Generative AI is evolving rapidly and gaining importance, offering companies new opportunities to increase efficiency and innovate. A study by Cognizant, Microsoft and the University of St. Gallen (HSG) shows that this technology will also play a crucial role in the industrial services sector. The survey of 54 executives from various industries found that the integration of generative AI into operational business processes is often still in its early stages. The aim of the study was to determine the current status and typical use cases of generative AI in industrial companies and to examine technical and organizational requirements.

The study sheds light on the maturity of AI applications in companies and shows that there is often a lack of competent developers and know-how. Many companies rate their technology architecture as sufficient, while customers' infrastructure lags behind. Most companies are in an early stage of AI adoption, with 60 percent of respondents only researching or implementing the technology for about a year.

An important aspect of AI use is risk management, with data security and intellectual property protection being considered high risks. Respondents see AI integration as an opportunity to increase operational efficiency, improve the customer experience and drive industrial innovation. Large amounts of data are to be used for predictive analysis and the development of innovative solutions. Generative AI is considered an important building block for digital transformation and the optimization of value chains, manufacturing processes and services.

The study recommends that industrial companies accelerate the implementation of generative AI and start pilot projects to identify specific operational benefits. Partnerships are crucial to facilitate access to expertise and technologies and to accelerate the integration of AI.

The study can be downloaded here.