Generative AI in Industry and Government: Opportunities, Risks, and Strategic Implementation

Generative AI is revolutionizing the digital landscape by opening up new possibilities in automation, customer communication, and data-driven decision-making for companies and government agencies. However, it also brings challenges – ranging from data protection risks to model manipulation and disinformation.

How can industry and government agencies use generative AI to drive innovation while minimizing security risks? In this article, we analyze the key findings from the current whitepaper by the German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) and use an example to show which measures enable safe and responsible use.

Generative AI: Actively Addressing Risks – Seizing Opportunities, Minimizing Dangers

Artificial intelligence offers enormous advantages – from automation and increased efficiency to personalized customer interaction. But it also provides valuable support in the area of IT security: AI helps with security management, by analyzing threat scenarios and reviewing system configurations. It detects unwanted content, even when clever disguising allows it to bypass classic spam filters. In addition, AI can examine data traffic for anomalies or optimize and secure program code.

However, these opportunities also come with risks. Large Language Models (LLMs) can generate misinformation („hallucinations“) when prompted incorrectly, since they do not reason but instead provide statistically based answers. Likewise, deliberately manipulated prompts can be used to extract confidential information or capture internal knowledge.

To counteract these risks or minimize their impact, the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) has created a comprehensive list of measures. An accompanying matrix specifically maps the measures to the respective risks, allowing IT managers to quickly identify which threats are relevant to their own system – and which strategies can effectively counter them.

Infographic: Opportunities and potential for government agencies and industry through the use of generative AI.

An Example of a Typical Risk and Mitigating Measures

The BSI warns of the danger of impersonating a media identity. Here, attackers use artificial intelligence to build trust through human manipulation techniques or psychological influence aimed at extracting information (social engineering), and to get people to disclose sensitive data or carry out security-critical actions – for example, through deceptively genuine chats, emails, or other communication channels.

Effective countermeasures exist to prevent such attacks:

• Detecting AI-generated content: Statistical methods can be used to identify synthetic texts. However, these methods still reach their limits with short texts.
• Protecting sensitive training data: Critical data should be consistently anonymized and filtered. Methods such as differential privacy prevent confidential information from being extracted from the training data.
• Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback (RLHF): Human oversight of training data can help reduce bias in the model. However, the manual review effort is high, and achieving complete error-freedom remains a challenge.
• Validating and filtering input: To detect hidden, malicious intent in texts at an early stage, mechanisms such as classic spam filters can help – a proven and robust technology.
• Securing generated content: In addition to issuing warnings, it must be prevented that abusive prompts generate, for example, malicious code, SQL, or JavaScript that could be executed on vulnerable systems.

Technical and Strategic Considerations for Implementing Generative AI:

Generative AI cannot be viewed in isolation. The BSI emphasizes the need for a robust infrastructure, continuous model monitoring, and clearly defined access rights and governance policies. Only through precise control and regular evaluation can it be ensured that AI applications operate safely and reliably.

We rely on vetted model architectures that enable transparent and effective use of artificial intelligence. The AI systems used are designed to comply with the requirements of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), while modern security measures are implemented to ensure the integrity of the processed data.

In addition, the Pega low-code platform for decisioning and case management offers a powerful foundation for governing AI-supported business processes. Its flexible architecture enables precise adaptation to individual requirements and ensures that companies benefit from the advantages of artificial intelligence without having to compromise on security or data protection.

You can download the complete BSI whitepaper here.

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The Next Level: Where Is Low-Code Heading in the Coming Years?

Low-code platforms have long established themselves as a fixed component for driving digital transformations efficiently and sustainably. According to forecasts, the global market for low-code development will reach a size of more than $388 billion by 2030, with an impressive annual growth rate (CAGR) of 37.9% (Business Wire, 2024).

Pega, as one of the world’s leading low-code platforms, remains not only a pioneer but also a driving force for innovation. From automating complex processes to integrating intelligent workflows – the Pega platform offers companies and public institutions versatile approaches for responding to growing demands.

Which Industries Benefit the Most?

In particular, the public sector, banks, and insurance companies are increasingly recognizing the possibilities that low-code solutions offer: greater agility, faster rollout of new applications, and the ability to adapt flexibly to regulatory changes. But what comes next – which trends, technologies, and challenges will shape the low-code market and other industries?

