the brand companies surveyed expressed reservations about the use of generative AI by agencies.

The EU AI Pact is aimed at companies that want to voluntarily align themselves with the basic principles of the upcoming EU law on artificial intelligence (AI Act). The focus is on governance structures, the risk assessment of AI systems and the development of expertise within organizations.

As part of the pact, Dentsu is committed to introducing company-wide training, implementing high-risk mapping and expanding existing AI governance models, among other things.

Implementation is based on existing collaborations with technology partners such as Microsoft, Adobe, AWS, Google and Salesforce. Dentsu has already developed over 80 AI-based product solutions as part of prototyping initiatives and hackathons. The aim is to create business solutions that are both brand-effective and compliant with data protection and ethical standards.

Dentsu is also driving forward its own AI ecosystem with the support of start-ups such as Inworld, Fidder and VidMob. With projects such as GenStudio dentsu+ - a content workflow solution with Adobe - the Group is demonstrating how creative processes can be efficiently scaled using AI.

André Andrade, CEO of Dentsu EMEA, emphasizes: "Signing the EU AI Pact is a natural step for us. At Dentsu, we see AI as a tool to increase creativity and efficiency and achieve better results for our customers. Our commitment to the responsible use of AI not only keeps us one step ahead of regulatory requirements, but also fulfills our promise to deliver innovations that make a real impact."

Sandro Tschuor, a high-profile leader with extensive experience in branding, campaigns and sponsoring, is taking over at Sunrise. He succeeds Andreas C. Caluori and in his new position will focus in particular on increasing the impact of the advertising strategy, strengthening the "Sunrise Moments" loyalty program and intensifying partnerships, according to a press release.

The 45-year-old brings with him many years of experience on the agency side, most recently as Chief Client Officer at Ingo and Client Lead for Migros Fachmärkte in the WPP network. Parallel to his agency work, Tschuor also worked as an ice hockey expert for MySports and can look back on a career as a professional ice hockey player.

In addition to his professional career, Tschuor is also involved as President of the EMBA Alumni Organization of the University of Zurich.

"Successful communication is not an individual task, but a joint task that only works together," say Annette Pfizenmayer and Katharina Krämer, co-directors of the CAS Corporate Communications program, explaining Perikom's commitment. "Close cooperation between communications and HR is essential in order to create a strong corporate culture. Through our partnership with Perikom, we want to promote the exchange between science and practice and further advance this interdisciplinary dialog."

Among other things, Perikom organizes regular events for communication and HR experts, such as the annual Swiss HR/Internal Communication Conference. The association also develops further training courses and contributes to research in the field of internal communication. The next Swiss HR/Internal Communication Conference will take place on May 15, 2025 on the topic of sustainability.

Contracts are the legal basis of every company and comprise a large number of agreements, such as purchase, rental or license agreements. Despite their importance, many medium-sized companies in Switzerland still do not have a digital contract management system. According to Dr. Pascal Habegger, Managing Director of Fabasoft 4teamwork AG, the management of contracts is often spread across different departments, which leads to confusing responsibilities and risks such as missed deadlines or contractual penalties. An intelligent software solution for contract management offers a remedy here.

Use of artificial intelligence

Digitization makes it possible to store all contracts in a central location and make them accessible to authorized persons at any time. This saves time, reduces duplicates and ensures complete traceability thanks to functions such as contract versioning. In addition, companies can use artificial intelligence (AI) to quickly implement regulatory changes and minimize risks without having to manually review every contract. AI-based systems analyze contracts automatically and initiate necessary changes or approval processes.

Digital signature for mobile working

Another highlight of modern contract management software is the option of digital signatures. These are forgery-proof and legally binding, which makes it easier for employees to be mobile and ensures that contracts can also be signed when working from home or on the move. In addition, integrated deadline management offers automatic reminders of important dates and deadlines, which in turn helps to reduce business risks and make the most of opportunities.

Overall, it is clear that digital contract management not only enables efficiency gains, but also strengthens a company's legal and operational security. Companies that do without these solutions run the risk of overlooking important obligations and suffering considerable financial or legal disadvantages as a result.

Source and further information: Fabasoft 4teamwork AG

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/vertragsmanagement-als-achillesverse-in-unternehmen/

The 2025 edition of the Swiss Film Awards marks a special anniversary for the agency Mjm.cc: the team has been responsible for the conception, editing, branding and overall production of the award ceremony for Swiss filmmaking for a decade. This year's gala took place at the Bâtiment des Forces Motrices in Geneva and also marked the tenth Swiss Film Awards under the direction of Mjm.cc.

