Laura Ihrlich, 33, is Program Manager AI at L&R and has been working for the medical device company for 2.5 years. She has a Master of Science in Physics and combines analytical depth with strategic foresight.
Why does a company like L&R, which develops, manufacturesand sells wound dressings, bandages and surgical materials, among other things, need AI?
Laura Ihrlich: Artificial intelligence is revolutionising our entire working world and therefore affects all companies and almost all areas of work in a company, including at L&R. We recognised the immense potential of AI early and started early: with a dedicated team, a clear vision, strategy and anchoring. One of the first tangible results is ‘LoRa GPT’, our Group-wide, L&R-specific ChatGPT assistant, which has been in use for around a year now. LoRa GPT helps many colleagues every day to achieve results faster, structure ideas or shorten routine tasks.
What is your role as “Program Manager AI”?
Laura: I am the first point of contact for all questions relating to AI. We come up with so-called use cases and then develop relevant AI solutions for specific areas in the Group, e.g. for sales and marketing, quality management, etc. We train our colleagues, create relevant documents and other communication in order to build and expand AI expertise. So it's not just about developing tools with an AI function, but also about empowering the organization and as many employees as possible and transforming the company accordingly. And, of course, ensuring that all of this fits in with the strategic direction and our AI vision.
What are the next challenges?
Laura: For companies, this is certainly the AI Act of the European Union. This EU regulation governs how artificial intelligence can be used safely, fairly and responsibly in Europe and is gradually coming into force. Companies must therefore carefully examine what they use AI for and, depending on the risk, comply with clear rules, for example on control, transparency or data security. Those who approach this early and correctly can not only avoid risks, but also fully exploit the possibilities of AI and strengthen their competitiveness in the digital transformation.
Thank you for the interview!
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The interview was first published on June 19 in the Rhein-Zeitung, Germany (Link: https://ow.ly/ukJF50WcZ3o)