How can you utilize artificial intelligence to find solutions for difficult challenges in business? Manikandan Sundarraj is an AI developer and data scientist at the AI Center of Excellence at Fresenius Digital Technology (FDT). In this interview, he shares insights about his role and experiences.
My job title is “AI Solution Engineer”. In this role, I serve as a solutions architect, designing technical solutions to address complex business problems across different segments. My work involves developing innovative solutions and leading projects through advanced development phases to achieve transformative outcomes.
We steer solutions to the problems that the business faces so they are heading in the right direction. We recognize that many teams in the company are facing unique problems in their day-to-day work and this creates interesting and challenging use cases for us. It is important to note that we don’t just rely on AI to come up with solutions; we explore other options too. Our typical process involves resolving the fundamental problems first and only then layering AI solutions on top. This approach usually takes us in the right direction, which in turn saves the organization a lot of time and money.
My background is in technology, specifically in data engineering and data science, and my previous roles were predominantly in the banking and financial sector. I spent around 11 years in this industry, during which time I worked with leading banks. But after all these years in the financial industry, I wanted to explore a different domain. When one of my teammates joined Fresenius, he introduced me to the exciting technological developments happening here. It sounded really interesting and so I moved here when the AI team was first established.
I would especially encourage my friends in India to consider joining our team and the company, as they will find a job with a purpose here. Our team spirit is also really amazing. To give just one example: Usually when you transition to a new company it can take several months to settle down, acclimatize, and feel at home. However, when I joined this team, I felt welcomed from day one and as if I had been a full team member all along. That’s something quite special.
I am very proud of the benefits we deliver to different business segments through the innovative methods and approaches we use. For example, we rarely settle for a single solution when addressing a specific problem. Instead, we would rather explore several alternatives. We then try to find out which is the best fit – in terms of cost-effectiveness, timing, performance, and of course also in terms of benefit for the respective business area.
All these factors are considered and they, of course, also need to be explained and communicated well to the business stakeholders. This is the only way to ensure they have a solid foundation when it comes to deciding which of the alternatives would be the best fit for their use case. This aspect is very satisfying – both from a work and from a purpose perspective – and it makes me proud and grateful to see the results we create.