International collaboration to shape the industry of the future
The result of a partnership between IMT Mines Albi and the Georgia Institute of Technology, this program is a cornerstone of the Institut Mines-Télécom's international strategy to develop shared hybrid campuses. The first courses, entitled “Fundamentals of the Modern Supply Chain” and “Immersive Performance Management,” were developed by IMT Mines Albi. In 2025, three additional courses will be developed by Georgia Tech, Mines ParisTech, and Mines Saint-Étienne, with a full offering planned by 2026.
The program is part of an innovative approach focused on several key areas:
- Advanced technologies: It incorporates concepts such as the Physical Internet, Artificial Intelligence, and communication networks to prepare participants for the needs of hyperconnected supply chains.
- Innovative teaching approaches: The program combines online courses and immersive experiences through the HITeC (Hybrid Immersive Teaching Campus) platform.
The goal is clear: to train experts capable of designing sustainable, resilient supply chains that are adapted to the demands of the industry of the future.
The key role of the Industrial Engineering Center at IMT Mines Albi
The Industrial Engineering Center (CGI) plays a central role in this program, contributing its recognized scientific and technological expertise in the fields of logistics and industrial systems.
Cutting-edge research to enrich education
The CGI's work focuses on:
- The resilience of logistics systems: Developing methods and tools to strengthen the capacity of supply chains to absorb and overcome disruptions.
- Complex data analysis: Leveraging big data to improve flow management, optimize performance, and anticipate logistics risks.
- The Physical Internet: Designing Internet-inspired logistics networks to improve the interoperability and sustainability of logistics chains.
This research is amplified by collaboration with the international SIReN (Sentient Immersive Response Network) laboratory, where CGI and Georgia Tech are joining forces to analyze complex industrial systems and their dynamics.
An applied approach connected to industrial needs
The training offered is based on disruptive technological innovations to provide unique practical experiences that promote the acquisition of know-how in addition to traditional theoretical knowledge. The program is largely inspired by the real needs identified by CGI through its numerous industrial partnerships. Companies such as Merck Life Science, Pierre Fabre, and Siemens are also involved in these course modules.
“By drawing on our expertise in industrial systems engineering and our network of industrial partners, we offer training that combines scientific advances with real-world requirements.” — Matthieu Lauras, Director of the Industrial Engineering Center, IMT Mines Albi
HITeC: a revolution in education
The HITeC platform redefines the standards of hybrid and immersive learning. It offers:
- An immersive environment: virtual reality simulations to experience concepts in a practical way.
- Global collaboration: students and professionals from two continents work together via their avatars.
- Experiential learning: practical exercises on complex scenarios such as the bullwhip effect, for a deeper understanding of supply chains.
During the first synchronous sessions, students simulated the management of an industrial system in virtual reality, debriefing their decision-making choices with their teachers.
“It was impressive to see how quickly the students mastered the immersive tools. Abstract concepts such as the bullwhip effect are better understood, and discussions are becoming more mature.” — Frederick Benaben, Professor at the IMT Mines Albi Industrial Engineering Center
A constantly evolving program
In 2025, the program will be expanded with three new courses, one offered by Georgia Tech and two others by Mines ParisTech and Mines Saint-Étienne. By 2026, it will include eight courses, forming a comprehensive offering for a future Master's degree in Supply Chain Engineering.
With this partnership, IMT Mines Albi confirms its commitment to training and research in Supply Chain Engineering, while pushing the boundaries of learning through technological and scientific innovation.
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