Kimberly-Clark Production Schedule Optimization Hackathon

Registration

Registration is open and free! Registration closes on October 23.

Kimberly-Clark Logo
Sponsored by Kimberly-Clark
Questions & FAQs

Questions are welcome! Please email Casey O’Brien at caseyo@uwm.edu or visit the Hackathon FAQs page.

Various graphs depicting changes in Roll Inventory History and Forecast
  • Starts: Oct. 21, 2024
  • Ends: Nov. 3, 2024 at Midnight
  • Environment: Online
  • Presentation: Nov. 8, 2024, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at CSI

Overview

The Kimberly-Clark Smart Production Scheduling Hackathon provides a unique opportunity for students to solve manufacturing challenges faced by one of the world’s leading consumer products companies. This hackathon invites students from all disciplines to work in teams to create a schedule optimizer for production lines under real-world constraints. Compete for cash prizes, build your skills, and learn alongside industry professionals from Kimberly-Clark.

Graphic depicting the process of getting simulation results

The Challenge

Timeline graphic

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.