NEW YORK — Accenture (NYSE: ACN), a global leader in digital, cloud, and security services, has announced a groundbreaking collaboration with Mars, the renowned leader in confectionery, food, and pet care products and services. This partnership aims to revolutionize Mars’ global manufacturing operations through the application of cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, edge technology, and digital twins, according to a press release published on EuropaWire.

Since late 2020, Accenture and Mars have been at the forefront of trialing digital twins for manufacturing operations. These digital twins, virtual representations of machinery, products, or processes, are fed with real-time data to predict and optimize production processes and equipment performance. The successful trials have paved the way for Accenture and Mars to expand the application of digital twins across Mars’ manufacturing facilities worldwide.

One of the significant successes of this collaboration has been the reduction of over-filling instances in packaging, a prevalent issue in the food industry. By leveraging digital twins, Mars gained real-time insights into its production lines, allowing for immediate adjustments to optimize the filling process. Following a successful trial in the United States, similar solutions were developed for Mars’ pet care business in Europe and China.

Under the new agreement, Accenture and Mars will further enhance manufacturing efficiency by implementing digital twin technology and models across Mars’ global manufacturing facilities. This initiative will provide Mars’ factory line operators with unparalleled real-time insights into current and predictive performance, empowering them to make informed decisions swiftly.

Over the next two years, Accenture and Mars will collaborate to develop a cutting-edge cloud platform for manufacturing applications, data, and AI. This platform will lay the foundation for Mars’ vision of the “Factory of the Future,” integrating next-generation robotics, AI, and automation capabilities at the edge. The overarching goal is to significantly enhance manufacturing efficiency while addressing crucial sustainability objectives, including water stewardship and reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions.

William Beery, Vice President, and Global CIO at Mars Wrigley, emphasized the transformative impact of this collaboration, stating, “Our collaboration with Accenture, combined with our partnership with Microsoft, enables us to scale digital twin technology to reach this goal, delivering not just significant cost savings and sustainability but preparing our manufacturing operations for the future of work.”

Larry Thomas, Senior Managing Director at Accenture and Client Account Lead for Mars, highlighted the significance of leveraging data, cloud, and edge computing to modernize factories and boost business agility. He emphasized the importance of empowering Mars Associates to make informed decisions rapidly.

Thiago Veiga, Senior Director of Digital Supply, R&D & Procurement at Mars Inc., underscored Mars’ commitment to innovation and sustainability in the supply chain, with digital manufacturing being a key priority.

Simon Osborne, Managing Director at Accenture leading its digital twin work with Mars, emphasized the project’s uniqueness in its speed and scalability across Mars’ operations globally. He highlighted the transformative impact of advanced technologies in providing real-time data to operators and applying AI to preemptively address challenges.

Accenture’s partnership with Mars signifies a significant step towards revolutionizing manufacturing operations through digital innovation, setting new standards for efficiency, sustainability, and agility in the industry.