Innovating Efficiency: Mingtao's Journey at Nestlé IT
Mingtao is an IT Innovation Manager at Nestlé IT, focused on enhancing operational efficiency through advanced technologies. Read on to learn more about his career within the ever-evolving AI tech space.
Can you describe your current role and the projects you are working on? As an IT Innovation Manager, my focus is on driving end-to-end agility in operations, spanning material flow from sourcing and procurement to manufacturing and supply chain. My role bridges emerging technologies with Nestlé’s operational goals. Currently, I’m leading three transformative projects:
- Leveraging Gen AI to accelerate our procurement process and increase productivity for employees.
- Using VR technology to train our frontline workers with immersive simulations.
- Deploying AI-powered video analytics to monitor our warehouses and enhance overall safety.
These projects reflect our commitment to blending cutting-edge tech with tangible business outcomes.
How would you describe the work culture at Nestlé IT, particularly within the tech department?
Nestlé IT thrives on a culture of curiosity, collaboration, and speed. In the Innovation team, we’re encouraged to experiment—fail fast, learn faster—while staying tightly aligned with business priorities. What stands out is the wide array of perspectives: whether partnering with startups on AI prototypes or brainstorming with factory teams on pain points, every interaction pushes us to think differently. The trust in our team to pilot bold ideas, coupled with leadership’s appetite for innovation, makes this a dynamic place to grow.
How do you think AI will evolve in the future?
AI will become as ubiquitous as the calculator—seamlessly integrated into tools we use daily. Imagine Nestlé supply chain managers use AI assistants to adjust forecasts, or factory operators using on-device AI to troubleshoot machinery without latency. The future will see AI democratized: smaller, energy-efficient models running locally on phones or laptops, in parallel to the cloud. For organizations like ours, this means faster, safer adoption. The key will be designing AI that’s intuitive—think “no-training-required” interfaces—so teams can focus on strategic decisions, not tech complexities.
What are the primary challenges you face in your work?
Balancing innovation with practicality is always a tightrope walk. For instance, while developing operational efficiency solutions and aligning GenAI’s capabilities with factory teams’ workflows, required months of iterative feedback. Another challenge is prioritization: with so many emerging technologies (e.g., generative AI, computer vision), we must build roadmaps that align with multi-year business strategies while staying flexible enough to pivot. Communication is critical here—translating tech jargon into ROI narratives for stakeholders ensures buy-in at every stage.
What has been the most rewarding experience in your career so far?
Leading the Proof of Value for an operational efficiency solution in the US has been incredibly fulfilling. This GenAI solution identifies root causes of unplanned manufacturing stops and prioritizes fixes based on cost and frequency. Collaborating closely with factory teams, we iterated on the design—incorporating frontline worker feedback to ensure usability and relevance. Seeing it evolve from a prototype to a solution validated across multiple US factories was a proud moment. The tool not only reduced downtime but also demonstrated the scalability that later enabled global adoption.
What opportunities for professional growth have you encountered here?
Nestlé IT has been a launchpad for my career. I joined as a Digital Innovation Engineer, building BI tools, then transitioned to Advanced Analytics, where I honed my AI skills in manufacturing contexts. When generative AI emerged, my managers supported my pivot to an incubator project, where I spearheaded capital projects. This experience paved the way for my current Innovation Manager role. Programs like Nestlé Needs You and mentorship from senior leaders have accelerated my growth. What’s unique here is the trust in employees to carve their own paths—if you’re driven and business-focused, the opportunities are limitless.
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