Panike, Portugal’s leading frozen bakery supplier, partnered with Axians to explore how Digital Twins and Artificial Intelligence could enhance operations. This family business, founded in 1986 and generating over 90 million euros in annual revenue, faced significant challenges in automating processes, aggregating and utilizing data, and visualizing operations.
Panike’s priority was to optimize downtime, reduce waste, and increase production while minimizing environmental impact. Initially, the focus was on Predictive Maintenance with AI and Advanced Real-Time Analytics, leveraging Axians’ Intelligent Asset and Performance Management (IAPM) solution. Another key challenge involved automation and SCADA implementation at one of Panike’s production sites. Axians collaborated with Actemium, the industry brand of VINCI Energies expert in operational technology (OT) systems, to develop a tailored automation approach.
Although Predictive Maintenance was not immediately viable due to data quality issues, Axians recognized the broader potential of Panike’s data for other use cases. To demonstrate the value of AI and Digital Twin technology, Axians self-financed an exploratory project while continuing to support Panike in its Digital Transformation journey.
The value of AI in Operational Technology
Following the qualification study, which resulted in the development of a maturity and feasibility report, Axians outlined both quick wins and long-term transformation strategies for Panike. As part of this initiative, Axians developed a Digital Twin simulator focused on quality and energy savings. This tool enabled Panike to test “what-if” scenarios for workstation configurations across more than 70 different recipes, identifying the optimal setup that maximized energy savings without compromising product quality. Additionally, an intelligent production order planning system was created, integrating real-time ERP and sensor data to enable AI-driven optimization. This system suggested the ideal sequencing of production orders to minimize workstation downtime caused by setup and cleaning processes during product changeovers.
“We wanted to ensure that Panike could make informed decisions about AI’s potential before committing to a large-scale project. By self-financing this initiative, we could demonstrate real value and build trust,” explains João Domingues, Innovation Lead at Axians Portugal.
Furthermore, recognizing Panike’s interest in exploring real-time advanced analytics, an international joint task force was assembled. This team, composed of experts from Axians Portugal, Axians Netherlands, and Axians Czech Republic, received full support from the Axians Brand Team to develop a real-time OEE demonstrator for Panike.
Results and Future Prospects
The results were compelling. The trial led to a 20% reduction in planned downtime for product changeovers, reinforcing AI’s potential in industrial processes. This success has sparked further discussions about AI adoption, positioning Panike for continuous improvement.
“This project was an invaluable learning experience for both Panike and Axians. It not only provided us with deeper market insights and validated AI’s transformative impact on manufacturing but also highlighted the power of international collaboration—bringing together global expertise to achieve a common goal and deliver innovative data-driven solutions.”
João Domingues
Innovation Lead at Axians Portugal
Beyond Panike, Axians is leveraging these insights for other industrial clients. Axians and Actemium’s international teams are now applying AI-driven solutions for predictive maintenance, intelligent planning, and quality control across multiple industries.
By demonstrating AI’s tangible benefits, this initiative sets a new benchmark for digital transformation in manufacturing—connecting innovation and operational efficiency.