Our experts have taken these questions as an opportunity to venture a look into the future. Their assessments show how low-code could revolutionize the way companies work in the long term as well.

Stefan Heuer, Senior Account Manager

For us, he sheds light on upcoming challenges for digital transformation in 2025 and how Pega solutions can help:

„2025 will be a year of major challenges, both in terms of selecting suitable new technologies and their investment calculations. Many companies have recently taken a responsible approach to adopting low-code tools, because they have come to appreciate the benefits of flexible automation workflows over standard solutions.

However, only a few low-code tools additionally focus on the topic of reusability. With our Pega solutions, entire organizations can be mapped very intelligently using reusable building blocks – and changed quickly! This, however, will be of decisive advantage in 2025: new laws, tariffs, funding programs, rapidly changing markets – companies need to be able to react immediately. Those who already use Pega will greatly appreciate the value of this investment. They can adapt their organization without major release cycles. On top of that, Pega continues to invest heavily in integrating artificial intelligence and can already take a great deal of work off its customers‘ hands today.“

Dr. Kathrin Kissau, Account Manager

How do institutions best respond t

o rising costs, and what role does digitalization play in this? Kathrin explores this topic for us:

„The growing cost pressure in public administration can, in the medium term, only be addressed through greater efficiency gained from digitalizing processes. The key is to focus on synergies, reusability, sustainability, and close collaboration with other authorities and organizations. Digitalization initiatives implemented with the Pega low-code platform can deliver exactly that. Pega makes it possible to develop tailor-made and scalable solutions that automate processes, seamlessly integrate existing systems, and at the same time foster collaboration between organizations – all with a clear focus on efficiency and sustainability.“

Mastering Digital Challenges Together with Greenfield and Pega

Low-code has long been more than just a trend – it is a central building block of digital transformation. With Pega, companies and institutions have a platform at their side that not only masters today’s challenges but also sets the course for tomorrow. Whether public administration, banks, or insurance companies – the future belongs to those who rely on intelligent, scalable, and sustainable solutions. Greenfield is the leading German-speaking Pega partner and a guide for digital projects. Together with you, we shape your digital processes and rely on innovative solutions that combine efficiency, flexibility, and sustainability. With our expertise, we support you from conception through implementation and beyond. In doing so, we create tailor-made systems that make companies and public institutions future-proof.

Would you like to learn more about Greenfield?
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Also follow us on LinkedIn to stay up to date on the latest industry news, Pega updates, and career opportunities.

Are you ready for the next step? Then let’s shape your transformation together.

„Low-Code & Co.: More Harm Than Good?“

This headline caused quite a stir in a recently published article on the IT news platform Heise (see Golo Roden, December 4, 2024). But where does low-code technology actually stand today, and where do its opportunities and limitations lie? In the following article, we offer a well-founded and balanced perspective on low-code technology and answer open questions.

The Reality Behind the Hype

The author of the Heise article puts it aptly: „Business departments cannot suddenly solve everything themselves as if by magic.“ We fully agree with this observation. A calculator doesn’t turn anyone into a mathematician – and in the same way, a low-code platform doesn’t turn a subject-matter expert into a fully-fledged software developer.

Experience Makes the Difference

Not all low-code platforms are the same. While many providers have only jumped on the low-code trend in recent years, the Pega platform was designed as a low-code system from the very beginning – 40 years ago – and Pegasystems continues to develop its platform further. This long experience is reflected particularly in its technical maturity:

The Bridge Between IT and Business Departments

Citizen Development – Used the Right Way

1. A professional development environment for IT experts
2. An intuitive interface for citizen developers

The Topic of Vendor Lock-in?

• Solutions developed by many professional software engineers; this brings considerably more IT know-how to bear than in-house, on-site programming.
• Curated and tested (open-source) libraries; the vendor selects the technically best solutions and ensures that its software develops stably together with all libraries over a very long period.
• Professional support; the vendor closes known vulnerabilities and releases updates. This is more than local teams could achieve if they had to monitor hundreds of libraries alongside their development tasks.

