GenKITS

Starke + Reichert GmbH & Co KG (SR), an established medium-sized IT system house, is facing both major opportunities and challenges as a result of the rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI), such as ChatGPT. These new technologies could jeopardize existing "traditional" products, such as the Starke-DMS® document management system. At the same time, however, generative AI offers great opportunities for internal process optimization and for the further development of the company towards digital transformation. The aim is to use generative AI in a targeted manner to increase efficiency and empower employees by developing practical AI skills. The development of in-house GPT agents is of particular interest in order to simplify internal workflows and automate repetitive activities.

The GenKITS project aims to integrate generative AI into digital business processes and give employees the opportunity to actively participate in the development and design of these technologies. Specifically, modern AI technologies are to be used to develop GPT agents that support employees' everyday work through automation and intelligent analysis. An important part of the project is the conception of a so-called "GPT orchestrator", a platform that enables employees to create mini GPT agents even without traditional programming skills. In addition, re-skilling and up-skilling measures are to be carried out in order to prepare the workforce for working with these new technologies and to provide them with the necessary skills in the area of data preparation and processing. The long-term goal is to establish a new culture of innovation in the company through the development of these agents, enabling employees to identify processes independently and optimize them using AI.

The project is being implemented in close cooperation with the University of Kassel (UKS), which is contributing extensive expertise in the field of generative AI and hybrid intelligence as a scientific partner. The approach comprises several phases: First, an analysis of the status quo at SR is carried out in order to identify the current processes and recognize potential for optimization. The "GPT Orchestrator" will then be designed and implemented to serve as a central platform for the development and management of GPT agents. At the same time, training courses and workshops will be held for employees to build up the necessary skills in the areas of AI and low-code/no-code development. Various GPT agents will be developed, tested and refined in both commercial and administrative areas. The agents will perform tasks such as analyzing company data, automating routine processes (e.g. processing material requests) and supporting employees in their day-to-day work. A central component is also the publication of technical components of the orchestrator as open source technology to enable use outside the company.

The solutions developed will also be made available to SR's partner companies following successful piloting. The GPT Orchestrator offers great benefits for SMEs in particular, as it facilitates entry into the use of generative AI and promotes the automation of processes. This helps to mitigate the shortage of skilled workers and strengthens SR's competitiveness as an innovative IT provider with advanced AI-based services.

http://gen-kits.de/

The GenKITS project is funded as part of the "Distr@l - Digital Process Innovations (FL 2B)" funding programme by the Hessian Ministry for Digitalization and Innovation in the amount of € 498,878.00.

• Dr. Mahei Li
• M.Sc. Philipp Reinhard