OHLA applies AI in various departments of the organization to optimize its operations and improve efficiency.

This is a new step in the digital transformation of the Spanish multinational in infrastructure, which is committed to innovation and business excellence.

The company, with over 24,000 employees and present in 28 countries, has integrated conversational AI in specific use cases to streamline information retrieval and enhance processes and decision-making in critical areas. This project was carried out with the support of its technology team in collaboration with Ricoh, a specialist in the implementation of Generative Artificial Intelligence solutions.

Ricoh developed a customized Copilot project using Microsoft technology with Azure, specifically with the tools Azure Open AI, Azure AI Search & Azure Cosmos. The solution developed was a virtual assistant (Custom Copilot), powered by Azure Open AI technology and GPT models (Generative Pre-trained Transformer), which aims to improve information management in key departments by using AI in a secure environment to optimize processes and enhance operational efficiency.

Thanks to Ricoh's expertise and Microsoft's support, we have been able to have our own secure OpenAI instances within our own Azure environment, without any risk of leaks, achieving an accessible solution with which employees work safely, explains Antonio Cobos, CTO of OHLA.

This development integrates perfectly into OHLA’s cloud ecosystem, comprised of Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365, enabling seamless collaboration and efficient task management. Using GPT-3.5 or GPT-4 technology within the corporate environment, the chatbot is capable of naturally understanding and responding to queries, providing users with instant access to key knowledge and resources in real time.

Additionally, the assistant uses Azure AI Search to index and search for information across various data sources, ensuring fast, relevant, and accurate responses. With functionalities such as content translation and a frequently asked questions section tailored to each department, it offers a personalized and enriching experience for users through conversational interactions with a chatbot that has the ability to incorporate specific data to enhance the quality of the user experience.

Advantages perceived by the organization

The implementation of this generative AI solution has allowed the group to improve its operational efficiency, with employees having instant access to precise information. This has enabled them to perform their tasks more effectively by reducing the time spent searching for information and making decisions.

Moreover, the company has established a secure environment through its AI portal, which fosters the exploration and development of new business use cases. In doing so, it has enhanced OHLA’s ability to innovate and adapt to market changes in an agile and effective manner.

According to OHLA, the employees who have participated in this incubator of real business use cases recognize that AI tools help them in their daily tasks and make processes more agile and efficient. "The use cases have been numerous and have exceeded all expectations, generating more specific cases. It has helped us identify synergies between use cases, continuous improvements, functionalities for training, and for users to have a better understanding of how these tools work and their uses", emphasized Miguel Amérigo, Corporate Head of R&D and Innovation at OHLA.

As summarized by Javier Bernárdez, Key Accounts Manager at Ricoh: with this new solution, OHLA achieves rapid and personalized access to information, as well as automating repetitive tasks and obtaining real-time assistance. He also highlights the improved security, which is one of the major challenges in AI projects, with access control and interaction logging, and it fosters collaboration by centralizing knowledge. Additionally, it integrates existing systems and supports the continuous training of its employees.