Aston University partners with cheesemakers to optimise production using machine-learning and AI
Aston University and fourth-generation family cheesemakers , Butlers Farmhouse Cheeses ( BFC ) based in rural Lancashire , have teamed up through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership ( KTP ) to use high-tech solutions to increase their cheese production .
The project will develop novel business analytics and machine learning capability in order to amplify cheese production , looking at milk yields , animal feed and supply chain processes . It will collect data sets throughout the supply chain , from feeding livestock through to the cheese-making process and product consistency .
Cutting-edge technologies that are unique in the sector such as artificial intelligence ( AI ) and machine learning ( ML ) will be applied , to predict and optimise the quality and quantity of milk , helping BFC to forecast future cheese demand .
A KTP is a three-way collaboration between a business , an academic partner and a highly qualified researcher , known as a KTP associate .
The academic team from Aston University will be led by Dr Jiabin Luo , lecturer in business analytics , whose interests focus on optimisation modelling and decision-making in logistics process and supply chains in a wide range of businesses . She will be joined by Dr Ozren Despic , whose main research focus is on developing mathematical models for their use in efficiency measurement and decision making .
Academic support will also be provided by Dr Viktor Pekar and Dr Eliseo Vilalta- 64 FDPP - www . fdpp . co . uk
Perdomo . Dr Pekar ’ s interests focus on predictive modelling , machine learning and natural language processing . Dr Vilalta-Perdomo ’ s research is at the intersection of issues such as human performance , technology and sustainable operations .
Completing the team in the KTP associate position is Giwa Reagan Iziomo , who has proven expertise in data science and business analytics . He holds a bachelor ’ s degree in mechanical engineering and a master ’ s in business analytics and brings onboard years of industry experience in process improvement , supply chain and commercial analyses .
Daniel Hall , fourth-generation owner and operations director of Butlers Farmhouse Cheeses , said :
“ The British cheese renaissance we ’ re seeing at the moment is really exciting – more people than ever are buying into local , quality farmhouse cheesemaking and the variety of superb cheeses we have in this country .
“ Our collaboration is an important lever in keeping this momentum going – with access to Aston University ’ s expertise in artificial intelligence , machine learning and data analytics , we can push the boundaries of our supply chain and processes both now and for the future .”
Dr Jiabin Luo , lecturer in business analytics at Aston Business School , says :
“ The project presents an opportunity to deploy the concepts and theories resulting from our research in a realworld situation and demonstrate its high-quality impact .
“ It also has a positive impact on teaching through case studies on the novel aspect of BFC ’ s substantial control of its own supply chain .”
www . butlerscheeses . co . uk