The show, hosted by the duo Licia Chery and Patrick "Karpi" Karpiczenko, was characterized by a well thought-out sequence and impressive staging. Probably the most spectacular moment was the appearance of stuntman Oliver Keller, who stepped onto the stage on fire. The tribute to director Barbet Schroeder and actress Bulle Ogier, who were awarded the honorary prize for their joint life's work, provided emotional depth.

In the background, an experienced team ensures that the event runs smoothly. Project manager Florence Noelpp explains: "Our goal is achieved when the audience experiences an unforgettable evening - and forgets how much planning, precision work and passion went into it."

The visual concept for the award ceremony was developed by Creative Director Christoph Marti together with YK Animations. Typographic animations met analog, moving color surfaces and formed a visual language that stages cinema as moving art. The background music was created by the Baldenweg siblings and reinterpreted electronically by Depeche Mode composer Kurt Uenala.

The agency, based in Münchenstein, is already planning the next edition. CEO Martin J. Matt formulates the claim as follows: "We see it as our task to always keep events like the Swiss Film Awards in tune with the times - relevant, inspiring and with a pinch of courage."

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Client: Federal Office of Culture, SRG SSR, Association Quartz Genève Zurich. Responsible agency: Mjm.cc, Producer: Martin J. Matt, Project Management: Florence Noelpp, Content: Dominique Rudin, Director: Dani Lanz, Creative Director: Christoph Marti, Audio Design: Diego with Nora and Lionel Baldenweg, Kurt Uenala, Visual Team: Andreas Quan and Eduard Meltzer, Media Relations: Emma Isolini, Diana Bolzonello Garnier, Social Media: Charlotte Voillequin, Mathias Noschis, design: Anna-Lea Krieg, lighting design: Roni Huber, team: Jeanette Steiner, Loris Vernarelli, Fabian Zaehner.

Interested in finding out who took home this year's Swiss Film Awards? Read more in the article on Markt-kom.com.

In large organizations ranging from financial service providers to manufacturing companies, data centre specialists are responsible for maintaining critical infrastructures. They can lead to significant losses in the event of a failure, as two examples show. If a stock exchange experiences latency problems during peak trading hours, this can have an impact on potential transactions worth billions. And a failed logistics system can interrupt the supply chain and trading for several days.

Avoiding such scenarios - whether by preventing outages or quickly rectifying faults - is one of the central tasks of those responsible for network infrastructures. They are also confronted with an evolving IT landscape in which traditional network expertise must merge seamlessly with the latest AI and cloud technologies.

Everyday life of data center teams

A typical day for a data center specialist starts with proactive system health checks, which used to take hours to perform manually but are now more efficient thanks to the use of AI-powered diagnostic tools. Over the course of the day, these specialists then take on various tasks within a framework that covers the data center lifecycle, so to speak. These include

• Day 0 planning: The network experts design network topologies, define test procedures and create designs for a scalable infrastructure. An important tool here is the use of digital twins - virtual replicas of the production network that enable comprehensive simulation and optimization. By using digital twins, architects can explore what-if scenarios and test changes, capacity expansions or the integration of AI workloads without jeopardizing the stability of the live environment. This approach ensures that the architecture is not only robust, but also adaptable to support the innovations of tomorrow.
• Day 1 implementation: During the deployment phase, for example, switches are connected, configurations are implemented and tests are carried out. Every connection is checked, every configuration is validated and every system is tested and balanced under load to ensure flawless operation.
• Day-2+-Operations: In data centre management, the teams ensure high performance through continuous monitoring, rapid response to anomalies and proactive optimization. They use automation for routine tasks and focus their expertise on strategic improvements and innovative solutions for new challenges and business requirements.

Where AI is used for support

However, as the boundaries of what is technologically feasible are increasingly being expanded, the role of data center experts is also changing. AI-supported tools in particular are providing significant relief. They offer, among other things:

• Diagnosis and troubleshooting in real time: AI systems can continuously analyze network traffic patterns, application performance metrics and infrastructure health indicators. They can detect potential problems within milliseconds, even before they affect the user experience.
• Predictive analytics: Advanced algorithms process historical data and current trends to predict potential system and capacity bottlenecks or hardware failures. This enables teams to carry out preventive maintenance and capacity planning with a high degree of accuracy.
• Proactive problem solving: When potential problems are detected, AI systems can automatically initiate remedial actions or provide the team with detailed recommendations on how to fix them. This can include rerouting traffic, adjusting resource allocation or initiating failover procedures.

