AI Implementation Since 2022: Success Stories from DACH Region & USA

Since the emergence of powerful AI language models (LLMs) in late 2022, many companies are experiencing a new wave of AI adoption. Below, we compare success stories from large and medium-sized companies in the German-speaking region with those from the USA.

The focus is on holistic AI strategies – cross-departmental implementations – as well as best practices, challenges, lessons learned, and a timeline of developments since the AI/LLM hype starting in 2022.

AI Success Stories in the German-Speaking Region (DACH)

Bosch (Germany, Industry)

Technology conglomerate Bosch pursues a comprehensive AI strategy. The Bosch Center for AI (BCAI) has existed since 2017, and by the end of 2023, all Bosch products were to be either developed or produced using AI. In fact, by 2023, almost every second Bosch plant was already using AI in manufacturing (primarily in production control and monitoring).

Bosch is now tackling generative AI: In 2023, pilot projects started in two plants where synthetic images are generated by AI to train vision systems faster. This is expected to reduce AI solution implementation time in production from 6-12 months to just a few weeks.

Siemens (Germany, Industry)

Siemens also broadly integrates AI into products and processes. In 2023, Siemens introduced an Industrial Copilot – a generative AI assistant for automation engineers – integrated into TIA industrial software. The goal is to create complex automation code faster and increase developer productivity.

SAP (Germany, Software)

Software giant SAP has accelerated its AI strategy since the LLM hype, particularly through partnerships. In spring 2023, SAP announced the integration of OpenAI's ChatGPT into its products. Specifically, SAP is working with Microsoft to embed generative AI into SuccessFactors HR software.

Allianz (Germany, Insurance)

Insurance conglomerate Allianz has been using AI across the entire value chain for several years. Intelligent chatbots answer customer inquiries, and AI systems support underwriting and claims processing.

ABB (Switzerland, Industry/Automation)

Swiss technology conglomerate ABB uses generative AI to improve both customer solutions and internal processes. In 2023, ABB developed the "Genix Copilot" with Microsoft Azure OpenAI, a generative AI assistant in its industrial IoT platform Genix.

Hochland (Germany, Food)

Mid-sized cheese producer Hochland is a best practice example of how traditional companies can successfully implement AI. Hochland started several years ago with small pilot projects to gain experience and internally demonstrate the value of AI.

AI Success Stories in the USA

Morgan Stanley (USA, Financial Services)

Investment bank Morgan Stanley is considered a pioneer on Wall Street in generative AI. In March 2023, it introduced a company-wide AI assistant for its financial advisors, based on OpenAI's GPT-4.

Coca-Cola (USA, Consumer Goods)

Soft drink giant Coca-Cola creatively uses generative AI in marketing. In 2023, Coca-Cola partnered with OpenAI and was one of the first major B2C companies to experiment with GPT-4 and DALL·E 2.

C.H. Robinson (USA, Logistics)

One of the world's largest logistics service providers demonstrates the practical benefits of AI in operational processes. The system reads incoming quote requests from emails, understands context details using AI, and performs the same steps an employee would take.

"Response times to quote emails dropped from several hours to about 32 seconds."

Best Practices in AI Implementation

Conclusion

German-speaking companies that implement AI holistically often exemplify very thoughtful, sustainable approaches – with intensive preparation, strong employee orientation, and solid integration into core business.

US companies often shine through their courage for rapid scaling and disruptive applications on a large scale, giving them advantages in efficiency or new business models.

Both approaches can be successful – ideally, a balance: careful planning combined with agility in implementation.