Schneider Electric: empowering people with AI at scale for greener energy

AN EXCLUSIVE CONVERSATION WITH PHILIPPE RAMBACH

Being the 1st Chief AI Officer in an energy company, surely says a lot about Schneider Electric’s ambition. We share an exclusive interview with Philippe Rambach, Chief AI Officer, who brings deep insights into the company's journey toward integrating artificial intelligence into its core operations. He addresses a narrative where AI is a tool to support a sustainable future and enhance internal processes.?

While the role of Chief AI Officer is not as widespread as more traditional executive positions, it is gaining traction in companies where AI is a significant part of the business strategy.

Integrating AI at scale through collaboration?

The two main pillars of the AI initiative at Schneider Electric are: using AI to enhance customer service and internal efficiency. and Leveraging AI to support climate transition by helping customers use less energy and more green energy.

When asked about the company's transformation strategy, Philippe Rambach the bigger challenge lies in scaling these technologies to significantly impact customer experiences and internal efficiency.

"When you think about AI the key question is certainly on technology, but also the big challenge is how you do that really at scale”.

He articulates this vision by emphasizing the centrality of high-quality data and the fusion of multidisciplinary expertise: "We have really taken what we call a mesh data approach, but really putting the quality of the data, the importance of the data at the core of what we do."

The AI strategy is deeply rooted with agility and collaboration with the belief that effective AI requires a combination of AI knowledge and domain knowledge. Squads are instituted combining AI specialists with domain experts, ensuring a rich, multidisciplinary synthesis of ideas and solutions. He explains, "We put in the same team, people with very strong AI knowledge and people with the specific knowledge." This approach not only accelerates problem-solving but also fosters innovation tailored to real-world applications. The pragmatic foundation of this strategy: "We always start from a business case. We always start from a problem to solve something, to improve." This process recently led to the enhancement of customer care operations through generative AI, providing better responses to customer inquiries.

One of the key takeaways of Philippe Rambach's strategy is the practical application of AI, moving beyond treating it merely as an innovation. Instead, AI is seen as a tool for achieving broader objectives like sustainability and efficiency.

He asserts, "We don’t treat AI as an innovation anymore but just as another tool."

Challenges of the human element in AI

Phlippe Rambach identifies a critical challenge: "The person entering the data or taking care of the data is not always the one benefiting from the data."

This situation necessitates a dual approach of education and support, where he emphasizes that "everything starts with good data." The challenge here involves ensuring that all stakeholders understand the value and impact of their role in data management, even if the immediate benefits are not apparent.

Furthermore, there is a need in ensuring that everyone involved in the process comprehends both the capabilities and limitations of AI. He states, "The first thing for me, which is super important, is to help people understand what I can do and cannot do." This approach is crucial in setting realistic expectations and understanding the need to create quality data for AI to function effectively.

In addressing these challenges, His focus on education and support is not just about solving immediate problems but about building a foundation for the continued growth and effective utilization of AI within Schneider. The success of AI implementation is deeply linked with the people behind the data - their knowledge, their understanding, and their engagement with the technology. Hence, learning and development being crucial components.

Committing to employee development

A strong focus on reskilling and continuous learning is put in place, with twofold. First, there is a significant emphasis on nurturing internal talent. Philippe Rambach proudly mentions the establishment of an upskilling program aimed at employees who, while not initially data scientists, possess a scientific background and the willingness to delve into data science. This strategy reflects a deep-seated belief in the value of investing in existing employees, by recognizing and developing potential from within thereby enhancing the company's capabilities while fostering a culture of growth and adaptability.

The second aspect addresses the rapid pace of technological advancement in AI.

Philippe Rambach acknowledges “With AI speed, someone you hire today can be obsolete tomorrow”, highlighting the essential need of ongoing education.

Schneider's response is to provide comprehensive training opportunities, such as webinars - with 18,000 views of monthly webinars - ensuring its workforce remains updated with the latest technological skills. The Chief AI Officer observes a swift adoption of new technologies like generative AI and large language models, partly attributed to employees' self-initiative in training. This approach not only speeds up the adoption of new technologies but also fosters a proactive, engaged, and adaptable workforce.

Furthermore, dedicated teams are mobilized in understanding the unique requirements and ambitions of different departments, such as HR and supply chain: "What are your needs? What are your targets? What are your ambitions?" Then, in workgroups they collaborate to assess these subjects and tailor solutions to meet these specific objectives, being about AI or not.

A prime example of this strategy is solar panel installation. Traditionally, this process required sending an electrician to assess if a home's electrical panel was suitable for solar panel installation. As Philippe Rambach notes, "We have done an AI module where you just take a picture with your iPhone or your phone of your panel, upload it to a website and get an answer immediately saying yes."

Final thoughts

The core strength of Schneider's strategy, as the Chief AI Officer observes, lies not just in the technological infrastructure but in the "people attitude," the widespread understanding of the implications of change and technology. This foundation positions Schneider to create tangible value and drive meaningful change.

Phlippe Rambach's vision encapsulates the essence of innovation in today's world: transformation is not a destination but a continuous journey. It’s a path marked by perpetual learning, adapting, and evolving. In this dynamic landscape, Schneider Electric is not just keeping pace but actively shaping its future in AI and sustainable energy.

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