The effects of the implementation of Atomos on production planning at Benetton

The fashion industry represents one of the most dynamic and complex sectors globally, characterized by constant changes in trends and strong pressure towards innovation and efficiency. In this context, the ability to quickly adapt to the ever-changing market demands and to manage a complex and global supply chain has become an essential requirement for companies in the sector. For this reason, it is necessary for companies, in order to optimize production planning, to implement next generation tools. This thesis analyses the steps necessary for implementation and the potential advantages and disadvantages that a planning software can bring to the Benetton Group. The first chapter of this thesis explores the complexity of the fashion industry, analysing the main challenges it faces and the crucial role of the supply chain in managing these complexities. Additionally, the benefits derived from the adoption of new technologies, which are revolutionizing the way companies operate and compete in the market, will be examined. In the second chapter, the focus shifts to the role of production planning, a key element in ensuring efficiency and competitiveness. The evolution of this process in the era of Industry 4.0 will be discussed, highlighting the traditional systems used by companies and the emerging new approaches. The third chapter briefly introduces the company, recounting its renowned history, its various production plants, its three globally recognized brands and the main processes applied to each collection. The fourth chapter provides a specific analysis of the current planning system used by the Benetton Group. An overview of the current system will be given, followed by a detailed description of the production phases and the machinery used. Moreover, medium-long term planning processes, as well as short-term ones, will be examined, with particular attention to the strengths and weaknesses of the existing system. In the fifth chapter, the Atomos web platform will be introduced, an innovative solution designed to improve production planning management. The description of the platform will be accompanied by a discussion of the expected benefits from its implementation. The sixth chapter focuses on the progress achieved during the internship, highlighting the new developments to be implemented and analysing the strengths and weaknesses that emerged during this phase. Finally, the seventh chapter will be dedicated to evaluating the return on investment, with an in-depth analysis of the main KPIs used to measure the effectiveness of the solutions adopted. The thesis project thus analyses the implementation of the Atomos platform and its positive effects on production management at Benetton Group. The results obtained highlight an increase in productivity and a significant reduction in waste, crucial factors for success in the fashion industry. This thesis not only demonstrates the tangible benefits of implementing an APS (Advanced Planning and Scheduling) system but also offers a replicable model for other companies in the sector that aspire to digitize their production processes according to Industry 4.0 paradigms. Production planning, supported by advanced technologies, is therefore confirmed as a key element in addressing the challenges of the modern fashion market.