Restyling 4.0
Developing a shared data processing system capable of providing intelligent responses, via computational algorithms, to operational problems such as failures or malfunctions and machine optimization requests based on actual field use.
company name
Elframo S.p.A.
project title
Restyling 4.0
business size and localization
Medium enterprise, Bergamo
partner
University of Bergamo
technologies
The problem
Elframo S.p.A. is a leading manufacturer of professional dishwashers and fryers for the HoReCa market.
Elframo’s product portfolio includes several product lines ranging from the simplest to the most complex. Within the dishwasher offering, there was a product range with not fully evolved electronics whose connectivity proposition was aimed only at remote assistance. This aspect was, therefore, devoid of additional functions, such as automated and timely reprocessing of information necessary, for example, for the optimization of machine utilization or its predictive maintenance aspects as well as further reduction of energy/water/chemical consumption based on computational algorithms.
The ambitious goal of the project was to develop a shared data processing system capable of providing intelligent responses, via computational algorithms, to operational problems such as failures or malfunctions and machine optimization requests based on actual field use. In this way, a form of machine self-learning will be developed for machine management with a view to continuous improvement.
The solution
Technologies:
- IIoT (Industrial Internet of Thing) platform needed to enable the connection of machines through dedicated protocols and the subsequent recording of their operating data.
- Development of a web application for the management of Elframo resellers (those who buy dishwashers and then resell them to the end customer – bars, restaurants, hotels, canteens ) dedicated to providing technical assistance services, technical-commercial support, monitoring, management and scheduling of maintenance activities.
The project work plan was designed for the development of a technical support service offering by Elframo; these services were supported by an IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) architecture to ensure functionality consistent with the Industry 4.0 paradigm.
The project was divided into the following activities:
- Design of a servitization-oriented Business Model.
- Definition of processes and related information flows aimed at the delivery of technical assistance and maintenance service for all Elframo product lines.
- Pilot application on a selected model of an industrial dishwasher.
- Implementation of an IT architecture to support Elframo’s service processes.
The work plan started from the desire to take advantage of the connectivity of the products manufactured and sold by the company to start a process of servitization, in order to expand the commercial offerings through a series of services for its customers that could be delivered through the features of the interconnection guaranteed by 4.0 solutions.
In addition, an IT architecture capable of delivering a series of services to customers (resellers) based on the possibility of managing through a dedicated ticketing platform all activities related to technical assistance has been identified and consequently customized, in order to optimize customer service and lay the groundwork for building a predictive maintenance activity.
Impacts
- Identification of a servitization strategy: a business model was defined to identify the types of services that can be provided through the developed IIoT solution, as well as their value and costs.
- Identification of signals of interest generated by machinery and definition of their appropriate acquisition and transmission policy.
- Identification of the altered states of the products, which consequently led to the development of an appropriate maintenance engineering activity.
- Development of IT architecture capable of meeting dealer needs and requirements as well as bringing value to Elframo’s R&D and Service departments.
Benefits for the company
- Introduction of new tools to be offered to customers for technical support requests
- Reducing the impact of maintenance activities in terms of:
- Number and time of interventions dedicated to restoring machinery functionality;
- Management of spare parts
- Level of services provided by technical assistance