"AI tools will not replace expertise in data center teams, but they will empower them to perform at an even higher level. The experts will ensure that AI is implemented effectively, interpret their findings and step in when human intuition is required to solve complex challenges," explains Manfred Felsenberg, Senior Director Data Center Global at Juniper Networks.

Source: Juniper Networks

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/ein-tag-im-leben-eines-datacenter-teams/

If solid materials are subjected to mechanical stress or electrical excitation, they deform and begin to vibrate to a greater or lesser extent. These vibrations depend on the shape, the material, the excitation and many other factors. Laser vibrometers are used to measure and analyze the vibrations without contact. These are used to evaluate different design variants during development and to optimize products. However, deviations in vibration behavior can also indicate faults in the product during production.

Range of application of laser vibrometry

In vibroacoustic quality testing, a laser Doppler vibrometer scans objects for vibrations precisely and without contact on practically all surfaces (image above). Measurement data such as frequency response and resonance frequency, impulse response and data on damping properties are obtained. The optical measurement with laser light produces a map of the amplitude distribution of the vibrations without influencing the measurement object, e.g. through contact or mass loading (as with accelerometers). The method is suitable for almost any vibration-related problem in research, development, production and condition monitoring or quality assurance and for objects of different sizes: from entire car bodies, large aerospace parts, motors and actuators to micro components such as MEMS or biomedical samples and components in the micrometer range. Depending on the task and sensor design, vibrations up to the GHz range can be detected or, as with the new VibroScan for surface scanning, frequencies up to 32 MHz can be recorded fully digitally.

Optimize desired oscillations

Vibrations are not undesirable everywhere. We all appreciate the vibrating alarm in cell phones or use electric toothbrushes. In many applications, it is important to find the best product design so that vibrations fulfill their purpose optimally. This is where scanning vibrometers are used, which create an areal vibration analysis. Applications in industry include vibrating conveyors or control and operating panels. High-quality packaging systems and industrial joining processes that use ultrasonic welding can also be developed more quickly or checked and optimized during operation with the help of a vibration analysis. Another application is the "vibration transport" of liquid droplets, for example in medical analysis. However, vibration analysis is also a reliable method for developing high-quality products for consumer goods: The vibration of a loudspeaker membrane, which provides the sound of a loudspeaker box, can be analyzed and improved. There are also a large number of less obvious applications such as fans, computer housings, medical products and structure-borne noise and therefore vibrations also play a major role in production systems.

Minimize unwanted vibrations

Deviations in the vibrations of an object from the target specifications allow conclusions to be drawn about the smooth running of drives, manufacturing deviations in production, incipient bearing wear and many other faults. This is where vibrometry can be used inline for quality assurance. The prerequisite is that the sensor can detect and evaluate vibrations quickly and precisely and that the measuring system can be integrated into a production system as easily as possible. Polytec's vibrometers support various interfaces such as COM/DCOM, offer an internal macro language and provide an API for programming. The measurement data is usually transmitted via TCP/IP Ethernet. Polytec also offers extensive tools and examples to ensure smooth integration.

Measuring deviations, but where?

If vibration measurements are used for quality control, the following questions arise: Where can precise measuring points be found for reliable quality assurance in order to identify deviations and minimize rejects? Which conclusions can be drawn from which surface based on deviations? Laser Doppler vibrometers provide good indications here, even during the development of the intended test method: The best measuring points and surfaces can be found as early as the development stage to indicate the specific properties or possible defects through their vibration behavior. This allows measurements to be taken at a meaningful maximum amplitude point, which saves time during commissioning and ensures meaningful quality data on the products.

Improve signal-to-noise ratio

In practice, measuring surfaces are usually optically rough. This means that the light is not only reflected, but also scattered. It contains dark and light areas, so-called speckles. This effect leads to fluctuations in light intensity at the photodetector and, in optical measurements, to broadband noise and unwanted signal dropouts. Therefore, several measurements or a high number of averages are often necessary for a good result. Polytec solves this problem with QTec technology, which uses multiple photodetectors to drastically improve the signal-to-noise ratio. For this purpose, QTec vibrometers use an innovative multi-channel interferometer with receiver diversity. It bundles the best measured values from different perspectives and recombines them for a consistent measurement result. Each detector is an observer of the measuring point with its own perspective and sees its own random speckle pattern (image below). The combination of the signals from the spatially distributed detectors then automatically results in a statistically stable signal level for each individual measurement, regardless of the measuring surface. With this new method, measurements can be taken up to ten times faster, as one measurement is sufficient and no further averaging is required.

