BMW automates factories & Bradford council to save millions through digital transformation

PEX Network’s weekly news bulletin rounds up the latest from the process community including operational excellence (OPEX), digital transformation, business process management (BPM), process mining, artificial intelligence (AI) and much more.

This week includes:

• BMW is automating its manufacturing processes
• Council aims to save £1.6 million through digital transformation
• ServiceNow Summit explores AI-driven transformation
• SEI unveils SEIGPT to boost operational efficiency and streamline workflows

BMW is automating its manufacturing processes

BMW Group is integrating virtual reality (VR) and robotics to enhance efficiency and set new industry benchmarks. Industry 4.0 is transforming production, bringing digital technologies, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics into the manufacturing process. These tools power “smart factories,” where systems, machines and people collaborate to optimize workflows and drive efficiency.

BMW’s Regensburg Plant, preparing for the NEUE KLASSE model, showcases Industry 4.0 in action. According to Plant Director Armin Ebner, this next-gen vehicle architecture reflects BMW’s dedication to digitalization and sustainability. Virtual reality and “3D human simulation” allow BMW to model production layouts and simulate workers’ tasks virtually.

Innovation specialist Sebastian Moser explains that the virtual simulations include an entire production section, with 41 cycles spanning 1,000 square meters, enabling BMW to refine ergonomics and cycle times before physical assembly begins. This VR tech also serves as a training tool, letting employees familiarize themselves with future workflows and tasks in a virtual space, helping shorten the transition period to physical assembly lines.

As BMW advances its use of Industry 4.0, it exemplifies a future of manufacturing defined by technology, safety and efficiency.

Council aims to save £1.6 million through digital transformation

Bradford Council has outlined a plan to save £1.6 million by integrating voice and robotic process automation (RPA) into customer services and contact management. The proposal is part of a broader framework comprising 47 measures, which collectively aim to generate £33.84 million in savings for the 2025-26 fiscal year.

To address ongoing financial challenges, the council’s five-year plan aims for an impressive £40 million in additional savings or new income each year. Among these proposals are measures that increase garden waste fees, expected to bring in £400,000 and a reduction in LED streetlight brightness, projected to save £138,000. Plans to introduce additional traffic enforcement sites are also in the works, with anticipated revenue of £580,000, aimed at easing road congestion and enhancing public safety.

"We have to make significant savings," said Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford Council. "Our focus remains on efficiencies, innovation and maximizing income over service cuts.

ServiceNow Summit explores AI-driven transformation

ServiceNow’s recent summit in Riyadh brought together business leaders and tech experts to delve into how AI and digital transformation can redefine operational efficiency across Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East. Attended by more than 500 executives, the event highlighted the role of AI-powered tools in enhancing performance, security and governance—key areas in which the region is actively investing.

One of the summit’s focal points was the role of AI in cybersecurity and data privacy, areas of increasing concern as organizations in Saudi Arabia ramp up digitalization efforts. Representatives from major ServiceNow clients, including NEOM and SDAIA, discussed how AI can enhance monitoring systems, providing real-time alerts and responses to potential threats. With global AI investment expected to exceed $300 billion by 2026, the summit highlighted the urgent need for AI tools that support secure, adaptable frameworks.

Adding to the conversation, former Formula 1 driver and entrepreneur Robert Doornbos provided a unique perspective on the value of data analytics for fast-paced industries. Drawing parallels with F1, Doornbos illustrated how data-driven insights can enable organizations to make precise, timely decisions under pressure—skills that are now being integrated into corporate settings thanks to advancements in AI technology.

By aligning discussions with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives, the summit showcased how cutting-edge digital solutions could reshape industries and drive sustainable growth in the region. The focus on real-time AI tools, operational security and improved customer experiences demonstrated how digital transformation is set to become a cornerstone of regional economic growth and innovation.

SEI unveils SEIGPT to boost operational efficiency and streamline workflows

SEI, a major provider of technology, investment and asset management solutions, has unveiled SEIGPT, a proprietary generative AI framework designed to drive efficiency and streamline operations internally. The new platform builds on SEI's AI Center of Excellence, established in 2023 and serves departments including client service, HR, marketing and legal, where around 400 SEI employees currently leverage SEIGPT-powered applications.

Using Microsoft’s OpenAI and AI Search services, SEIGPT employs a retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) model that enables transparent data references. This framework supports faster responses to client inquiries, automates contract analysis and streamlines internal workflows by integrating SEI’s extensive data across disparate sources.

SEI Chief Technology Officer Zach Womack highlighted that SEIGPT’s efficiency benefits extend to clients. He said that the “faster we can deliver information or address a concern, the more time our employees and clients have to focus on what they do best: serving customers.”

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