Embraer turns to AI for operational efficiency
Embraer and Aquarela Analytics ran a 10-month program to unify supply chain processes using more than two terabytes of operational data. The result: a data-driven planning system that gives operations teams early visibility into material risks and tighter control over inventory.
What changed inside the operation
The team built "Smart Planning," an interactive control panel tied to the materials used in aircraft production. It supports purchasing and stock management by predicting shortages or excess in advance through AI and forecasting models.
"Smart Planning is the most up-to-date data tool developed and integrated to make Embraer's processes more effective. It consists of an interactive control panel on the materials used in the production process of our aircraft, helping the planning team in the management of purchases and stock levels to have more predictability in case of lack or excess of materials thanks to the use of artificial intelligence and a prediction model," says Dimas Tomelin, Vice President of Strategy, Digital and Innovation at Embraer.
How they built it
The project combined two approaches: Agile by Embraer and the Data Culture Methodology by Aquarela Analytics. Work was split into two phases over 10 months-from data extraction and prep, to AI model development, to building the visualization layers used by planners.
"Throughout the process, we applied all of our expertise in data analysis, platforms, and artificial intelligence algorithms to improve, transform, and integrate Embraer's operating system. It was a challenging project, where at each stage we deepened and broadened the scope as complexity and results were measured. We are very happy with the result and especially with the partnership established with Embraer," says Marcos Santos, CEO of Aquarela Analytics.
Why this matters for operations teams
- Predictability: Early signals on material gaps reduce line stoppages and expedite smarter purchase orders.
- Working capital discipline: Better stock targets cut excess while protecting service levels.
- Quality and supplier performance: Shared data improves accountability and collaboration with partners.
- Scalable foundation: Clean pipelines and clear visualization layers make it easier to add new use cases.
Practical takeaways you can apply
- Start with one high-impact flow (e.g., top 20 materials by risk or spend). Prove the prediction accuracy, then expand.
- Standardize data definitions for items, BOMs, and lead times. Dirty master data will stall any model.
- Close the loop: route AI signals into buyer workflows and MRP updates, not just dashboards.
- Measure outcomes that matter: forecast accuracy, supplier OTIF, inventory turns, and exception rate per planner.
- Iterate in sprints. Keep deployments small, visible, and tied to a clear operational KPI.
The bottom line
Smart Planning improved inventory planning and set a clear base for future supply chain initiatives. With digitalization and tighter data integration, Embraer increased operational efficiency, reduced costs, improved quality, and strengthened supplier relationships.
Want to build similar capabilities on your team? Explore practical AI learning paths for operations roles at Complete AI Training.
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