Hosted by the Connected Systems Institute, UW-Milwaukee
🗓️ Starts: Oct 21, 2024 🕖 Submissions Due: Nov 3, 2024, Midnight
💻 Environment: Online 🎤 Presentations: Nov 8, 2024, 1:00-4:00 at CSI
Sponsored by
🏆 $5,000 in Cash Prizes 🏆
Overview
The Challenge
Develop an algorithm that optimizes the production schedule for tissue machines and converting lines at a Kimberly-Clark facility, ensuring that customer demand is met while minimizing downtime and penalties for rule violations.
The Manufacturing Process
- Tissue Machines: Two machines produce large rolls of tissue in six different grades.
- Converting Lines: Twelve converting lines transform these rolls into consumer-ready products. Each line has specific capabilities and constraints.
- Inventory Management: Manage roll storage to avoid running out of stock or holding excessive inventory.
- Production Constraints: Minimize machine downtime, avoid overlapping tasks, and reduce the frequency of costly grade changes.
The Data Sets
Teams will receive three distinct data sets:
- Data Set 1: Real historical Kimberly-Clark production data.
- Data Sets 2 & 3: Increasingly complex scenarios designed to test the robustness of the team’s solution.
Prizes
Overall Winning Team: $3,000
Runner-up (2 teams): $1,000 each
Why Participate?
- Gain Real-World Experience: Work on a practical production scheduling problem based on actual data from Kimberly-Clark’s tissue manufacturing process.
- Learn New Tools & Techniques: Develop skills in Python, optimization strategies, and AI tools. Participants also have the option to learn and use Finite Scheduler software provided by Rockwell Automation.
- Win Prizes & Recognition: Compete for cash prizes, best presentation awards, and recognition for innovative solutions.
- Enhance Your Skills: Build technical skills in optimization and software development while also improving teamwork, problem-solving, and presentation abilities.
- Network with Industry Leaders: Receive coaching and network with Kimberly-Clark and Rockwell Automation professionals.
Important Dates and Deliverables
October 14: Information Sessions at 1:00 or 2:30 (at CSI)
October 21: Hackathon Launch Sessions at 11:00 or 2:00 (at CSI)
November 3: Submissions Due in Canvas
November 8: Final Presentations at CSI
November 24: Report Submissions Due (for top 3 teams only)
December 8: Winners Announced
Eligibility
Undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled at UWM may participate. No experience is necessary! Training materials and coaches are included.
Team Size
1-5 students per team. Interdisciplinary teams are encouraged.
Registration
Registration is closed.
Questions and FAQs
Questions are welcome! Please email Casey O’Brien at caseyo@uwm.edu or visit the Hackathon FAQs page.