AI in Action: Turning Vision into Value

Real-World Impact: Sonepar’s AI Journey 

One of the highlights came from Denis Ravel, Sales Associate Experience Director at Sonepar, a global leader in B2B electrical equipment solutions. Denis shared how Sonepar turned its AI vision into reality, proving that AI isn’t just hype, but a practical driver of change. 

Sonepar invested in modernising its supply chain and digital platforms to deliver a best-in-class omnichannel experience, enhanced by advanced contact centre capabilities. According to Denis, success rests on four pillars: 

• Empower people
• Elevate customer engagement
• Build strong data foundations
• Reshape processes 

AI now streamlines internal sales and customer service workflows, automating tasks like email and order processing, analysing sentiment and intent, and delivering personalised recommendations. The result? Higher efficiency, improved quality, better customer satisfaction, and revenue growth. 

What’s New from Microsoft: Copilot, Power Platform & Dynamics 365 

Mark Margolis, Head of Solution Engineering for AI Business Solutions at Microsoft, showcased how Microsoft technologies make AI transformation real. From Copilot to Power Platform and Dynamics 365, these tools are evolving from simple assistants to autonomous agents driving end-to-end processes. 

By unifying employee and customer experiences on a secure, single cloud platform, Microsoft empowers businesses to: 

• Boost productivity
• Personalise engagement
• Make data-driven decisions 

Paired with Sonepar’s success story, attendees could vividly imagine what AI transformation could look like for their own organisations. 

Bringing AI to Life: Hitachi Solution’s Approach 

Robert Worsley, Head of Data, Analytics and AI at Hitachi Solutions Europe, presented how at Hitachi Solutions, we go beyond technology. Our AI adoption strategy is rooted in governance, sponsorship, and leadership, ensuring every initiative delivers real business value. We build robust Data & AI platforms for performance, scalability, compliance, and security, reinforced by change management and ethical principles. 

Our three paths to enterprise-scale AI transformation: 

• AI Ignition: Identify key use cases, align stakeholders, and deliver a prototype
• AI Launch: Deploy prioritised use cases on a secure, scalable platform with governance and training
• AI Scale: Embed AI across the enterprise, integrate systems, enforce ethics, and scale high-value applications 

From Vision to Value: Interactive Strategy Workshop 

To close the event, participants engaged in an AI Strategy Workshop, mapping use cases, defining AI ambition, and prioritising opportunities using Gartner’s AI Opportunity Radar. Each group created a Concept Poster outlining business value, stakeholders, and roadblocks, leaving with a tangible blueprint to turn AI vision into reality. 

Key Takeaways 

Attendees left inspired and equipped to take the next steps in their AI journey. They gained:

• Fresh ideas and practical tips for implementing AI
• Confidence backed by proven strategies
• Insights into Microsoft’s latest tools like Copilot and Dynamics 365
• Real-world success stories demonstrating measurable impact 

Take The Next Step On Your AI journey

Hitachi Solutions can help you move from vision to execution. Contact us today to schedule your AI Strategy Workshop or learn more about our AI transformation services.