Our Conclusion

Do you have further questions on this or other low-code-related topics? Then feel free to send us a message and follow us on LinkedIn so you never miss any news about Greenfield or the most important developments in the low-code world.

Greenfield’s Donation Goals for 2024

2024 was a year full of successes, milestones, and important initiatives for Greenfield. We overcame numerous challenges and developed innovative solutions for our customers. It was a year in which we, as a company, broke new ground and were able to take important steps for our future. Giving back some of our success has always been a strong commitment of ours. The entire Greenfield team is therefore delighted that, in 2024 too, we were able to provide more than 50,000 euros for charitable purposes. As every year, we specifically supported organizations that make a decisive difference in areas such as humanitarian aid, education, and environmental protection. In the following article, we would like to present our donation goals in detail and take a closer look at the organizations we supported.

GAiN e.V. – €37,800 to Support People Affected in Eastern Europe

In 2024, the war in Ukraine remained one of the dominant global issues. Millions of people have been displaced by the ongoing conflict and are in urgent need of help. Families, and especially children, are particularly affected, having to live in insecure and often dangerous conditions without the support they need.

We therefore decided in 2024 to support the organization GAiN e.V. with a donation of 37,800 euros. For more than 30 years, the organization has been providing on-the-ground emergency relief in crisis regions worldwide and is committed to long-term projects for a better future. With our contribution, we aim to support a GAiN relief convoy heading to a crisis region in Ukraine.

PLANT-MY-TREE – €5,000 from Greenfield for Reforestation and Climate Protection

Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time, and each of us is called upon to take action. Greenfield already supported PLANT-MY-TREE in 2023 in reforesting and protecting German natural areas. We continued this commitment in 2024 with a donation of 5,000 euros. In addition, some of our Greenfield employees actively got involved toward the end of the year by taking part in a tree-planting campaign near Lüdenscheid. You can find more information about this here.

PLANT-MY-TREE has made it its mission to counteract forest dieback in Germany. The foundation is committed to preserving natural areas and planting new trees. Through its work, the preservation of more than 1,000,000 trees is already being secured today.

Deutschlandstipendium at the University of Jena – €7,200 for Education and the Future

Education is the key to a better future. In 2024, Greenfield decided to invest in the next generation of leaders and innovators together with the University of Jena as part of the Deutschlandstipendium (Germany Scholarship) program. With a donation of 7,200 euros, we helped support talented students and pave their way toward a successful future.

The Deutschlandstipendium is a government-supported program that focuses on supporting particularly high-achieving and committed students. Through the scholarship, students receive monthly financial support that allows them to focus on their studies without financial worries. This support helps not only the students themselves but also society as a whole, as it enables an education that improves opportunities in both the job market and research.

#TogetherForABetterFuture

We are proud that 2024 was once again a year of commitment for Greenfield. As in previous years, we placed great importance not only on providing financial resources, but above all on taking responsibility to make a positive contribution to our society. In doing so, we continue to rely on close, fully transparent, and long-term partnerships with our donation partners.

„Through our donations to GAiN and PLANT-MY-TREE, and our commitment to students at the University of Jena, we became active in 2024 in three very different yet equally important areas. In doing so, Greenfield continues the social responsibility it has upheld since its founding. We are already looking forward to reports and updates from our donation partners.“

Lars Ackermann, Chief Technology Officer

Do you have questions? Just get in touch with us! Also follow us on LinkedIn to stay up to date on everything related to Greenfield and new career opportunities.

Want to Get Leaner?
Achieving Optimal Process Management Through Hyperautomation

Leaner business processes and a more agile approach, who doesn’t want that? How does hyperautomation factor into this, and what exactly does this term actually mean? What benefits might the latest developments in the software industry bring to your company?

What you’ll find in this article:

Many companies rely on software for intelligent automation (also known as Intelligent Process Automation, or IPA for short) to achieve their ambitious business goals this year as well. According to a recent „State of AI“ study by Deloitte, 79% of respondents have deployed intelligent software in at least three applications, and 94% are convinced that IPA will be of decisive importance for business success.¹

The hyperautomation approach goes a step further still. It describes the concept of automating as many individual process segments as possible. This means the focus is no longer solely on supportive measures. Rather, human work steps are replaced by machine-driven processes wherever this is possible for the purposes of automation. In doing so, numerous software solutions in the fields of machine learning (ML), artificial intelligence (AI), robotic process automation (RPA), and intelligent business process management suites (iBPMS, also known as BPM systems) are combined and, where appropriate, integrated.²

When and Where Does Hyperautomation Make Sense?