New measurement options

To measure both large and very small parts in the shortest possible time, RoboVib^® combines a fully automated experimental modal analysis with VibroScan QTec Xtra 3D. The scanning vibrometer is mounted on a robot arm and moved over the object, e.g. a vehicle body. This reduces the testing time, even for complex 3D components, from days or even weeks to just a few hours thanks to comprehensive 360° measurements. For smaller parts, RotoVib automates^® experimental whole-body modal analysis since 2024. Here, the test object rotates around its own axis on a turntable. Automatic repositioning allows the test object to be measured automatically from all sides. Thanks to the effortless set-up, users also save valuable measuring time here.

If measurements are to be taken through a layer of water for certain applications, the wavelength of the laser must be adapted to the water medium. Polytec's latest product, VibroScan QTec Neo, offers a HeNe laser in the measuring head whose wavelength is not absorbed by water. This means that sound field analyses of hydrophones (underwater microphones) or components of medical ultrasound applications can now be carried out under water for calibration purposes just as easily as in air. Here too, QTec technology drastically shortens the measurement time by minimizing dropouts.

On-site measurements, for example by a service provider, also require compact measuring devices that are easy to transport and install. The modern VibroScan systems for area measurement are on average around 50% smaller than the 1D predecessor models. This means that the measuring device can also travel as luggage, especially when traveling by air. AI functionality is also incorporated into the vibration measurement thanks to the associated PSV software (Polytec Scanning Vibrometer). This increases user-friendliness and reduces the set-up time for the measurement, for example through automatic object recognition and 3D adjustment. This also significantly reduces the amount of training required by the user.

Source and further information: Polytec

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/laservibrometrie-schwingungen-messen-von-der-produktentwicklung-bis-zur-qualitaetssicherung/

Artificial intelligence now supports the processes of DACH companies in a variety of ways. In collaboration with the Handelsblatt Research Institute (HRI), the digital consulting, solutions and software company valantic examined which use cases are particularly important for companies and what role industry affiliation plays in this. The results show that AI applications are already very popular with companies, particularly in quality control and automated data and document management. Supply chain optimization with AI is also an important field of application for many.

valantic and the HRI surveyed around 700 decision-makers from companies in Germany, Austria and Switzerland about the added value they are already achieving with the use of AI applications within their business processes (Applied AI). According to the survey, two out of three companies already report measurable benefits based on AI applications - for example in the form of efficiency gains, material and cost reductions or increases in sales and profitability. The study also looked at the question of how relevant these different use cases are.

Which use cases are particularly important?

As part of the survey, the client of the study differentiated between 14 use case clusters and asked the participants which of these application areas were most important for their own company. The following five clusters were given the highest relevance by the respondents:

1. Quality control: Identify defects and ensure product quality by means of visual or other sensory inspections.
2. Document and data management: Extract, process and manage information from documents and data records in large quantities, automatically and in high quality.
3. Optimization of the supply chain: e.g. precise demand forecasting, optimization of delivery routes, reduction of inventory, optimized production and logistics planning.
4. Robotics & Smart Products: Automation of product functions; interaction of sensor technology, control and logic for autonomous functioning and optimization of hardware products.
5. Automation in customer service: chatbots and virtual assistants for processing customer inquiries and providing support.

AI-supported creation of media content still less relevant

While the top 5 AI use cases were each named as the most important for their own company by around a third of those surveyed, C-level decision-makers still attach comparatively little importance to the classic use cases of generative AI. For example, the generation of creative content (images, text, sound or video) was only one of the most important areas of application for AI applications in their own company for just under one in five (19%).

Another finding of the study is that the areas of application that are assigned the highest relevance for AI applications vary depending on the sector to which the companies belong. For example, companies from industrial sectors such as automotive, beverage and food production or manufacturing generally attach great importance to quality control using AI, while in the healthcare and pharmaceuticals sector, most decision-makers cite document and data management as an important use case. The most frequently cited use case in the retail and consumer goods sector is supply chain optimization. In contrast, purchasing and sales are extremely important for utilities companies, with many respondents naming price optimization as an important application.

