MKB Datalab-Oost is an initiative of Radboud University and the University of Twente that helps SMEs in the eastern Netherlands exploit the potential of artificial intelligence and data. AI and Data Science students carry out AI projects (6-10 weeks) or work as a data buddy (45 hours intensive on-site).
In this series, students talk about their experiences at companies in the Lifeport region. From quick wins to strategic insights: their stories show that AI is not a pipe dream, but is already making a difference to regional SMEs today.
Tom van Klaarbergen, a Master’s student in AI at Radboud University, was matched by MKB Datalab-Oost with blower and compressor specialist Aerzen Nederland in Duiven. As a data buddy, he analysed the company’s available data, investigated practical applications of AI and developed these possibilities into clear and actionable plans. The result: a concrete project proposal that AERZEN can put into practice straight away.
At AERZEN, Tom outlined six specific topics to explore as a data buddy. Together with the company, which manufactures industrial blowers and compressors for factories worldwide, he selected three promising projects from these. In just 45 hours, he helped to bring focus to the company’s AI ambitions.
Stock management under the microscope
Tom first looked at stock management and its integration with invoicing. “AERZEN had already organised this well, but I wanted to see if we could make it even more efficient,” says Tom. “By mapping out the process in full, we identified smart optimisations that benefit several departments. The interesting thing is that we could have achieved these quick wins even without AI. Sometimes, a fresh perspective from outside the organisation delivers immediate results.”
Tom van Klaarbergen
Predicting instead of reacting
“AERZEN manufactures industrial blowers that are crucial to production processes,” explains Tom. “Predictive maintenance allows you to forecast maintenance needs based on sensor data. The company has a wealth of data: technician reports, component replacements and the complete service history. We saw opportunities to utilise this valuable information even more effectively.”
Tom’s analysis: “AI algorithms automatically recognise patterns in the extensive dataset. This allows you to optimise maintenance planning and identify potential problems even earlier. This delivers tangible added value: excellent service for customers and the opportunity to offer proactive maintenance contracts.”
Smarter office work
The third topic Tom cut his teeth on was the possibility of AI support for office work. AERZEN uses Microsoft Business Central, which integrates seamlessly with their Office environment. "The move to Microsoft Copilot makes sense," says Tom. "It works within the tools they already use, such as Excel, Outlook and Teams. Copilot can immediately help with daily, recurring tasks: answering emails, writing quotes, summarising documents."
Peace in the AI ambition
In a short space of time, Tom had to learn a lot of new terms to get to grips with AERZEN’s jargon. Conversely, he brought new knowledge to Duiven: “I sensed a great deal of ignorance about AI among the staff. Some are already using ChatGPT, but it’s not really being applied to business processes.
Tom’s most important contribution was to bring a sense of calm to the AI ambition: “Companies are inundated with possibilities. My task was to show where AERZEN could actually start. Otherwise, you run the risk of isolated experiments with no follow-up.”
Valuable insights
In his final presentation, Tom gave the company a clear roadmap for the future. AERZEN has already indicated it is keen to start a follow-up project. Hans Karreman, Director Operations AERZEN Netherlands: "The cooperation with Radboud University was open and transparent from the beginning. Their enthusiasm to show AERZEN Netherlands the way in AI was contagious. Databuddy Tom provided us with valuable insights that we can take forward in concrete terms. We are looking forward to the follow-up phase, in which we will apply AI specifically to a specific issue."
Tip for other SMEs
Tom also has clear advice for other companies: start with a master class at SME Datalab-Oost to discover what AI can do for your organisation. Then have a student investigate where AI can be used to make repetitive processes smarter. "An awful lot can be done with AI," Tom concludes. "But you have to know where to start."
