Research Highlights | 25
RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS
Bentley motors benefits from Keele digital transformation expertise
Bentley Motors has improved its utilisation and understanding of advanced data analytics within the business , thanks to a three-year collaboration with Keele University .
The luxury car brand , which reported record annual sales earlier this year , approached Keele for support in enhancing their use of data to improve customer retention and satisfaction , as well as the efficiency of their feature forecasting process .
Through a collaboration known as a Knowledge Transfer Partnership *, Keele experts worked with Bentley on these areas , as well as jointly developing a structured process that will become the foundation for their future data-driven projects .
A key element of the collaboration has seen the creation of a new forecasting model mechanism for the hundreds of features available across Bentley ’ s car models . By using advanced machine learning , the manufacturer will be able to better predict the demand for each feature , leading to improved production efficiency and minimised customer waiting times .
Nikki Constable , Head of Commercial IT at Bentley Motors , said : “ We learnt so much during the project about the importance of very clearly articulating our use cases , the importance of preparing and cleaning data , and selecting and implementing statistical models – all vital components to be able to deliver advanced analytics use cases . By changing the way that we review our existing data sets , we can identify patterns that support better decision making .”
READ MORE ONLINE
* KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER PARTNERSHIPS ( KTP ) are programmes designed to help businesses improve their competitiveness and productivity through better use of knowledge , technology and skills . A KTP is a three-way project between a business , Keele University and a recently-qualified highcalibre graduate known as an Associate . Part of the cost of a KTP is funded by a grant , applied for in a competitive bid for submissions from the national innovation agency , Innovate UK , and other government co-funders .