For the sake of efficiency, the potential for hyperautomation can already be factored in when planning processes and workflows. But it also plays a decisive role later on, during execution and monitoring. To identify the potential for automating processes in the first place, methods such as process mining are used. Here, companies gather data from a wide variety of sources, such as ERP, CRM, or other systems, in order to visualize and analyze business processes. Among other things, this is meant to uncover weaknesses such as data discrepancies, bottlenecks, or inefficiencies. The conclusions drawn from the data can in turn be used to identify patterns and pinpoint opportunities for automation.³

For example, if your customers want to get in touch with you, they will typically use a digital form to do so. Here, the request is specified in more detail by the customer themselves, who may also already provide categorizations or similar details. Depending on how well the customer’s input and the narrowing down of the topic succeed, the information can be forwarded to the relevant department and the next steps can be tackled.

If the problem description is incorrect or incomplete, however, processing of the customer inquiry can stall, among other things because the wrong responsibilities are taken into account. If intelligent software solutions are incorporated instead, task assignment (aka routing) can be refined or supported, and effort can be reduced.

In this context, companies can make use of the capabilities of Pega Process AI. In this BPM system, the information provided by the customer can be analyzed and interpreted using Natural Language Processing (NLP), making it usable for employees and their decision-making.⁴

2. Flexibility as a Key Indicator

„It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.“, Charles Darwin, 1809-1882.

With this, he was speaking precisely to what is of fundamental importance in today’s business environment. Economic conditions are constantly changing and becoming ever more demanding. Our own ability to adapt to changing circumstances is therefore one of the key success factors for growth and a secure future for the company. In doing so, personnel challenges such as the shortage of skilled workers or the need for suitable processes and tools for remote collaboration must be mastered, without losing sight of the customer interface. After all, customers are changing too and becoming increasingly digitally savvy. They expect fast responses, straightforward and unbureaucratic processing, an online customer portal, and other offerings that help ensure that contact with the company creates a positive customer experience.

If companies don’t want to lose touch with their customers, they need to act accordingly innovatively. It is therefore necessary to implement adjustments to the use of hyperautomation for a more customer-oriented presence and the handling of business processes.

3. Choosing the Right Solution for Hyperautomation

Besides the NLP approach already mentioned, AI-based process automation also offers predictive and adaptive models for optimal adaptation. As already mentioned, conclusions can be drawn and forecasts made based on the available data and its patterns. Predictive models use exactly this to optimize business processes and make them more efficient.

For example, if customers submit a loan application, such predictive models can be incorporated into the creditworthiness assessment. Based on historical data, the model would, for instance, make predictions about possible loan defaults and, depending on the forecast, forward the application to a case handler for additional review.

Adaptive models aim to build and maintain a certain degree of adaptability and flexibility in processes. Unlike the predictive approach, data is analyzed in real time and the results are fed directly back into the system. The software thus learns live from customer behavior and continuously optimizes itself. Building on this, fast responses to changing customer trends become possible, and the efficiency of the system is improved.

As the market leader in digital process automation software, Pega sets itself apart from competitors with its Process AI, primarily through the integration of predictive and adaptive models into its process management.⁵

The Pega solution is based on agile low-code platforms. This environment enables software development using visual and graphic tools instead of text-based programming languages. This means adjustments can be implemented faster and more cost-effectively.

4. Pega Process AI. Your Roadmap to Avoiding Inefficiency

So you can build a bridge between your current challenges and the efficiency and cost targets you’re aiming for! As one of the leading implementation partners in Germany, at Greenfield we have relied on Pega’s innovative software solutions for over 10 years. Based on comprehensive case management, the Pega Process AI platform combines the use of intelligent automation (IA), centralized artificial intelligence (AI), hybrid robotic process automation (RPA), and low-code software development.⁶

„This is how you close the gap between your data and the customer experience you’re aiming for.“ Pega, 2020⁴

Read here to learn more about how you can optimize your processes with us and future-proof your company.

