Hi-Tech Engineering and Key-Stone are two Turin-based companies committed to promoting innovation in their respective industries. Both demonstrate strong interest in the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a strategic tool for achieving their business objectives.
Since the 1960s, Hi-Tech Engineering has been designing, building, and installing customized systems for the heat treatment of steel and aluminum. The company boasts extensive experience in the metallurgical sector, serving highly specialized industries such as automotive, wind energy, nuclear, aerospace, and rail, where continuous innovation is essential to deliver increasingly precise, efficient, rapid, and cost-effective solutions.
Key-Stone, on the other hand, is an international market research and strategic consulting firm specializing in the dental, wellness, and professional cosmetics sectors. These fields require advanced expertise to analyze complex phenomena, anticipate trends, and drive change. Although Key-Stone has a large database collected from hundreds of companies worldwide, it faces challenges related to timely data retrieval, with operations often very time-consuming.
Digitalization is a key lever to address market challenges and respond in an advanced manner to customer needs. AI offers both companies a concrete opportunity to differentiate themselves in a competitive landscape. However, both highlight a current shortage of skills in this area. Understanding the potential and practical applications of AI has been identified as a crucial step in their digital transformation journey. Hence the decision to embark on a targeted training program.
Solutions
To meet these needs, EDIH EXPAND organized an introductory course on Artificial Intelligence, tailored to the two companies. The course was designed for a diverse audience, so that employees with different roles and levels of expertise could participate actively. It provided a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of AI, Machine Learning (ML), and Deep Learning (DL), highlighting practical applications and transformative potential.
The primary objective was to make these technologies understandable, explaining their benefits through real use cases. The course also provided practical tools and methodologies to assess how to effectively integrate AI into the specific context of the two companies.
This training represented a crucial first step in the digital transformation journey, equipping corporate teams with the foundational knowledge needed to explore AI-driven solutions aimed at improving processes and operational timelines.
Results and Benefits
The course succeeded in making complex concepts accessible, providing a structured and easily understandable framework. In addition to enhancing technical understanding, it increased participants’ confidence in addressing AI-related topics with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders. The training path sparked enthusiasm and curiosity, encouraging participants to continue deepening their knowledge and to stay updated on innovations in the field.
Participants are now able to identify concrete business scenarios in which to apply AI-based solutions to create value. They can also recognize and select the ML methods and algorithms best suited to individual use cases, improving the effectiveness of initiatives. They are additionally able to bridge business and technology by communicating effectively with technical experts, thereby facilitating collaboration and project execution.
Perceived Social/Economic Impact
Key Impacts:
- Greater awareness of AI tools and applications, enabling companies to identify new opportunities for innovation and efficiency.
- Strengthening of skills and technical knowledge in AI, increasing staff capacity to integrate cutting-edge technologies into operations and business strategies.
- Improved competitiveness through the use of AI to optimize processes and deliver higher-quality solutions to customers.
- Enhanced innovation capacity, promoting a future-oriented corporate culture and the adoption of digital solutions.
Measurable Data
To assess the immediate impact of the training, the active engagement of corporate teams during the course was monitored: 19 employees participated enthusiastically, contributing actively to discussions and practical exercises. This level of participation indicates widespread interest in AI and growing openness to digital change.
Digital Maturity Analysis (DMA) Results – Phase 0:
Key-Stone achieved an average score of 29%, indicating a still intermediate level, but with great growth potential. Investing in training and digital solutions would enable the company to adopt new technologies with greater awareness and without fears related to change.
Hi-Tech Engineering achieved an average score of 43% in the digital maturity assessment, demonstrating an intermediate level, but with ample room for improvement. Further investments in technologies and digital skills could significantly contribute to the innovation of the company’s products and processes.
