BMW is using Alconic AI tools for its Purchasing and Supplier Network

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BMW Group is developing GenAI applications for its Purchasing and Supplier Network at a tech hub in Romania focused on monitoring supply chain data.

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BMW Group is providing digital training and has set up special AI innovation spaces for employees at all levels

The BMW Group is developing specific AI applications for its Purchasing and Supplier Network from its IT hub in Romania, located at the Cluj-Napoca tech centre. BMW Tech Works Romania is a joint venture between the carmaker and NTT Data Romania.

The carmaker said that by the end of 2025 the hub will be home to a team of experts working on cutting-edge genAI applications for BMW Group Purchasing, the department which is driving forward the development and implementation of AI applications.

BMW is already using genAI tools including Knowledge Navigator, Offer Analyst and Tender Assistant, which were introduced last year, and which assist in the analysis and comparison of supplier offers, as well as tender creation and management.

In late 2024 BMW also introduced the Alconic agent system, which it explains as a central AI access point for the Purchasing and Supplier Network. The system combines natural language processing and intelligent algorithms to help teams search for and use information. It integrates different data sources, making fast but precise data searches and information retrieval. BMW said the agent system currently includes ten agents covering topics such as quality, purchasing and supplier data and purchasing process support.

In the future, the application will perform tasks without human supervision, according to the carmaker. Tasks include monitoring supply chain data, creating reports and identifying optimisation potential.

“Our multi-agent system AIconic significantly increases employee efficiency and productivity while setting new standards for AI usage,” said Markus Kronen, head of genAI in the Purchasing and Supplier Network at the BMW Group.

BMW Group is providing digital training and has set up special AI innovation spaces for employees at all levels. In doing so, it said employees acquire digital literacy and share their new skills throughout the organisation.

Read about how BMW is using digital tools at its Debrecen plant in Hungary for series production of the BMW iX3, set to begin late this year. The OEM is adopting in-plant logistics innovations including digital tools and just-in-sequence delivery to develop the plant and reach assembly launch.