Digital Transformation

Issue Pool

At Akçansa, key topics and challenges across the company are systematically recorded and evaluated through detailed business analyses. If a matter is clarified and potential solution approaches can be developed, it is carried over to the next phase. In 2024, we focused on areas such as ready-mix concrete recipe optimization and process analytics in cement production, continuing our business analyses accordingly.

Project and Innovation Phase

For prioritized topics, we apply a structured project management model and promote innovation to support the development of internal competencies. As of 2024, the following projects have been implemented:

• digiFabrika Project: As part of the productization and commercialization of the eFabrika platform and its associated applications, interface improvements were completed and the transition to a cloud infrastructure was finalized.

• Pro-Cure AI Project: This project, which involves the use of generative artificial intelligence technologies in procurement processes, completed its MVP phase and has been made available for internal use.

• Ready-Mix Concrete CRM Project: The initial analysis phase of this customer relationship management project, aimed at more effectively managing ready-mix concrete sales and customer interactions, was completed, and the project has moved into the implementation phase.

• digiFabrika S&OP - Planner Project: Designed to enable integrated planning and alignment tracking of cement production processes, the project completed its MVP phase and was launched internally.

• AI Optimization in Rotary Kilns Project: Energy efficiency-focused process optimization studies continue at the second rotary kiln in the Çanakkale plant, utilizing artificial intelligence technologies.

Operational Phase

We standardize processes to ensure our digital products and applications generate sustainable value. All our digital solutions are managed under the “Product Owner” model, and their development areas are monitored on a quarterly basis using the “OKR – Objectives and Key Results” methodology.
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Through the eFabrika quality application, we monitor the quality processes of all cement plants from a single platform. The eFabrika shift log application improves communication between shifts while enabling retrospective tracking of events. With the eFabrika quarry application, we organize raw material homogenization activities to better align with quality goals, extend quarry lifespan, and increase material quality stability. The eFabrika meter application allows us to continuously monitor consumption meters in our production plants and accelerate reporting processes. Using the Expert Optimizer system, we activate autonomous production processes, improving both production output and maximizing process efficiency and energy savings.

In 2024, we enhanced the scope of existing applications by introducing the following new features:

• eFabrika Shift Log Application
  Periodic Reporting

• eFabrika Meter Application
  Hierarchical Loss Management, Hourly Reporting, Integration of Billing Meters

• eFabrika Quality Application
  Automated transfer of quality data from devices to Expert Optimizer systems

• IoT Data Infrastructure
  Version updates, Performance improvements, MQTT integrations with cloud services

Information Technologies

Through our investments in digitalization and information technologies, we continuously enhance our operational excellence.

Business Continuity

Ensuring business continuity to protect our corporate reputation and maintain operational resilience during emergencies or extraordinary circumstances is one of our top priorities. In this context, we upgraded our OT servers, data storage, and network systems in 2022, establishing an infrastructure capable of backing up OT systems at our production sites in real time with three redundant copies.

A portion of this data is securely stored in our primary data center, while the remainder is protected at our Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). In parallel, we increased data communication speeds tenfold and boosted backup speeds by 40 times, significantly improving data access efficiency for our users. To support the IT/OT transformation process, we formed a dedicated team of automation engineers and delivered targeted training to ensure uninterrupted service. We continue to enhance our IT infrastructure by increasing our storage and processing capacity in line with Akçansa’s five-year growth projections.

Cyber Security

Cybersecurity is not only a necessity for a company like Akçansa—with its extensive operational and technological infrastructure—but also a critical component in ensuring operational continuity and safeguarding our corporate reputation. In response to rising geopolitical and regional risks, we have implemented comprehensive cybersecurity protocols on the OT side, aligning them with IT standards. To advance our cybersecurity maturity level, we regularly conduct penetration tests, proactively identify vulnerabilities, and reassess user devices in line with evolving needs. In addition, we have modernized our wireless network infrastructure to further improve performance and strengthen network security.
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Through these measures, we have brought our OT services in line with global IT standards. According to information security maturity assessments conducted by independent auditors, our IT and OT systems exceed the cybersecurity benchmarks of both Türkiye and the global manufacturing industry.