AI-POWERED FLEXIBILITY – THE ROLE OF AI IN PROBLEM SOLVING
AI is not a universal fix for every operational challenge. Achilles Georgiu, Head of Data, AI & Innovation at MOL Group, brings a practical and thought-provoking perspective to the role of artificial intelligence in problem solving, arguing that AI only creates value when it is applied to the right problem, supported by strong data and guided by clear human understanding.
The presentation begins by reframing the nature of a business problem. Rather than treating problems as isolated incidents, Achilles defines them as gaps between what processes can currently deliver and what customers expect. Whether the cause is inflexibility, variability or poor alignment between IT and business needs, the outcome is the same: a gap that must be understood before it can be solved.
Using the four types of problems, from reactive troubleshooting to open-ended innovation, the session explores where AI can genuinely support better decision-making. In troubleshooting, the focus is restoring normal operations quickly. In gap-from-standard problem solving, AI can help identify recurring patterns. In target-state improvement, AI supports experimentation and learning. In open-ended innovation, AI can narrow possibilities, but humans still choose the direction.
A key message throughout the presentation is that AI amplifies the quality of the thinking and systems already in place. With clear problem definition, reliable data and strong process understanding, AI can help organisations build flexibility, improve insight and dynamically close the gap between process capability and customer demand. Without those foundations, it can simply create confident but flawed decisions at greater speed.
Achilles also connects the discussion to digital twins, data quality and the risks of relying on misleading digital shadows. Explore the full presentation for a deeper look at how MOL Group approaches AI-powered flexibility, problem solving and the practical balance between human judgement, data and intelligent systems.