Sources:

¹ IDC (2022): IDC Studie: 70 Prozent deutscher Unternehmen setzen künftig auf intelligente Prozessautomatisierung, KI ist entscheidender Enabler. Retrieved on 27.02.2023, from: https://www.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=prEUR149220822

² Vogel Communications Group GmbH & Co. KG: So viele Unternehmen nutzen bereits intelligente Automation. Retrieved on 27.02.2023, from: https://www.elektrotechnik.vogel.de/so-viele-unternehmen-nutzen-bereits-intelligente-automation-a-d69ba2747ca5fd9a074867b8f54ed626/#:~:text=Spitzenreiter%20sind%20dabei%20IT%2DAbteilungen,oder%20Natural%20Language%20Processing%20kombiniert

³ Frisch, Jürgen (2022): Process Mining führt Automatisierung zum Erfolg. Retrieved on 27.02.2023, from: https://news.it-matchmaker.com/process-mining-fuehrt-automatisierung-zum-erfolg/

⁴ Pegasystems Inc. (2023): Put NLP text analysis to the test. Retrieved on 27.02.2023, from: https://www.pega.com/products/platform/nlp-text-analyzer

⁵ Pegasystems Inc. (2023): Funktionen für intelligente Automatisierung in der Pega-Plattform. Retrieved on 27.02.2023, from: https://www.pega.com/de/products/platform/intelligent-automation

⁶ Pegasystems Inc. (2020): PEGA Leistungsfähiger. Schlanker. Agiler. Retrieved on 27.02.2023, from: https://www.pega.com/de/be-stronger-leaner-more-agile

Greenfield Supports the C and D Youth Handball Teams of SG Ollheim-Strassfeld with New Kits

Like many other sports clubs across Germany, SG Ollheim-Strassfeld also suffered from the economic effects of the pandemic. To ensure that the club from Swisttal can continue to offer young people this important and sustainable balance to everyday stress, Greenfield is supporting the C and D handball teams with new kits. From now on, the boys and girls of SG will take to the field for new matches together with Greenfield Technology!

Located in the Rhein-Sieg district, SG Ollheim-Strassfeld has around 400 members and, alongside its large handball division with a total of 11 children’s, youth, and adult teams, offers a wide range of other sporting activities for young and old alike. The club also places great value on community spirit, and in addition to its big carnival event, holds an annual Christmas party, regular get-togethers, outings, and team trips.

As a company with employees working from home all across Germany, it is immensely important to us not just to preach corporate social responsibility, but above all to live it. For many children and young people, sport is the ideal counterbalance to a stressful school routine and a place to experience team spirit and learn to rely on one another. That’s why we’re delighted to support SG Ollheim-Strassfeld in continuing and further expanding its club work in the future. We wish both teams and the rest of SG every success and are already looking forward to the next matches!

Greenfield Technology at the IT for Insurance Trade Congress

The leading marketplace for IT executives in the insurance industry is entering its next round! On November 29 and 30, 2022, Versicherungsforen Leipzig once again invites attendees to the annual IT for Insurance Trade Congress!

We are delighted to be exhibiting this year, bringing along numerous exciting topics and demos to give our customers and other interested parties a hands-on experience of the benefits of digitalization with Pega.

What Topics Are We Bringing to Leipzig?

At our booth, you’ll learn what makes Pega’s low-code platform the optimal digitalization solution for your existing systems. A few highlights in advance:

Next Best Action

How can I always determine the optimal course of action and individual offers for my customers in real time, using historical data and artificial intelligence, and grow my own business as a result? Pega’s proven AI technology uses predictive analytics and machine learning to calculate the next best steps for every interaction.

Low-Code

Unlike classic text-based programming languages, within the Pega platform you design process flows using a functional selection of components, templates, and design best practices. This not only saves time and costs but also quickly lowers knowledge barriers and fosters collaboration. Be convinced by a 360-degree customer view and discover that adjustments or changes to the platform can be made without major effort.

Digital Sales

How can I automatically transfer prospect data into my sales systems and generate the documents required for the further sales process (e.g., as a PDF)? How do I create personalized links or obtain consent declarations from my customers online?

