Schneider Electric, an expert in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, is leveraging Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) by incorporating Microsoft Azure OpenAI to transform its internal operations and empower its customers.

This comes as Schneider Electric attempts to enhance its operational processes, optimising resource allocation and time-consuming tasks, thereby increasing speed and efficiency. The new approach provides innovative ways of working and delivers productivity gains for both customers and employees.

Among the essential features of Schneider Electric's adoption of GenAI is the Resource Advisor Copilot. By utilising Large Language Model technology via Microsoft Azure OpenAI, Schneider Electric has built Copilot, a digital companion embedded within Resource Advisor.

The tool provides customers with improved data analysis, visualisation, decision support, performance optimisation, and the capacity to process complex industry knowledge and system information seamlessly.

Other internal operations benefiting from the GenAI integration include Jo-Chat GPT, an internal conversational assistant based on Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service, and the Finance Advisor, another conversational assistant contributing to consistent, compliant, and timely decision-making.

The Knowledge Bot, a conversational assistant used by customer care representatives, and conversational search, which allows customers to search for products using a natural conversation style, are part of this new initiative.

Schneider Electric also has plans to integrate GitHub Copilot and Sales Copilot to enhance its offer creation processes and empower employees further.

Philippe Rambach, Chief AI Officer at Schneider Electric, recognises the transformative impact of Generative AI, emphasising that Schneider Electric is actively investing in this technology. He notes that Generative AI has already proven beneficial in improving internal productivity. Rambach highlights its alignment with the company's dedication to continuous improvement and impactful innovation, particularly in the context of sustainability.

Philippe Rambach remarked, "Generative AI is a game-changer and we are investing in this technology. It has already allowed us to enhance internal productivity, and it aligns perfectly with our commitment to continuous improvement and impactful innovation focused on sustainability."

The company has been dabbling with AI since the launch of its AI hub organisation in 2021. The subsequent emergence of new tools led to the creation of a dedicated GenAI core team. Their role is to work closely with internal and external stakeholders to detect early application opportunities.

Dominik Wee, Corporate Vice President of Manufacturing and Mobility at Microsoft, expressed satisfaction in collaborating with Schneider Electric. He mentioned that Microsoft Azure OpenAI enables Schneider to create flexible, scalable, cost-efficient, and AI-driven solutions. Importantly, these solutions align with the shared goals of both companies for a sustainable and digitised future.

Dominik Wee said, "Microsoft Azure OpenAI allows Schneider to develop agile, scalable, cost-effective and AI-powered solutions which are in line with our shared ambitions for a sustainable and digitised future."

Their partnership aims to offer customers next-generation cloud-based, as well as IoT (Internet of Things) solutions, along with advanced data and AI capabilities, thus helping customers bridge the gap between setting ambitious sustainability goals and achieving them.