Interview: Markus Schümmelfeder, CIO, Boehringer Ingelheim | Computer Weekly
Summary
I saw many possibilities arising that were not there before.” Schümmelfeder says the opportunity to become CIO was terrific timing: “It was a chance to bring technology into the company, to make more use of data, and evolve the IT organisation from being a service deliverer into a real enabler. He says professionals across the business understand technology is crucial to effective operational processes: “It’s about bringing us close together to make magic happen.” Schümmelfeder says one of his key achievements since becoming CIO is leading the company on a data journey. One key element is Apollo, a specialist approach to artificial intelligence (AI), allowing employees to select from 40 large language models (LLMs) to explore their use cases and exploit data safely. The company’s staff can use approved models and tools to undertake data-led research in several key areas: “We have a toolbox staff can dip into when they realise an idea or use case.” He outlines three specific AI-enabled use cases: Genomic Lens generates new insights that enable scientists to discover new disease mechanisms in human DNA; the company uses algorithms and historical data to identify the right populations for clinical trials quickly and effectively; and Smart Process Development, which applies machine learning and genetic algorithms to create productivity boosts in biopharmaceutical processes. I hope we can see the first real use cases by the end of this decade.” Schümmelfeder considers the type of data-enabled organisation he’d like to create during the next few years and suggests the good news is that the technological foundations for further transformation are now in place.