What if the artificial intelligence revolution in business didn't come from the top down, but from every employee?
The traditional approach to AI is expensive. Massive projects, external consultants, endless delays. A French company in the HVAC sector has chosen a different path. The result? 200 employees creating AI assistants, 250 customized tools, and 20% productivity gains.
A revolution from below
At Clauger, a Lyon-based ETI with 3,000 employees, artificial intelligence has spread naturally. No big six-figure project. Rather, a hands-on strategy: train employees to create their own AI assistants.
“Why invest 80,000 euros when you can create an assistant in an hour that saves each employee 5 minutes a day?” explains Paul F. Minssieux, Director of Information Systems at Clauger.
This decentralized approach turns every employee into a “Maker”. Developers delegate routine code. Lawyers automate contract review. Engineers concentrate on complex analysis.
AI for the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning industry
This philosophy resonates particularly well in our industry. The challenges of hygienic air treatment and energy efficiency demand tailor-made solutions.
Imagine specialized AI assistants that :
- Analyze energy performance data in real time
- Optimize air treatment parameters to suit specific conditions
- Generate preventive diagnostics for HVAC equipment
- Customize customer reports to meet specific needs
Concrete benefits
The impact goes beyond mere automation. “AI doesn’t replace, it augments,” says Paul F. Minssieux. These tools free up time for repetitive tasks. Teams can then focus on innovation and added value.
The gains are measured in :
- Productivity: 20% overall improvement
- Quality: more detailed reports, enriched diagnostics
- Satisfaction: More stimulating work, increased skills
- ROI: Return on investment in less than a week
A culture of innovation
The secret? Making AI accessible without technical complexity. One-hour training. Assistants created in 20 minutes. Shared secure platform. This approach democratizes innovation. No need to be a technical expert. Each business can create its own tools, share its own solutions, and enrich the common library.
The future of intelligent industry
This silent revolution is redefining our relationship with technology. AI does not replace human expertise. It enhances it, liberates it, sublimates it. In a sector where energy efficiency and innovation determine competitiveness, this approach opens up fascinating prospects. Every technician becomes a creator of solutions. Every engineer, architect of collective intelligence.
Ready to explore how decentralized AI could transform your HVAC operations?
Let’s discover the possibilities of innovation for your company.At Soteck Clauger, we believe that innovation is born of human creativity enhanced by intelligent technology.
About Clauger :
Founded 50 years ago and based in Lyon, Clauger is a world leader in industrial refrigeration and air treatment, with sales of 750 million euros and 3,000 employees. This French ETI deploys its expertise in over 40 countries, supporting the food, pharmaceutical and manufacturing industries in their energy transformation.
Clauger masters the entire value chain, from engineering to manufacturing, installation and operation. Its systemic approach integrates three essential flows: Product (quality and food safety), Energy (optimization and recovery) and Protection (air management and environment).
The French company relies on an international network of experts specialized by sector (cheese, meat, bakery, pharmaceuticals) and develops innovative solutions combining industrial performance and environmental sustainability. Its “Booster Coordinator” integrates artificial intelligence and digital twins to optimize the overall performance of industrial sites.
Soteck , a Clauger partner since 2019, brings this global expertise to the Quebec and Canadian markets.
Source and credit: Article “How Clauger transforms its employees into creators of AI assistants” – Journal des Entreprises, July 17, 2025