The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Automation and Predictive Supply Chain Management: a Case Study at EssilorLuxottica

Supply chain management (SCM) refers to the integrated management of all aspects of production, from planning to distribution, with the aim to optimize resource use, minimize costs, and meet, in a timely and effective manner, customer needs. In recent years, the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) profoundly altered the landscape of supply chain management by introducing machine learning algorithms, predictive analytics systems and intelligent platforms. These tools enhance demand forecasting, optimize logistics, and manage risks, improving operational efficiency and sustainability. By reducing waste and promoting better resource management, AI integration in SCM supports companies in achieving long-term goals that balance profitability with environmental responsibility. This master's thesis aims to find out the extent to which artificial intelligence impacts supply chain management, analyzing its benefits and challenges. It also highlights how artificial intelligence can help to achieve more informed and timely decision-making, more resilient supply chains, and to support companies in their transition to more sustainable business models. A key part of the paper is devoted to the analysis of a concrete case study: the application of AI in the Essilor Luxottica company in an effort to attain greater accuracy in monthly sales forecasts. This project, which arose from the need to efficiently manage product flows and respond to the variability of demand at the global level, relies on the contributions of a specialized team and on an advanced tool, the Oracle Retail Predictive Application Server (RPAS). The thesis focuses on the main phases of the project, underscoring methodologies utilized, outcomes achieved, and possible future insights for the implementation of AI-based solutions in the supply chain management area. In conclusion, this paper closes by allowing a meditation on the opportunities offered by AI to promote more agile, sustainable, and profitable operating models, including strategic implications for firms wishing to pursue these leading technologies.