Revolutionising SME Operations: A Case Study on a Custom AI Solution

In the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly seeking innovative ways to harness the power of technology to streamline operations and enhance productivity. A recent collaboration between our software company and a manufacturing client exemplifies the potential of custom AI solutions to address complex business challenges. This case study delves into how we developed a secure, multi-user chat portal integrated with ChatGPT, tailored specifically to meet the unique needs of the manufacturing company, while leveraging their existing Azure account and intranet hosting infrastructure.

The Challenge: Secure and Customisable AI Integration

The manufacturing company approached us with a vision to empower their employees with access to ChatGPT for various tasks, ranging from drafting emails to strategic planning and mechanical engineering assistance. However, they faced several critical challenges:

• The need to share confidential company data with a chatbot in a secure environment.
• A requirement to host the software on their own servers.
• Integration with the company’s existing authentication methods and security measures, including reCAPTCHA.
• The demand for a simple, user-friendly interface that required no configuration.
• Assistance in developing policies and training for the use of AI chatbots.

Our Solution: A Tailored Multi-User Chat Portal

Our response to these challenges was a comprehensive solution encompassing software development, integration, installation, policy development, and training. The core of our solution was a simple yet powerful multi-user chat portal that saved each user’s chat history and provided access to a predefined list of expert personas, including:

• ChatGPT: A versatile AI for general inquiries.
• Document Bot: Specialised in drafting emails or documentation.
• Mech Eng Bot: A mechanical engineering assistant.
• Strategy Bot: A strategic planning assistant.
• Code Bot: An expert in programming languages.
• Polymer Bot: A rubber chemist AI.
• Financial Analyst: A bot specialising in financial analysis.
• Bob the Builder: An expert in building, fabrication, and project management.
• Data Bot: A data and statistics expert.
• IT Support Bot: A basic IT support assistant.
• Manager Bot: A management consulting bot.

Implementing the Solution

The development and integration of the software were meticulously planned to ensure seamless compatibility with the company’s existing Azure account and intranet hosting infrastructure. Key features of the solution included:

• Secure Environment: Leveraging Azure’s robust security features, we ensured that the chat portal was a secure channel for employees to interact with AI bots and share confidential data.
• Custom Integration: The software was integrated with the company’s existing authentication methods and reCAPTCHA security to maintain a high level of security and user verification.
• User-Friendly Design: The chat portal was designed with simplicity in mind, allowing employees to engage with the expert personas without the need for any configuration.
• Policy and Training Support: Our team provided comprehensive support in developing AI chatbot policies and conducting basic training sessions to ensure that employees could make the most of the technology while adhering to best practices.

The Outcome: Enhanced Productivity and Innovation

The implementation of the custom AI chat portal marked a significant milestone for the manufacturing company, empowering employees with instant access to expert assistance across a wide range of tasks. This solution not only facilitated a more innovative and efficient workflow but also set a precedent for how SMEs can leverage custom AI solutions to overcome specific operational challenges.

Conclusion

This case study highlights our software company’s capability to deliver custom AI solutions that align with our clients’ existing technological infrastructure and business goals. By embracing the possibilities of AI and tailoring solutions to meet specific needs, SMEs can unlock new levels of productivity and innovation. Our journey with the manufacturing company serves as a testament to the transformative potential of custom AI software, paving the way for more SMEs to explore and implement AI-driven solutions.