Microsoft Azure (Microsoft) Case Studies AkzoNobel: Revolutionizing Color Prediction with IoT

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	AkzoNobel: Revolutionizing Color Prediction with IoT Microsoft Azure (Microsoft)

AkzoNobel: Revolutionizing Color Prediction with IoT

Microsoft Azure (Microsoft)

Technology Category	Analytics & Modeling - Machine Learning Analytics & Modeling - Predictive Analytics
Applicable Industries	Education Equipment & Machinery
Applicable Functions	Product Research & Development Quality Assurance
Use Cases	Predictive Maintenance Time Sensitive Networking
Services	Data Science Services Testing & Certification
Challenge	AkzoNobel, a Dutch paint and coatings company, has been at the forefront of color matching for two centuries. However, the company faced challenges in keeping up with the rapidly evolving color trends in industries like automotive and interior decor. The traditional method of color prediction, which involved complex mathematical models, was no longer efficient or innovative. The paint industry was under immense pressure as new colors emerged daily, and manufacturers constantly sought new finishes to gain a competitive edge. AkzoNobel's color prediction process, which involved deciphering multiple physical elements influencing color, was complex and time-consuming. The company needed to innovate and adapt to meet the modern demands and expectations of its customers. Read More
About Customer	AkzoNobel is a leading Dutch paint and coatings company that operates in more than 150 countries and employs approximately 34,500 people. The company owns popular brands like Dulux and Sikkens and has a rich heritage of over 200 years. AkzoNobel has always been at the forefront of color trends, with a dedicated team of scientists working to adjust, recalibrate, and tweak colors to meet the latest trends in various industries. The company prides itself on its commitment to innovation and exceeding customer expectations. AkzoNobel's key to success lies in its ability to adapt and innovate, constantly seeking new ways to meet the evolving demands of the market. Read More
Solution	AkzoNobel turned to machine learning technology and AI, powered by Microsoft Azure, to revolutionize its color prediction process. The introduction of Azure Machine Learning transformed the core process of color prediction, extending it with new technology. Instead of relying solely on physical models, the company could now make calculations based on deep learning models. This technology enabled AkzoNobel to create more color recipes, more accurately, and in less time. The transition to the new technology was seamless, with lab technicians and scientists using the same process and software tools, but with smarter calculations and fewer rounds of tests. The machine learning models were easy to deploy with the help of partner Machine2Learn, and the platform as a service (PaaS) capabilities of Azure increased operational simplicity, allowing AkzoNobel to scale up or down as needed. Read More Log in to view content
Contents

Technology Category

Analytics & Modeling - Machine Learning

Analytics & Modeling - Predictive Analytics

Applicable Industries

Education

Equipment & Machinery

Applicable Functions

Product Research & Development

Quality Assurance

Use Cases

Predictive Maintenance

Time Sensitive Networking

Services

Data Science Services

Testing & Certification

Challenge

AkzoNobel, a Dutch paint and coatings company, has been at the forefront of color matching for two centuries. However, the company faced challenges in keeping up with the rapidly evolving color trends in industries like automotive and interior decor. The traditional method of color prediction, which involved complex mathematical models, was no longer efficient or innovative. The paint industry was under immense pressure as new colors emerged daily, and manufacturers constantly sought new finishes to gain a competitive edge. AkzoNobel's color prediction process, which involved deciphering multiple physical elements influencing color, was complex and time-consuming. The company needed to innovate and adapt to meet the modern demands and expectations of its customers.

About Customer

AkzoNobel is a leading Dutch paint and coatings company that operates in more than 150 countries and employs approximately 34,500 people. The company owns popular brands like Dulux and Sikkens and has a rich heritage of over 200 years. AkzoNobel has always been at the forefront of color trends, with a dedicated team of scientists working to adjust, recalibrate, and tweak colors to meet the latest trends in various industries. The company prides itself on its commitment to innovation and exceeding customer expectations. AkzoNobel's key to success lies in its ability to adapt and innovate, constantly seeking new ways to meet the evolving demands of the market.

Solution

AkzoNobel turned to machine learning technology and AI, powered by Microsoft Azure, to revolutionize its color prediction process. The introduction of Azure Machine Learning transformed the core process of color prediction, extending it with new technology. Instead of relying solely on physical models, the company could now make calculations based on deep learning models. This technology enabled AkzoNobel to create more color recipes, more accurately, and in less time. The transition to the new technology was seamless, with lab technicians and scientists using the same process and software tools, but with smarter calculations and fewer rounds of tests. The machine learning models were easy to deploy with the help of partner Machine2Learn, and the platform as a service (PaaS) capabilities of Azure increased operational simplicity, allowing AkzoNobel to scale up or down as needed.

Impact #1	The implementation of machine learning technology and AI, powered by Microsoft Azure, has revolutionized AkzoNobel's color prediction process. The company can now create more color recipes, more accurately, and in less time. This has not only resulted in significant time savings but also lower costs and a faster time to market. The transition to the new technology was almost seamless, with lab technicians and scientists still using the same process and software tools, but with smarter calculations and fewer rounds of tests. The efficiencies generated by machine learning have also had major benefits for how AkzoNobel serves its customers, particularly in the car industry. The company can now provide the correct recipe of a color that is just introduced in the market more quickly, making car repairs easier and faster.

Impact #1

The implementation of machine learning technology and AI, powered by Microsoft Azure, has revolutionized AkzoNobel's color prediction process. The company can now create more color recipes, more accurately, and in less time. This has not only resulted in significant time savings but also lower costs and a faster time to market. The transition to the new technology was almost seamless, with lab technicians and scientists still using the same process and software tools, but with smarter calculations and fewer rounds of tests. The efficiencies generated by machine learning have also had major benefits for how AkzoNobel serves its customers, particularly in the car industry. The company can now provide the correct recipe of a color that is just introduced in the market more quickly, making car repairs easier and faster.

Benefit #1	Machine learning technology led to significant time savings of approximately 15-20 percent for the team working on new colors for cars.
Benefit #2	The new technology reduced the time to get a car color available for the market from up to two years to just one month.
Benefit #3	The time to deploy the company’s first end-to-end environment on Azure was less than two months.

Benefit #1

Machine learning technology led to significant time savings of approximately 15-20 percent for the team working on new colors for cars.

Benefit #2

The new technology reduced the time to get a car color available for the market from up to two years to just one month.

Benefit #3

The time to deploy the company’s first end-to-end environment on Azure was less than two months.

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Overview

AkzoNobel: Revolutionizing Color Prediction with IoT

Operational Impact

Quantitative Benefit