AI is joining the workforce

Amplifying Meaningful Work Through Technology

At Nedap, we strive to amplify meaningful work through technology. Across our key markets—healthcare, security, livestock, and retail—the focus is on creating sustainable systems, balancing efficiency with human and environmental considerations, and reducing waste. Technology, in this context, isn’t the goal; it’s the enabler.

This perspective is deeply tied to our culture of continuous improvement. There’s a shared drive across our teams to be better every day. Visitors often remark on a unique “vibe” when they visit us—an openness to ambiguity, a willingness to embrace change, and a collective sense of purpose. It’s this mindset that sets the stage for our exploration of AI.

AI: The New Colleague

AI’s rapid evolution is both exhilarating and challenging. Unlike traditional tools that enhance specific products or processes, AI feels more like a new type of colleague. It’s a workforce of digital counterparts capable of providing high-quality advice, automating repetitive tasks, and even writing code.

This shift forces us to confront big questions about the value we bring to our roles. When AI becomes capable of performing many tasks faster or more effectively than we can, what remains uniquely human? This question doesn’t just affect individuals—it has far-reaching implications for businesses and industries alike.

Opportunities and Risks

AI offers immense promise, from making software development more efficient to providing instant, data-driven insights. But the risks are equally significant. Ethical dilemmas, environmental costs, and the potential misuse of AI are real and pressing concerns. The energy demands of current AI models and their reliance on vast computational resources add layers of complexity.

Waiting to act risks falling behind in a landscape where advancements are happening at an unprecedented pace.
André Foeken

This duality—AI as both an opportunity and a challenge—demands a proactive approach. Experimentation is key. Waiting to act risks falling behind in a landscape where advancements are happening at an unprecedented pace.

A Culture of Experimentation

At Nedap, we decided early on to embrace AI and foster a culture of experimentation. Over 500 colleagues now have access to enterprise AI tools like ChatGPT. By giving everyone the opportunity to explore these tools, we empower individuals to integrate AI into their workflows and discover how it can enhance their unique skills.

Experimentation is key — this is the time to learn, adapt, and incorporate AI into how we work.
André Foeken

The results have been remarkable. AI is already transforming how we work. From automating decision-making processes to enabling low-code platforms like n8n, we’ve seen how AI can streamline tasks and improve efficiency, even for those without a technical background.

Collaboration and the Knowledge Economy

One of AI’s most intriguing challenges is managing the flood of information it generates. As AI systems multiply, so does the data they produce, creating potential for overload. To address this, we’ve been experimenting with knowledge graphs and AI-enhanced documentation systems. These tools organize and tag information, making it more accessible for both humans and AI systems.

Magic in an organization is simply making a wise decision and executing it well.
André Foeken

For example, our healthcare-specific AI integrates with various knowledge sources, providing actionable insights instantly. Whether it’s summarizing meeting notes or analyzing project statuses, these tools save time, reduce complexity, and enable more informed decision-making.

Decision-Making in an AI-Driven World

AI is also reshaping how we make decisions. At Nedap, we’ve introduced ShapeShift, a decision-tracking framework that ensures every critical decision is documented and analyzed. Over time, AI will learn from these patterns, helping us make wiser, more collaborative choices.

Looking further ahead, I imagine a future where personal AI systems represent individual perspectives in decision-making processes. These systems could ensure diverse viewpoints are considered while streamlining collaboration at scale.

Adapting to Change

The pace of AI innovation demands agility. Advancements that once took months are now happening in weeks or even days. Organizations must adapt to this accelerated timeline while giving teams enough space to adjust and integrate these changes effectively.

Embracing the AI Era

The time to act is now. AI won’t replace humans outright, but those who fail to integrate it into their workflows risk being left behind. The tools are already here, and the window for learning and adapting is rapidly shrinking.

We must embrace this opportunity to experiment, learn, and redefine how we work. By doing so, we can unlock new levels of effectiveness and ensure that AI becomes a force for good in our organizations and beyond.

AI is more than just a tool; it’s a partner, a disruptor, and a driver of profound change. The future belongs to those who adapt, collaborate, and lead with it.