How Antares Vision Group blends sustainability and technology to drive traceability
Antares Vision Group is a trusted technology partner for businesses, institutions, and governments worldwide, enabling the digitalization of products and supply chains through traceability, inspection for quality control, and integrated data management. The company’s unique and integrated ecosystem of cutting-edge technologies, including software and hardware, provides unparalleled product quality and end-to-end traceability, from raw materials to production and distribution to the consumer. This process is enhanced bythe application of artificial intelligence (AI) as well as integration with blockchain technology.
Founded in 2007 by Emidio Zorzella and Massimo Bonardi, Antares Vision rapidly established itself as a global leader in traceability, becoming a supplier to pharmaceutical multinationals. In 2012, the group took its first steps in the world of finance, with Fondo Italiano d’Investimento becoming a shareholder. Only ten years after its inception, the Group was already supplying more than 50 of the top multinationals and various government authorities.
Gianfranco Landolfi, General Manager, provides us with an overview of the group’s structure and the sectors it covers. “In a nutshell, Antares Vision Group is a set of companies with a global presence that provide numerous technology solutions such as hardware, software, and services for specific industries, namely life science, and cosmetics. We are also active in fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), where we primarily focus on food and beverages, among other sub areas. Additionally, our group revolves around the key pillar of supply chain transparency, which entails adopting digital solutions and cloud-based platforms to provide traceability solutions from raw materials to delivery to end-consumers – or patients in the case of pharmaceutical. Last but not least, our services business area supports all the aforementioned aspects of our group by offering technical and on-demand support, maintenance contracts, and more,” he opens.
With technology at the core of its offering, Antares Vision Group strives to stay ahead of any technological advancements by adapting its infrastructure accordingly. “To remain on top of technological changes, we embrace two approaches. First, we consistently and periodically update our software, either in response to new regulations in the pharmaceutical industry or at the request of customers who seek new functionalities or features. On the other hand, a few years ago, we began implementing AI across all our solutions. In fact, AI is becoming a standard feature in all our software solutions and equipment, as it offers significant benefits in terms of measuring false rejects in a packaging line, as well as preventive and predictive maintenance. These are the two main areas where AI provides additional benefits beyond the standard functionalities of software algorithms and electromechanical modules,” explains Gianfranco.
Alongside discussions about AI and technology, sustainability is also a crucial consideration for businesses and individuals alike as climate change becomes a greater issue with each passing day. To minimize its own negative effects on the environment, Antares Vision Group has implemented a clear and thorough strategy, as per its sustainability report. The group highlights its continuing commitment to pursue sustainable development objectives by progressively integrating environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors into every aspect of its business activities. This includes people-oriented policies, initiatives for environmental sustainability, and new diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies.
Emidio Zorzella, Chairman and Founder of the Group, elaborates on the topic: “Sustainability has always been a core component of our company’s DNA, even before the financial markets and public opinion became as acutely aware of it as they are today. In our experience, sustainability has always proven to be fundamental and is not only a matter of humanistic values that focus on the environment and people, but also a crucial factor in sustaining our business over the long term. Merely talking about sustainability is no longer enough; we also require data to back it up. Technology serves this purpose by enabling greater product and supply chain transparency as well as sustainability. Today, demand for sustainable products comes directly from consumers, who are more aware and attentive to a sphere of values that places sustainability at the center. As a result, there is a growing need for information about the product’s life cycle.”
Focused on ESG factors, the company’s business model is designed to generate a positive impact by reducing the carbon footprint of each product unit throughout its life cycle. The company achieves this by assigning a unique digital identity to each product through a serial number, which enables traceability across the supply chain and to the end consumer. Such high levels of transparency not only guarantee product sustainability and safety but also bring tangible advantages to various stakeholders, from government authorities and manufacturers to consumers. By using an intelligent label that transmits the information of its digital identity, Antares Vision Group guarantees the integrity and authenticity of the product throughout its life cycle, thereby accelerating the transition towards a sustainable food system.
Moving on to a different topic, Gianfranco discusses Antares Vision Group’s plans for geographical expansion, shedding light on what they will enable. “At the moment, we are prioritizing the consolidation of our positioning in strategic geographical areas. Specifically, Europe and the US are at the forefront of our priorities as they have proven to be premium regions for a variety of reasons. Furthermore, we are making significant investments to venture deeper into the cosmetics industry, with a focus on developing tailored solutions to meet the needs of this market. Still, our key focus remains on geography. Rather than aiming to reach every corner of the globe simultaneously, we are strategically prioritizing our efforts. As of now, our primary focus is on strengthening our positions in Europe and the US, as it will enable consolidation in our existing pharmaceuticals business as well as growth in the cosmetics industry,” he reveals.
Through innovative traceability solutions and a visionary strategy focusing on ESG leadership, Antares Vision Group is well-positioned to achieve its sustainability and expansion goals.