The Erich Klingseisen KG presents 'Erich'. The AI assistant for machining users is named in honor of Erich Klingseisen, who founded the trading company in 1948. Erich answers product questions and technical application questions in the same dialogue. Klingseisen developed the solution together with the technology partner relyon. The data basis, technical logic, and practical examples come from the company itself.
'Many customers know very well which machining problem they need to solve, but not always which item fits,' says Philip Klingseisen, a member of the management board of Erich Klingseisen KG. 'With Erich, we can offer them another consulting channel through which they can quickly and easily find the right tool.'
Erich has an overview of the entire tool inventory of Klingseisen and has the answer ready in a short time. The assistant accesses the product information system (PIM) of Klingseisen, which includes around 500,000 items from various manufacturers, including specifications, list prices, and availability.
Concrete recommendations for machining
Erich is much more than a product filter. Behind the surface, specialized AI agents analyze not only item data but also manufacturer catalogs, technical guides, and cutting data tables. 'There are several hundred thousand data sets with recommended cutting value ranges for each material and material hardness just for indexable inserts,' explains Nikolas Klingseisen, also a member of the management board of Erich Klingseisen KG.
The benefit is particularly evident where product variety and application technology come together. Klingseisen offers a wide range with several hundred thousand items. Those looking for a tool in this environment often need more than just a mere item number. Key factors include material, machining, machine, cooling, geometry, coating, availability, and price. Erich consolidates this information in a dialogue and leads to a reliable pre-selection more quickly.
Even in case of disruptions in the process, the AI assistant can help. If the indexable insert regularly breaks during parting, if a double knurling occurs during knurling, or if the tool life is insufficient during drilling, the user can describe the problem. Erich then provides hints about possible causes and next steps. This includes adjustments to cutting values, recommendations for tool geometry, or follow-up questions if further information is needed for a well-founded recommendation.
If a user asks for cutting data for a plate whose chip former is not the first choice for the specified material, Erich also disagrees. It then provides the data but points out the better alternative. In critical applications, such as knurling in material with 50 HRC, it names the risks and may advise against it.
The use takes place via the digital environment of Klingseisen. In the future, Erich is to be closely integrated with the shop. Then the assistant can also consider customer-specific information after logging in, such as individual prices, stock levels, or previously purchased products. This turns product search into a personal digital consulting channel. Initially, the solution should be as easily accessible as possible so that customers can test it and use it in their daily work.
Free text instead of technical jargon
'Asking Erich is intentionally designed to be user-friendly,' says Nikolas Klingseisen. 'Users can formulate their inquiries in their own words; typos and differing terms are not a problem.' This is particularly helpful for newcomers and employees who do not work with machining tools daily. Experienced machinists, on the other hand, save themselves the need to refer to catalogs and manufacturer hotlines.
Another advantage: Erich is available around the clock via the website and shop of Klingseisen at https://shop.klingseisen.de/erich. And it suffices
If Erich's knowledge is not enough or the task is too complex, a human specialist advisor can be added to the ongoing chat with a click. The conversation history remains intact.
Internally, Erich is also supposed to make work easier. Especially in internal sales, the breadth of the range, variety of variants, and technical detail questions are a challenge. The AI assistant can support employees with research, cutting data, and standard inquiries. This leaves more time for complex tasks, follow-up on offers, and personal consulting.
'The idea goes back to my bachelor's thesis from 2019. Only today's AI models make it possible in this quality,' says Philip Klingseisen. 'It was important to us that the human remains available at any time. Erich does not replace our expert consulting; it makes it available around the clock.'
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