Pernod Ricard Winemakers (PRW) has partnered with South Australian based company Complexica, an artificial intelligence (AI) software specialist, to digitise and globally optimise its supply chain.
PRW's AI Foundations project will provide AI and machine learning capabilities to various supply chain and production functions within the company.
It will transition operations "away from paper, whiteboard and spreadsheet-based systems" to Complexica's cloud-based applications for planning, scheduling and push/pull optimisation.
PRW global operations director Brett McKinnon says the project is aimed at optimising business performance. Complexica offered "global thought leadership" on applied AI, particularly in areas of global optimisation and multi-objective optimisation. It also had "a deep appreciation of winemaking production processes and the inherent complexities that exist within supply chains", McKinnon says.
Complexica CEO Matt Michalewicz says optimising supply chain decisions across multiple operating sites and time zones is “difficult and complex”, but doing so can drive “significant benefits” for business. Asset utilisation, volume throughput, consistent quality and working capital requirements are some of the areas to benefit, he says.
For Michalewicz, applying Complexica’s AI software to those situations is its “core competency as a business”.
PRW IT director Simon Bennett says the contract creates a project team with “the perfect blend of internal and external expertise” to drive operational efficiency.
PRW is the premium wine division of Pernod Ricard. It's portfolio included Jacob's Creek, Brancott Estate (New Zealand), Campo Viejo (Spain) and Kenwood Vineyards and Mumm Napa (California).
Complexica also works with Liquor Marketing Group, Australian Liquor Marketers, Treasury Wine Estates, Pernod Ricard Winemakers, CostaGroup and PFD Food Services.
