Elevate excellence within Eiffage by integrating artificial intelligence thoughtfully and strategically. Digital transformation requires a considered approach to avoid ineffective prompts. Training prompt engineers becomes vital to maximize the efficiency of deployed AI tools, as highlighted by the partnership with Google Cloud. Striving to harmonize resource consumption and user demands is a central challenge in the pursuit of enhanced performance.
Eiffage and Artificial Intelligence
In 2024, the construction company Eiffage announced a strategic partnership with Google Cloud focused on artificial intelligence. At the Google Cloud Next event, the group’s CIO, Jean-Philippe Faure, presented a promising state of affairs. For a major player like Eiffage, integrating artificial intelligence tools is a thoughtful process that goes beyond merely providing technologies.
Employee Training: A Priority
Eiffage deploys these AI tools to more than 2,500 employees, provided they have completed an 80-minute training session. Currently, 2,600 users out of approximately 84,000 employees have completed this training. Jean-Philippe Faure emphasizes the importance of this initiative: “We do not want people to make stupid prompts.” The goal is to transform beginners into informed users and to implement advanced workshops.
Improving Prompts: An Active Approach
One of Eiffage’s major concerns is improving the prompts used during interactions with AI. A recent partnership with Google Cloud has led to the development of the Workflow Builder platform. This no-code platform assists employees in generating more effective and suitable prompts. Faure explains: “One should never take the first result on a prompt.” The strategy is to maximize the relevance of the responses by engaging in active dialogue with the AI.
Identified Uses Within the Company
Eiffage’s CIO notes that 40% of prompts are aimed at improving texts, while 40% assist in decision-making. In 5% of cases, they pertain to code requests. The homogeneity and clarity of information promise increased efficiency for a group of this size. Language models are used to generate meeting minutes from construction sites, thereby facilitating communication within teams.
Image Analysis and Security
Eiffage also uses visual recognition tools to examine images from construction sites. This technique allows for the quick identification of discrepancies from safety standards, thus ensuring enhanced monitoring on construction sites. New AI technologies thus find their place in workplace safety, a fundamental aspect for the company.
Monitoring Tool Consumption
The company closely monitors the consumption of AI tools. In fact, Eiffage uses a reporting system to track each user down to the euro. Faure specifies: “As soon as we see someone consuming too much, we call them.” This monitoring aims to understand excessive usage and prevent issues related to cloud service usage.
Monthly Credits Allocated to Users
AI users within Eiffage receive a monthly credit for moderate use. On average, each employee has 5 euros per month, with allowances reaching 10 or even 30 euros for certain specific profiles. This measure has been adopted to ensure optimal resource management while encouraging innovation.
A Future-Oriented Strategy
With these initiatives, Eiffage aims to make artificial intelligence a lever for performance and safety. This constant concern for improvement reflects a willingness to adapt to a rapidly evolving environment. To delve deeper into the topic, it may be relevant to consider developments related to companies like Nvidia, which is also diversifying its AI approach, or even how AI is revolutionizing various sectors, such as cancer detection in the NHS (source).
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of using AI at Eiffage?
Eiffage uses AI to improve employee efficiency, standardize information transmission, and analyze data more quickly and accurately using visual recognition and data processing tools.
How does Eiffage train its employees in AI usage?
Eiffage offers a training session of approximately 80 minutes to enable employees to understand and effectively use AI tools, with the goal of developing excellence in prompt engineering.
What types of artificial intelligence tools are used at Eiffage?
Eiffage utilizes several language models, including Google’s Imagen and Gemini, as well as those from Mistral AI and Claude, allowing users to choose based on their specific needs.
How does Eiffage ensure responsible AI usage?
Eiffage monitors each user’s AI consumption through reporting tools to identify and address excessive use to avoid financial discrepancies.
What are the main applications of AI at Eiffage?
Employees use AI for text improvement, decision support, generating meeting minutes, and image analysis on construction sites.
How does Eiffage help its employees create effective prompts?
The company provides a no-code platform, Workflow Builder, which guides users in creating more effective prompts to achieve satisfactory results.
Is access to AI restricted for certain employees?
Access to AI is provided to more than 2,500 employees who have completed the required training, while monthly usage credits vary based on usage and employee profile.
What is Eiffage’s goal regarding AI training?
The goal is to develop advanced skills among employees so they become excellent prompt engineers capable of fully leveraging the AI tools made available to them.
