The client had already crossed them off the list. But after a failed PoC, one colleague stepped up, pushed for a second chance – and the result may just become the group’s first major LLM-based AI project.
An Austrian-owned industrial service provider, active in more than ten European countries, is set to become the first IC Group client to adopt an AI solution built on IBM watsonx and a large language model.
The client’s challenge was clear. Although their engineering team numbers in the hundreds, only a handful of experts – internally known as the “Jolly Jokers” – can handle complex or non-standard maintenance issues. These few specialists are constantly interrupted by colleagues who rely on their know-how. The company needed a way to scale that knowledge without burning out their most valuable people.
The goal? A searchable, AI-powered knowledge base that less experienced engineers could consult independently.
The approach? A custom-developed LLM solution using IBM watsonx.ai.
But the project almost didn’t happen.
In the first PoC demo presented by the IC team, critical features failed. Confidence was shaken, delivery seemed uncertain – and the client dropped them from the list of potential vendors.
That’s when Sascha stepped in. He convinced the client to give them a second shot and pushed the Hungarian team to deliver a flawless second round.
It worked. The demo was strong enough to earn back the client’s trust and secure a spot on the shortlist. Now, all signs point to a successful deal closing – and to a major milestone for the group’s AI journey. Congratulations to Sascha and everyone involved. Let’s get it signed.