How can industrial companies stay ahead in an increasingly complex and data-driven world? Generative AI offers a clear answer. It optimizes processes, reduces costs, and enables faster, better-informed decisions. Yitch has built strong expertise in this field, helping businesses turn AI into a competitive advantage. This was recently highlighted in Voka, the network for Flemish entrepreneurs, where Yitch was featured in the context of Generative AI’s impact on industry. Thomas Kusmirczak, Data and AI Lead at Yitch, explains how AI is reshaping operations and why companies should not wait to act.
Solving complex challenges with ease
Industrial processes are becoming more complex, and traditional problem-solving methods often fall short. "With generative AI, we combine data from multiple sources to provide real-time insights that help companies optimize their operations," says Thomas. "AI makes it possible to detect and address inefficiencies before they lead to downtime or unnecessary costs."
From industrial applications to marketing
Although the main focus is on industrial applications, Generative AI is also changing other sectors. "In marketing, AI is used to generate content and optimize campaigns, making communication more targeted and effective," Thomas explains. "In customer service, AI ensures 24/7 availability by handling routine inquiries, allowing employees to focus on more complex cases."
Thomas Kusmirczak, data and AI lead at Yitch:
"Don’t wait too long to implement AI solutions. It’s better to start and learn from your experiences than to wait for the perfect conditions."
AI as a digital decision-maker
Companies need to make faster and more data-driven decisions. "Generative AI processes large volumes of data and translates them into concrete insights that improve efficiency and profitability," Thomas states. "It also plays an important role in detecting irregularities early, so businesses can intervene before small issues become major problems."
A practical example is predictive maintenance. "By analyzing operational data, AI can detect patterns that indicate potential failures, allowing maintenance teams to step in at the right time. This prevents unplanned downtime and unnecessary costs," Thomas continues.
A strong example of this is the Port of Antwerp-Bruges: "We use machine learning to determine the ideal moment for divers to carry out lock maintenance. By analyzing motor currents in combination with tidal patterns, we reduce costs and risks. In the future, such data-driven insights could be further refined through Generative AI."
A critical perspective
While the benefits of Generative AI are significant, it is crucial to apply it responsibly. "AI-generated insights should always be checked: human oversight remains essential," warns Thomas. "AI must also be transparent and fair to prevent bias and ensure trust in automated decisions."
Companies that embrace AI-driven optimization strengthen their operations and gain a competitive advantage. Those who wait risk falling behind. The question is not if, but how quickly they will act.
