Analysis of the Coating Machinery Transfer Project Between Two Production Sites: A Case Study of EssilorLuxottica

Nowadays strategic investment decisions play a crucial role in gaining competitive advantage in the market and must be followed by effective transitional management to ensure that projects are delivered on time and within scope. This thesis investigates the case study of the relocation of coating machinery used for plastic sunglasses lenses treatments from the Lauriano plant to the Barberini site of EssilorLuxottica, a global leader in the dynamic eyewear industry. The main objective is to assess how these infrastructural changes affect production capacity and operational continuity, proposing the use of a what-if simulation model to promote more effective management of industrial planning and mitigate operational risks. First, the research presents a review of the literature on decision-making processes and the main methodologies for evaluating investments in complex and uncertain environments, introducing techniques and models to support planning. Subsequently, an overview of EssilorLuxottica is outlined, covering its history, brand portfolio and main production sites, with particular focus on the Italian plants involved in the transfer. The analysis focuses on the company's supply chain, especially on industrial planning (SIOP, Capacity Planning, MPS) and the role of MRP, highlighting the limitations of the current system. Then the details of the project are discussed, outlining the strategic reasons, technical characteristics and the critical issues encountered. After exploring the organizational and operational implications of the transfer, based on interviews with the teams involved, a what-if simulation model is developed. It enables early assessment of potential criticalities associated with alternative scenarios, allowing simulations to be performed based on variations in multiple parameters to prevent possible future trends. Finally, the thesis presents the results in terms of performance monitoring, corrective actions implemented and highlights the lessons learned. The study of this innovative project allows for the formulation of recommendations aimed at continuous improvement and the management of similar initiatives, promoting the acquisition of useful insights to prevent the recurrence of critical issues in comparable contexts, leading to the formulation of concrete proposals for future improvements.