Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) has achieved a resounding victory in the esteemed HILTI IT Competition 2023, an annual global IT competition for junior talents to tackle daunting challenges from the construction industry. APU’s talented team of software engineering students emerged as the Grand Champion, outshining 187 teams across 31 nationalities with their groundbreaking tool "Improving HILTI's After-Sales Diagnosis with 3D Scanning and Machine Learning”.

After-sales services and diagnostics in the construction industry greatly influence customer experiences and brand reputation. In fact, studies indicate that a negative customer service encounter can lead to the loss of up to 83% of consumers. Additionally, a minimal average human error rate of just 1% can have substantial financial implications for businesses. 

In light of these findings, APU’s Team Techify, all of whom are students at APU’s BSc (Hons) in Software Engineering, proposed a cutting-edge IT solution that combines 3D scanning and Machine Learning (ML) to enhance after-sales services at HILTI, a multinational company that specialises in manufacturing and providing products and services for the construction industry.

According to the team lead Tan Wei Siang, "3D scanning could improve HILTI's after-sales return process by obtaining the surface deviation of the defective tools and analysing the root cause of the problem. Meanwhile, ML can accurately predict the failure probability of all the parts with a HILTI tool based on historical data patterns." This transformative approach aims to reduce turnaround times for after-sales returns, improve quality control, and enhance overall customer experience and satisfaction.

Team Techify's victory in the HILTI IT Competition 2023 not only secured them the championship title but also continued APU's winning tradition since 2020. In addition, the team's proposed solution is aligned with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), showcasing their commitment to creating a positive impact. By utilising machine learning, the team’s solution can create a more efficient workforce and generate new job opportunities, supporting ‘SDG 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth’. Additionally, their focus on fixing and refurbishing tools promotes sustainable consumption, aligning with ‘SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption & Production’.

Professor. Dr. Tan Chin Ike, the Head of the School of Computing (SoC), commented, "This serves as a testament to APU's position as the Premier Digital Tech Institution, offering top-notch digital technology courses that ensure the development of highly skilled talents who can meet emerging tech job demands both locally and globally." 

APU's triumph in the HILTI IT Competition 2023 is a momentous achievement that positions the university as a hub of exceptional talent and innovation. 

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