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Abstract

This case focuses on adopting Artificial Intelligence techniques to optimize and automate the production planning processes of Tecnoform, an Italian manufacturing SME. The case describes the challenges faced by the Plan and Planning Manager to implement a supervised scheduler proposed by Ammagamma, an Italian start-up developing AI algorithms. The case allows the class to focus on the organizational elements while setting aside more technical aspects, which might complicate managers' considerations when implementing new digital solutions. It also focuses on some initiatives carried out in the past to improve the firm's operations, such as the introduction of a simple ERP whose data were only available for statistics requiring manual management and analysis. This led to the adoption of the scheduler solution, which could increase efficiency on the production floor by supporting decisions and automating processes. The latter part of the case reports a description of what changed after implementing the scheduler. The case ends with some reflections on topics related to (i) how to deal with the complexity of implementing an AI-based project; (ii) how to understand if the technological solution is suitable for the organization; (iii) how to evaluate the investment.

Teaching and learning

This item is suitable for postgraduate and executive education courses.

Time period

The events covered by this case took place in 2019-2020.

Geographical setting

Region:
Europe
Country:
Italy
Locations:
Emilia Romagna;Parma

Featured companies

Tecnoform Srl
Employees:
51-200
Turnover:
EUR 20 millions
Type:
Privately held
Industry:
Manufacture of plastic packing goods
Other keywords:
Manufacturing; Sustainability
Ammagamma
Employees:
11-50
Turnover:
EUR 3 millions
Type:
Privately held
Industry:
Technical advisory services
Other keywords:
Artificial Intelligence; Machine Learning

Featured protagonist

  • Marco Casa (male), Plant and Planning Manager at Tecnoform

About

Abstract

This case focuses on adopting Artificial Intelligence techniques to optimize and automate the production planning processes of Tecnoform, an Italian manufacturing SME. The case describes the challenges faced by the Plan and Planning Manager to implement a supervised scheduler proposed by Ammagamma, an Italian start-up developing AI algorithms. The case allows the class to focus on the organizational elements while setting aside more technical aspects, which might complicate managers' considerations when implementing new digital solutions. It also focuses on some initiatives carried out in the past to improve the firm's operations, such as the introduction of a simple ERP whose data were only available for statistics requiring manual management and analysis. This led to the adoption of the scheduler solution, which could increase efficiency on the production floor by supporting decisions and automating processes. The latter part of the case reports a description of what changed after implementing the scheduler. The case ends with some reflections on topics related to (i) how to deal with the complexity of implementing an AI-based project; (ii) how to understand if the technological solution is suitable for the organization; (iii) how to evaluate the investment.

Teaching and learning

This item is suitable for postgraduate and executive education courses.

Settings

Time period

The events covered by this case took place in 2019-2020.

Geographical setting

Region:
Europe
Country:
Italy
Locations:
Emilia Romagna;Parma

Featured companies

Tecnoform Srl
Employees:
51-200
Turnover:
EUR 20 millions
Type:
Privately held
Industry:
Manufacture of plastic packing goods
Other keywords:
Manufacturing; Sustainability
Ammagamma
Employees:
11-50
Turnover:
EUR 3 millions
Type:
Privately held
Industry:
Technical advisory services
Other keywords:
Artificial Intelligence; Machine Learning

Featured protagonist

  • Marco Casa (male), Plant and Planning Manager at Tecnoform

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