Case Study

AI to automate the quality control of clinker

Cluster Reply together with Italcementi to automate the quality control process of clinker, the basic component of cement.

Bringing optimal production management into the digital age

With over 150 years of history, Italcementi is the Italian leader in cement production. The Company is part of the HeidelbergCement Group, the world’s leading player in the vertically integrated supply of building materials.

Italcementi has always been strongly focused on innovation and recently collaborated with Cluster Reply to automate the quality control of the analysis processes of clinker, the basic component of cement. The solution introduced, based on the adoption of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms, enabled the real-time processing of images acquired through electron microscopy, through a detailed and in-depth analysis on the samples taken into consideration.

Automation for detailed, real-time analysis

The benefits of a scalable AI solution

The AI-powered monitoring solution implemented by Cluster Reply has enabled Italcementi to obtain significant operational benefits in its clinker quality control process

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A complete overview of data and detailed information on the sample thanks to a digital dashboard

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Real-time data sharing with the manufacturing facility, for immediate verification analysis

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More time to devote to value-added analysis, thanks to the ability to carry out routine analysis at night

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Potential reduction of CO2 emissions thanks to the assessment of the environmental impact of production

Since 1864, Italcementi has been the Italian leader in the construction materials sector. Its widespread and deep-rooted presence in the territory - with a production network of 10 full-cycle plants located throughout Italy, 6 cement grinding centres, 15 aggregate quarries and 116 ready-mix concrete plants - and its ability to offer innovative quality and sustainable products are the basis for integrated solutions and applications, capable of meeting the needs of the cement and ready-mix concrete market. Since July 2016, Italcementi has been part of the HeidelbergCement Group, the world's leading vertically integrated supplier of construction materials.

Cluster Reply is the company in the Reply group specialized in consulting and system integration services based on Microsoft technologies. The company is focused on innovation and has been following the evolution of Microsoft offering in all the solution areas: Azure, Business Applications, Modern Work & Security.  Cluster Reply satisfied the requirements to attain 5 Advanced Specialization, 17 Microsoft competencies at Gold level and participate to exclusive partner programs such as Azure Expert MSP, M365 Fast Track Ready, and Inner Circle for Business Applications.