Confectionery heavyweight Mars will utilize the tools of professional services company Accenture to build its cloud platform for manufacturing applications, data and artificial intelligence, target waste reduction, water management and total greenhouse gas emissions.

“The problems we’re solving aren’t new; what’s new is how we use advanced technologies to get real-time data into operators’ hands and apply AI to help them make decisions before problems occur,” says Simon Osborne, a managing director at Accenture.

“What sets this project apart is the speed and scaling of the technology across Mars’ operations globally,” he continues.

In 2021, Mars partnered with Microsoft to incorporate its cloud computing Azure platform. 

Harnessing the power of data
Accenture’s technology allows for virtual representation of machines, products and processes. 

“Fed with real-time data, they can predict and optimize production processes and equipment performance, from reliability to quality to energy efficiency,” explains Accenture.

Accenture’s technology allows for virtual representation of machines, products and processes.Mars can then perform digital simulations of product and factory adjustments without allocating time and resources in the physical space. 

One example of the use of the technology is in reducing instances of over-filling packages – which is a common industry issue.

“[The virtual machine] fed sensor data from manufacturing machinery into a predictive analytics model, which allowed factory line operators to monitor events in real-time and adjust the filling process,” explains the business. 

“The new platform will provide next-generation robotics, AI and automation capabilities at the edge to make Mars manufacturing operations significantly more efficient.”

Predicting outcomes
Earlier this year, Mars unveiled a multi-year collaboration with Pipa, an artificial intelligence food research company, to bring health advancements to food and accelerate the discovery of novel, plant-based ingredients. 

Using Pipa’s virtual sensory panels, the confectionery company can create sensory profiles without experimentation, saving time and resources.

Mars is also experimenting with technologies to launch products such as its Starbust All Pink packaging for candies, which includes a personal biometric fingerprint sensor so only one user can unlock and access the sweets.

The confectionery company aims to take advantage of all possibilities brought by new technologies to reach its target of net-zero greenhouse emissions across its entire value chain by 2050.