Laurenz Kirchner, Managing Director and Data & AI Practice Lead at valantic, says: "Our study shows that AI is no longer a vision of the future, but is actively used in many companies. For many companies, the focus is shifting to the question of which areas of application offer the greatest benefits in their own company. Decision-makers need to prioritize use cases with real added value and strategically anchor AI initiatives. Without clear goals, prioritization and integration into the corporate strategy, there will be no added value."

Source: valantic

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/qualitaetskontrolle-datenverwaltung-und-lieferkette-als-wichtigste-ki-use-cases/

As an experienced board member and entrepreneur, Bührer Fecker brings in-depth knowledge in the development of new business models as well as a deep understanding of consumers and social trends. Her perspective will help Tibits to remain innovative in the future and take advantage of new opportunities in the growing market for plant-based nutrition.

"We are delighted to have Regula Bührer Fecker, an outstanding personality, on board. Her experience and flair for contemporary developments are of great value to Tibits, especially at a time when sustainable nutrition and conscious consumption are becoming increasingly important," says Daniel Frei, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Tibits.

In the following interview, Regula Bührer Fecker talks about her new position on the Board of Directors, her perspective on the Tibits brand and the opportunities for companies in the field of sustainable gastronomy.

 

m&k: Regula Bührer Fecker, you are a new member of the Tibits Board of Directors. What motivated you to take a seat there?

The vision of Tibits has inspired me since it was founded: to make vegetarian and vegan food not only widely available, but also enjoyable and natural. I am delighted to be able to help shape this mission with my colleagues on the Board of Directors in the future.

 

What challenges can you help with in word and deed?

With everything that keeps Tibits busy. The task will be very varied and exciting.

 

You have been shaping the Swiss advertising industry for decades. What motivated you to take the path of communication strategy?

When I started working in advertising, I didn't even know that "strategy" existed as a discipline in its own right. Even at one of my first employers - Jung von Matt, then still "Honegger von Matt" - there were no dedicated strategists around the year 2000. It was consultants with an affinity for strategy who developed briefings, concepts and presentations. It was precisely this part that fascinated me from the very beginning. So I focused on it: I trained further, gained experience abroad and consistently deepened my strategic thinking.

 

Your approach is based on human insights and innovative concepts. How do you find the balance between creative innovation and the need to address target groups effectively?

It is clear to me that relevance for the target group is non-negotiable. That's where the scope for creativity lies, like we reach people. Innovation often arises when we take a close look at what really moves people - and then find a surprising, new way to respond.

 

In your career, you have supported numerous companies - from start-ups to large corporations. What challenges do you see in developing communication strategies for different company sizes?

I like switching between worlds - but it requires empathy and adaptability. You always have to rethink yourself: the culture, the resources, the objectives. There are always competitors with bigger budgets or sectors with louder voices. My job is to show organizations how much they can achieve with their resources - and how courage can multiply these resources.

 

You are described as one of the most astute and creative advertisers in Switzerland. What qualities do you think are crucial for success in the industry?

The courage to get to the heart of the matter, to trust your own opinion and to expose yourself. Without buckling at the first headwind.

 

You repeatedly emphasize the aspect of humanity in communication. How do you define this term - and why is it so important for the success of brands?

Humanity means triggering resonance. The best campaigns touch us - they strike a chord within us. This requires a keen sense for the zeitgeist and nuances, for real needs.

 

Your work often involves supporting transformation processes in companies. What role does communication play in successful change?

A central one. Change triggers uncertainty - good communication can provide orientation, create trust and release energy. If it is honest, clear and close to people, it becomes a lever for real change.

 

Your company, La Stratégisteis known for its customized solutions. Can you give us an example of a particularly challenging project?

No, it's still too early. I started two months ago.

 

You are celebrated as a role model for young women in the industry. What role does mentoring play in your work and how do you promote young talent?

Thank you very much for your kind words. I think I'm good at listening and getting to the heart of things, even if it hurts sometimes. Once this point has been overcome, it's about thinking together about solutions that suit the other person and the challenge.

 

You have a keen sense for social trends. What trends do you see in the communications industry that companies should take into account in the coming years?

Many companies are stuck in a performance corset - everything is geared towards short-term KPIs and the money is tied up too much in Silicon Valley. As a result, long-term brand development and the connection to the Swiss public fall by the wayside. I believe that Swiss advertisers urgently need a new balance between performance and local relevance. And more self-confidence and courage again.

 

What are the values that you live by every day at "La Stratégiste" and incorporate into your work - and how are these reflected in the projects?

It makes me happy when customers say goodbye and tell me that we were able to solve something together and that my contribution has helped them noticeably.