The SKZ Plastics Center is strengthening the strategic use of artificial intelligence within its own organization. Since October, Dr. Frédéric Achereiner has been coordinating these activities within the SKZ Group in his role as AI Manager. The goal is to make greater use of existing expertise in research and digitalization for the organization’s own processes, while at the same time developing insights and solutions for companies in the plastics industry.

New AI Manager at SKZ: Frédéric Achereiner. (Photo: Luca Hoffmannbeck, SKZ)

Frédéric Achereiner Takes Over Central Coordination of AI Implementation at the SKZ Group

The SKZ already has many years of experience in the fields of digitalization, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. For years, the institute has been developing data-driven methods and AI applications for the plastics industry through various research projects. In addition, a dedicated research group is intensively engaged in digital infrastructures, data analysis, and AI-supported processes.

With the new coordination unit, the SKZ is increasingly applying this expertise to its own organization. Among other things, the goal is to streamline workflows, reduce the workload on employees, and make existing knowledge more readily available. At the same time, a practical testing ground is being created from which transferable approaches for other companies can be developed. In the future, the insights gained are also intended to be incorporated into the SKZ’s research projects, continuing education programs, and services. In this way, the SKZ is strengthening its role as an innovation and technology transfer partner for the plastics industry.

Participation in “AI-Transfer Plus”
An important component is participation in the Bavaria-wide funding and technology transfer program “AI-Transfer Plus.” Over a period of nine months, the SKZ will be supported by the AI Regional Center at the University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt. The program provides up-to-date methods, expert knowledge, and practical tools that can be used to systematically identify AI potential and develop concrete applications. In addition, it supports the SKZ in establishing a long-term AI strategy and in sustainably embedding AI within the organization.

As AI Manager, Frédéric Achereiner ensures transparency regarding ongoing and planned AI activities. He coordinates collaboration among the participating departments, assists in identifying and prioritizing suitable use cases, and oversees their implementation. In doing so, he serves as an interface between users, the IT department, and internal and external service providers. At the same time, he promotes the exchange of knowledge and experience within the SKZ Group.

Responsible Use of AI
A key factor for success is the early involvement of employees. Together with the AI champions, the goal is to identify needs across the various departments, develop suitable solutions, and share practical experiences within the Group. In addition to concrete benefits, the focus is also on data protection, IT security, training, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence.

“The best ideas for using AI emerge where people are familiar with daily processes and challenges. That’s why I want to work with the AI champions and the entire workforce to develop solutions that meaningfully support day-to-day work. At the same time, we want to use the experience gained in this process to share our knowledge as a research, education, and technology transfer partner within the plastics industry,” explains Achereiner.

Through centralized coordination, the SKZ is creating the conditions necessary to deploy artificial intelligence responsibly, in a practical manner, and with clear benefits. By first testing the technology within its own organization, the institute will be able to provide companies with even more informed support in the future as they identify AI’s potential and successfully leverage it for their own benefit.

Further information on the SKZ’s role in “AI Transfer Plus”