Together with DAK-Gesundheit, our team will present an exclusive live pitch on digital customer acquisition with Pega. See real-world examples of how the Pega platform and the products built on it create effective, time-saving insurance solutions.

Integration into Existing Systems

Probably the most important aspect: How can I use my existing legacy systems without having to adapt them from the ground up? The Pega platform already comes with many standard connections built in, enabling straightforward integration with existing IT systems or applications such as SAP or DMS solutions, as well as use in the web & cloud.

Our Experts On-Site Are Happy to Advise You on All Topics Related to Pega

Our Pega experts Lars Ackermann, Jörg Ribbeck, and Joshua Pees will be happy to advise you on-site at the trade congress about the benefits of the Pega platform and individual solutions for your company, and will answer any further questions. You can read more about our experts at the MKIT below.

We look forward to seeing you in Leipzig. You’ll find all the details about our booth location at the MKIT and our pitch together with DAK-Gesundheit on LinkedIn over the coming days!

Greenfield Supports CADUS in Providing Relief Packages and Expanding Intensive-Care Ambulances

The war of aggression against Ukraine has now been going on for 5 months. According to the UN, more than 7.7 million Ukrainians have so far left their home country, while 2.6 million have already returned to Ukraine. To protect people on the ground and provide help to those affected, the work and support of aid organizations remains essential.

CADUS is a non-profit, independent aid organization that has been providing emergency medical relief from Berlin and on the ground in Ukraine since the start of the war. Together with Greenpeace, CADUS has so far organized 3 aid shipments, including medical equipment for wound care and general medical supplies, among other things.

With the help of Emergency Medical Teams (EMTs), CADUS assists in evacuating patients who require ongoing medical care. They are transported in specially equipped ambulances from endangered areas to safe hospitals in western Ukraine and in Poland.

CADUS also pools resources with EMTs from other countries and carries out joint operations to build reliable structures for the future. The aid organization works tirelessly to use donations to bring further vehicles and teams into operation on the ground.

To equip further ambulances as intensive-care transport vehicles, Greenfield is donating €30,000 to CADUS. Specifically, our donation enables the purchase of specialized equipment such as syringe infusion pumps, suction pumps for bodily fluids, and several electric stretchers that make transporting patients easier. The remaining amount goes entirely toward CADUS’s administrative costs (office rent, personnel costs, etc.) as well as the organization of further relief efforts.

Finally, we would like to take this opportunity to thank CADUS and all the other aid organizations for their tireless efforts, who have been providing emergency relief on the ground continuously for months now – and, not to be forgotten, everyone who supports those affected within their own means.

More information about CADUS’s work and donation options can be found here.

Successful Pega Digitalization at UKB

In 2019, University Hospital Bonn (UKB) decided to digitalize its HR processes as extensively as possible. Based on Pega’s low-code platform, 7 HR processes have been implemented to date.

Throughput and processing times were significantly reduced as a result, by up to 60%. In addition, the time-consuming status inquiries of the past are no longer needed, and sources of error in the application processes are eliminated. This takes a huge burden off employees.

UKB achieved another major effect primarily in paper savings, which brings not only economic but of course also ecological benefits. Several tens of thousands of sheets of paper can be saved per year as a result.

Pega Upgrade Within Just 10 Working Days

Some time has passed since the solution was introduced based on version 8.2.2, and Pega has since released new software versions. UKB wanted to benefit from these in its further project work as well and carried out a Pega upgrade project in May 2022.

Thanks to a carefully coordinated schedule, Greenfield AG carried out the upgrade of the various Pega environments (development, test, production) to the latest version 8.7.1 within just 10 working days.

The three environments were switched over in a staggered sequence. This approach minimized several risks, including platform downtime. The hospital’s day-to-day operations continued almost as usual throughout the upgrade project.

Sarah Nieden, project manager at UKB:

„As always, Greenfield’s team supported us in carrying out the upgrade to the latest Pega version in their tried-and-tested way, updating our 3 work environments to the new version. This means we can now carry out our further planned optimizations more cost-effectively and quickly, using the latest version of Pega.“

Read more here about the digitalization of University Hospital Bonn.

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