Through community service and technological collaboration, a team of experts from one of the academic concentrations in the Doctoral Program in Computer Science is accelerating the implementation of Smart Industry-based Artificial Intelligence (AI) to optimize operations at the PT. Sumatera Prima Fibreboard (SPF) factory in Indralaya. This initiative marks a serious effort by academics to bridge the gap between cutting-edge theory and the real-world needs of the export-scale fiberboard industry.
The event was officially opened by Faisal Mardanita (HRD Manager at PT. SPF), who enthusiastically welcomed this knowledge-sharing activity and the synergy in identifying and solving problems in daily work routines at PT. SPF. He also discussed the collaboration and activities that have been carried out so far with UNSRI, particularly regarding the recruitment of alumni. He also introduced the PT. SPF team in attendance:
Ahmed Redi Aulawi (IT Supervisor),
Dedi Riduan (IT Programmer),
Saiful Abror (Preventive Maintenance Supervisor, Electrical),
Setiawan Margo Waluyo (Electrical),
Ricky Adrian Bessie (Senior Procurement Supervisor),
Arliza Nurul Ramadhani (Production Staff),
Agus Priyadi (Senior Supervisor, MDF & WPA),
Ridho Nanda (Deputy General Affairs Manager),
T Agung Laksana (Deputy SHE Manager),
Danar Hadi (Senior HR Operations Supervisor),
Desiana (Training Officer),
Dewangga Ramanda Putra (HR Development Supervisor),
Agus Suwetri (Maintenance Manager)
This was followed by Prof. Ir. Deris Stiawan, Ph.D. (Professor in the Doctoral Program in Computer Science), who stated that this initiative focuses on accelerating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Smart Industry technologies to address various operational challenges. It also embodies the spirit of impactful innovation, in line with Sriwijaya University’s status as a State University with Legal Entity Status (PTN BH), which is required to actively provide scientific solutions for local and national industries. In the Industry 4.0 era, which demands high efficiency, the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer merely an option but an absolute necessity. Recognizing this, a team of experts from the UNSRI Faculty of Computer Science (Fasilkom) examined four crucial technological pillars poised to revolutionize factory operations. The presentation also highlighted the journey of UNSRI’s Faculty of Computer Science, which—supported by a comprehensive educational ecosystem ranging from diploma, bachelor’s, and master’s programs to the Doctoral Program in Computer Science established in 2024—has deployed its top team of experts to guide PT. SPF toward the era of the Smart Factory. Leveraging expertise in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and the Internet of Things (IoT), the research team is working to convert physical problems on the factory floor into cognitive data models that can be automated.
COMNETS’ Smart Industry team also visited the Central Production Room to gain insight into the concept of predictive optimization for product failure based on Agentic AI. This approach utilizes artificial intelligence agents capable of analyzing production data, identifying anomalous patterns, and proactively providing recommendations to prevent potential product failures. Agentic AI technology is considered to have great potential in supporting predictive quality and predictive maintenance systems, which are increasingly needed by modern industry, as explained by Huda Ubaya, M.T., Secretary of the Department of Computer Systems, who accompanied the delegation during the visit. This collaboration between the UNSRI Faculty of Computer Science and PT. Sumatera Prima Fibreboard serves as concrete evidence that advanced artificial intelligence research does not merely remain on paper but can serve as a driving force for efficiency and the digitalization of the manufacturing industry in South Sumatra. The full implementation of Agentic AI technology on the production floor is eagerly anticipated.
At the end of the session, PT. Sumatera Prima Fibreboard’s management expressed strong support for this collaboration. Through an interactive approach that included presentations on the activity’s themes, two-way discussions, and a brief demonstration of the smart system’s capabilities, it is hoped that critical challenges on the production floor—such as raw material optimization, predictive maintenance, and energy efficiency—can be intelligently resolved using AI technology. The implementation of AI at PT Sumatera Prima Fibreboard is driven by a global industrial paradigm shift that demands high levels of efficiency. According to global trend reports such as the Future of Jobs Report, modern competencies—including analytical thinking, technological literacy, and proficiency in AI and Big Data—are now the key pillars that determine a company’s competitiveness.