Plexus Corp. and SECURA Insurance integrate generative AI into operations, highlighting its potential for cost savings and improved efficiency during the New Digital Alliance Summit.
Two Neenah-area companies, Plexus Corp. and SECURA Insurance, have integrated generative artificial intelligence (AI) into their business operations. This initiative, highlighted during the New Digital Alliance Summit held in Neenah as part of Wisconsin Tech Month, showcases the efforts to harness AI for cost reduction and improved efficiency.
Plexus Corp., an electronic manufacturing service company headquartered in Neenah, adopted generative AI a year ago. Their approach includes a dedicated team of data scientists and AI developers, alongside customised AI chatbots providing 24/7 expert assistance to employees. Ryan Veleke, vice president of AI and decision technologies at Plexus, emphasised the company’s strategy to democratise AI access, thereby fostering an innovative corporate culture.
SECURA Insurance, based in Fox Crossing, has introduced AI tools specifically designed for its underwriting team. Tom Hardwick, who leads the company’s IT Business & Application Services, noted how underwriters now streamline their workflow by accessing underwriting manuals almost instantaneously—a task that previously took up to 25 minutes.
The broader Tech Summit in Neenah, part of which the summit was held, convened policymakers, manufacturers, AI service providers, and technologists. Discussions centred on the use of generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT and Copilot, in content creation for business purposes, as well as addressing ethical implications and dispelling myths surrounding the technology.
Despite the promising outlook, a study by the Northeast Wisconsin Manufacturing Alliance in June indicated that while 67% of respondents plan to increase investment in generative AI, some manufacturing leaders remain uncertain about the practical benefits and implementation of such technologies.
Addressing concerns over AI’s potential misuse, experts like Matt Adamczyk from Microsoft and Carl Deal from Gartner Executive Programs stressed the importance of critical thinking in analysing AI-generated content to prevent the spread of misinformation and deep fakes. Business leaders, according to Hardwick, must establish ethical “guardrails” to maximise AI’s supportive role in decision-making and creativity.
As AI technology evolves, concerns about job displacement have emerged. However, Jennifer Sereno from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development pointed out that while AI may disrupt certain professions—such as administrative support and architecture—essential hands-on roles like plumbing are less likely to be replaced by AI.
A 2023 Pew Research Center survey highlights a mixed perspective among U.S. workers regarding AI’s impact. While many believe AI will support their work, those in high-exposure, higher-paying fields feel the impending changes more acutely. Industrial leaders, like Veleke, advocate for proactive measures to re-skill workers within the industry, highlighting the importance of adaptation over job replacement.
In support of workforce readiness, the Wisconsin government offers the Wisconsin Fast Forward grant, providing financial assistance for AI-related employee training. This initiative aims to alleviate potential adverse effects of AI integration, with grant awards ranging up to $400,000. Interested businesses had until October 28 to apply for this program, designed to bolster employee skills amid the technological shift.
Source: Noah Wire Services
