AI transforms Olympic Games Paris 2024, Airbus goes green, Lotus seeks OPEX manager – PEX Community News

PEX Network’s weekly news bulletin rounds up the latest from the process community including operational excellence, digital transformation, business process management (BPM), process mining, artificial intelligence (AI) and much more.

This week includes:

• AI and tech innovations to revolutionize Olympic Games Paris 2024
• Lotus seeks operational excellence manager, Lego hiring senior continuous improvement specialist
• Airbus and ACI World partner to reduce aviation’s environmental impact
• Puttshack appoints new CEO to drive operational excellence and growth
• Women in Process Mining to host Australian chapter launch
• OPEX and Business Transformation Awards open for 2025

AI and tech innovations to revolutionize Olympic Games Paris 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) is set to play a transformative role at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, ushering in a wave of technological advancement and operational efficiency. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) launched the Olympic AI Agenda in April 2024, setting out the envisioned impact that AI can deliver for sport. The Paris Games, which start on July 24, will witness the first examples of its implementation. Image (left): 142^nd IOC Session. IOC/Greg Martin.

“The IOC will use AI at the Olympic Games Paris 2024, in different areas,” stated Thomas Bach, president of the IOC. “A very important one is safeguarding from cyber abuse, since we expect about half a billion social media posts during these Games. AI will also be used to create highlights videos in multiple formats and languages during these Games. We are also using AI to make the Olympic Games more sustainable, through a very sophisticated first-ever data capture and energy management system. AI is also opening up new ways for talent identification, and this project will be launched by us globally in 2025 to live up to the commitment we made that AI in sport must be accessible to everybody.”

An AI-driven digital twinning technology is set to streamline operational planning by simulating venue scenarios, optimizing resource allocation and ensuring seamless event execution, according to Ilario Corna, chief technology officer (CTO) at the IOC. “Using these digital twins of the Games venues, we can change the way we organize the Games.” AI will also be used by Olympic Broadcasting Services during Paris 2024 to improve internal workflows, enhance the viewer experience, enrich storytelling and better explain certain sports events.

READ: The guide to AI in operational excellence

Job opportunities: Lotus seeks operational excellence manager, Lego hiring senior continuous improvement specialist

Sports car manufacturer Lotus Group is looking to hire a new operational excellence manager to lead best-in-class operational processes at its UK manufacturing site. The operational excellence manager will own key business applications and analyze and optimize the organization’s systems, data and standard operating procedures, according to the job description. The individual will also play a significant part in the firm’s overall supply chain transformation and will be accountable for development, testing, reporting and data integrity across all layers of change, it added.

Toy production giant Lego Group is seeking a new senior continuous improvement specialist to drive efficiency and innovation while training colleagues to enhance their skills and contribute to process improvements. The role is based at the firm’s packing site in Kladno, Czechia and will oversee the implementation of strategic changes that boost productivity, elevate quality and foster a culture of continuous learning and development.

Airbus and ACI World partner to reduce aviation’s environmental impact

Aerospace giant Airbus and global aviation consortium Airports Council International (ACI) World announced a new partnership to support the industry’s efforts to reduce the environmental impact of aviation. The partnership, revealed at the Farnborough International Airshow in the UK, will aim to make significant progress in both decarbonizing aviation and mitigating aircraft noise impact, according to a press release.

“This partnership marks a significant step in our collective efforts to reduce aviation's environmental impact,” said Julie Kitcher, Airbus chief sustainability officer. “By combining our technological expertise with ACI World’s vast network and operational insights, we aim to influence policies and standards that support sustainable aviation and drive industry-wide innovation. Together, we can create a cohesive and aligned approach to achieving our decarbonization targets and enhancing the sustainability of the global aviation sector.”

Puttshack appoints new CEO to drive operational excellence and growth

Mini golf socializing brand Puttshack appointed Logan Powell as new CEO to lead the company’s operational excellence and strategic growth. Powell previously held the role of chief financial officer (CFO) at the company.

“I deeply believe in the Puttshack brand and am honored to have the opportunity to grow our concept and further establish Puttshack as a true leader and innovator,” said Powell. “As competitive socializing continues to appeal to multiple generations, I look forward to working with our leadership team to further our focus on driving innovation, operational excellence, best-in-class hospitality and sustainable growth across the US.”

READ: 5 operational excellence trends for 2024

Women in Process Mining to host Australian chapter launch

Women in Process Mining (WIPM), a global community aimed at connecting and empowering women to excel in the process mining field, is hosting an event to launch its new Australia local chapter. Taking place on August 8, the “Process Mining for Beginners” webinar is for “all ladies who already work or study in the field of process mining or for those who are data and process experts but want to learn more about process mining,” according to WIPM.

Speaking will be Dr. Kanika Goel from Deloitte, Susana Zavaleta from ALDI Stores and Claudia Murillo from Berkana Group. The WIPM presentation and introductions will last 45 minutes including Q&A and then conclude with 15 minutes of community networking in breakout rooms.

READ: Process parallelism in process mining

OPEX and Business Transformation Awards open for 2025

The OPEX Week team launched the 2025 OPEX and Business Transformation Awards. The annual awards recognize visionaries and teams who have driven significant change and achieved outstanding results in operational excellence and business transformation. The awards are judged by a panel of 12 industry leaders across eight categories including:

• Business transformation leader/team of the year
• Best strategic business transformation program
• Best digital transformation initiative
• Best achievement in using data analytics
• Best process improvement project under 90 days

All entries need to be submitted via the online platform by October 4, 2024. “Winning an OPEX and Business Transformation Award is more than a recognition of success; it is a testament to your leadership, innovation and commitment to excellence,” said the organizers. “It places you among the elite in the industry, showcasing your achievements to peers and stakeholders alike. Nominees and winners gain unparalleled exposure, setting new benchmarks for excellence and inspiring others.”

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