Client :Armatures Bois-Francs
Project duration :3 years – ongoing
Sector of activity :Construction and Infrastructure
AI Expertise :AI Strategy/Operations Research/User Experience
We developed an optimization solution that automates cut planning and the organization of steel bar placements after cutting. In just a few minutes, the system generates the best cutting patterns to reduce waste, simplify operators’ work, and improve overall efficiency.
Our client
Marco Fortin, General Manager of Armature Bois-Francs, leads a company specializing in the fabrication of rebar and steel transformation for the construction industry. Known for its expertise and efficiency, the company wanted to modernize a key process: cut planning and the organization of cut bar placements.
The idea
Armature Bois-Francs primarily wanted to reduce the mental load associated with manual cut planning, which relied heavily on experience, memory, and concentration.
The team also aimed to accelerate the training of new employees – a major challenge in a context where know-how transfer is critical – and to reduce dormant inventory by optimizing the use of leftover bars.
The initial goal was to design a simple, visual, and intelligent tool that automates calculations, standardizes practices, and makes planning accessible to everyone – even new operators.
« For several years, we have been working in partnership with Updata to develop artificial intelligence for our company. Given the excellent results achieved, entrusting them with other related projects was a natural fit. »
Jean-Charles Cantin, Armatures Bois-Francs
The adventure
From the start, we adopted a collaborative approach.
Together with Marco and his team, we:
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observed and analyzed the existing cutting and bar organization process;
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identified bottlenecks and operator needs;
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designed optimization algorithms to generate efficient cutting patterns;
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developed an intuitive interface to visualize patterns, quantities, lengths, and post-cut placement.
Throughout the project, the Armature Bois-Francs team remained deeply involved in testing and fine-tuning, ensuring the solution matched shop-floor realities.
This partnership turned a technical concept into a practical, adopted, and daily-used tool.
« Their approach, focused on understanding their clients’ needs, their professionalism, and their commitment to achieving tangible and rapid results, make them a valuable partner. »
Jean-Charles Cantin, Armatures Bois-Francs
The results
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~30% reduction in scrap, through more efficient cutting patterns.
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~35% reduction in dormant stock, freeing up capital and optimizing warehouse space.
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~35% fewer cuts required, thanks to automatic bar grouping.
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Deployment completed with 0 downtime or equipment changes.
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Significant reduction in planning and execution time.
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Lower material waste through better scrap management.
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Simplified work: reduced mental load and manual calculations.
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Faster onboarding for new operators.
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Clear visibility into bar organization and order progress.
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Noticeable reduction in dormant inventory.
« You will be delighted to have chosen Updata as your project development partner. »
