Microsoft and Tenova have strengthened their partnership for Industry 4.0. The goal of their renewed partnership is to provide Italian companies in the metals industry with industrial solutions based on Artificial Intelligence technology.
The two companies want to lead the digital transformation of the metals sector, using the Microsoft Azure platform and Tenova's production technology for the steel industry.
The collaboration between the two companies is grounded on three main pillars: predictive monitoring and maintenance; optimization of operations and internal process management; and collaboration and constant commitment to innovation between technology experts and plants operators (the so-called 'human factor').
Several companies in the metals sector have already adopted Tenova's solutions enhanced by Microsoft technology. These include Brescia-based steel company ORI Martin, which specialises in the production of high quality steel, and Tenaris, one of the world's largest manufacturers and suppliers of steel pipes.
ORI Martin is Tenova’s partner in the Lighthouse Plant "Acciaio_4.0". The aim is to transform the production site of Brescia into a Smart Factory using the enabling technologies of Industry 4.0.
Tenaris has established a team of data scientists whose mission is to overcome industrial challenges and exploit digital solutions.
"We are proud of the results achieved so far thanks to the collaboration with Microsoft, through which we have been able to integrate advanced features of the enabling technologies of Industry 4.0 into our systems, with the objective to support customers more effectively in achieving their business goals," said Antonio Catalano, head of digital transformation at Tenova.
Fabio Moioli, director of Microsoft Italia's Enterprise Services Division, commented: "The Italian steel industry has a long tradition, contributing significantly to the competitiveness and growth of the Italian economic fabric, characterized for the quality of its products. In order to continue to face new challenges from global markets with players of greater production capacity, it is increasingly necessary to focus on new technologies and production process innovation, aspects that will prove decisive for the success of our companies in the coming years."