eschbach Launches Shiftconnector Smart Solutions for AI-Driven Knowledge Harvesting

BOSTON - Oct. 14, 2024 - Global software developer eschbach, the provider of the Shiftconnector enterprise manufacturing platform for the process industry, announces the launch of Shiftconnector Smart Solutions. AI-driven, Smart Solutions structures data and isolates important knowledge hidden in everyday information to help identify solutions and solve issues in chemical manufacturing production processes.

“In an increasingly complex process manufacturing environment, knowledge management is a critical competitive advantage. eschbach created Smart Solutions to give the entire manufacturing team a way to easily access vital operational information from multiple sources,” said Andreas Eschbach, founder and CEO of eschbach. “Combining human skills with an AI-assist results in faster problem-solving and empowers workers to quickly and decisively make better operational decisions.”

Process manufacturers generate overwhelming amounts of structured and unstructured data. Without seamless integration of knowledge management tools into daily operations, crucial insights often remain buried within routine work. This hidden intelligence encompasses process, equipment and material issues, along with their solutions. Smart Solutions unlocks this information, empowering operators with the knowledge to optimize performance, reduce defects and minimize downtime.
 
The advanced Smart Solutions AI module for Shiftconnector® is trained on industry and company data that pertains to the specific language and processes used at a company or production site. By understanding user queries and effectively analyzing both structured and unstructured data, Smart Solutions identifies relevant historical information to provide tailored problem-solving recommendations. Massive datasets are intelligently organized and prioritized based on relevance and user feedback, delivering actionable insights within seconds.
 
These suggestions are not meant to replace human expertise and knowledge, but to augment human abilities and provide a starting place to speed up problem resolution. Operators, technicians, engineers and QC managers can quickly find historical precedents for current problems, as well as what actions were taken and what results were achieved. Based on this information and the smart AI suggestions, they can decide the best course of action. In this way, the AI program acts as an experienced mentor and guide, identifying tacit knowledge amassed by large numbers of employees in different operational roles over many years.
 
eschbach’s Shiftconnector Smart Solutions will be demonstrated in Booth #516 at the
ISPE Annual Meeting and Expo from Oct. 13-16 at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.