Mars is enhancing its centralized AI platform, initially launched as a minimum viable product for approximately 200 associates in Q4. The initiative aims to standardize AI tools, processes, and infrastructure to minimize risks and increase efficiency. Kaarthikeyan Subramaniam, Director of Digital Experiences Platforms, stated that this platform now supports around 3,000 employees in Mars’ Responsible AI community and addresses 50-60% of their common issues.
Developed with Tredence, the platform emerged from generative AI experiments showing that employees faced similar challenges but used different vendors and methods. The new AI platform promotes consistent problem-solving approaches while offering unique solutions when necessary.
The cultural shift towards AI proficiency at Mars is evident as the platform encourages a collaborative and safe environment, especially for handling confidential data. One notable advantage includes the self-service model, enabling employees to use the platform independently after training. In addition, Mars offers software development kits and application programming interfaces for creating applications on the platform, and has broadened its data sources.
Significant benefits include precise measurement of employee usage and engagement, varied data access, query synthesis, and a prompt library enhancing efficiency. Adherence to Responsible AI practices ensures compliance with Mars’ policies.
In summary, Mars’ AI platform has reshaped the company’s operations, bolstered AI skill development, and demonstrated strong employee engagement and retention, marking a strategic shift towards more standardized and efficient AI processes.
