Funded Project: ToloMEO

DESCRIPTION:
The project focuses on the use of the “Tolomeo” software in order to enable product traceability through the creation of a bridge between Tolomeo itself and DAVE’s internal management software provided by X3. From a technical standpoint, this solution effectively takes the form of a true X3 plug-in, extending the functionality of the ERP system. In this way, the software can also be offered to customers without the need to negotiate with the X3 supplier regarding the intellectual property of the software.

Product traceability is a critical requirement for companies such as DAVE, which design and manufacture systems for sectors like medical and aerospace, where traceability is not merely an added value but a mandatory requirement imposed by regulations or customers. Management systems do not always integrate this aspect effectively and often require modifications and integrations to connect production-oriented software with administrative management systems.

In DAVE’s case, the product for which traceability is to be implemented is particularly complex, as it is itself intended to be used as part of “edge” elements—intelligent terminal nodes of a communication network extending from a centralized server to the most remote periphery, for example in industrial environments. These devices are therefore equipped with inherent capabilities to collect and transmit signals from sensor and actuator systems on one side (the field) and to establish communication protocols with servers via the cloud. Since these capabilities are implemented through the Tolomeo software, and since it is also equipped with a “Hardware Manager” responsible for hardware-related management aspects—such as the compilation of new modules and field updates—its use is particularly well suited when it becomes necessary to link specific board characteristics (serial number, software release, hardware release, etc.) to the related administrative data that complete the product profile, such as order code, bill of materials, manufacturing specificities, and test results

OBJECTIVES:
The objectives of the project can be summarized as follows:

• Develop innovative technological solutions for the design process, including concept development, design, and implementation of embedded products, also assessing electrical, mechanical, thermal, and certification integration.
• Develop innovative technological solutions to manage production and ensure product traceability, including through the use of Blockchain, manage after-sales support, and provide full information on the supply chain and product lifecycle.
• Enable tracking of bills of materials and software revisions, distribution of remote software updates (over-the-air updates), management of product boards while maintaining historical records, etc.
• Develop innovative technological solutions for managing IoT and Industry 4.0 products.

EXPECTED RESULTS:
The digitalization project will deliver significant benefits in terms of efficiency, process quality, market opportunities, and sustainability, making a decisive contribution to the company’s overall growth. The following economic and financial results are expected:

• A 95% increase in productivity per employee (defined as the revenue-to-employee ratio)
• Increased operational efficiency in key departments (procurement +140%, production +80%)
• New high-potential business opportunities (IoT, digital services): the company estimates that the digital business generated by its IoT devices could match the current traditional business within five years
• Improvement of ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) parameters, with a positive impact on the company’s financial sustainability. Digitalization can contribute positively to ESG performance by improving environmental sustainability (e.g., dematerialization), operational continuity (e.g., remote work), and governance through increased traceability and regulatory compliance. Numerous examples demonstrate how digitalization has already concretely contributed to the effective management of the company, both from a managerial perspective and in terms of compliance with legal requirements, as well as supporting adherence to regulations and international certification standards, which are sometimes more stringent than formal obligations. A notable example is the speed and agility with which the company implemented an ISO 13485 biomedical certification system, which requires full traceability of every single component entering and leaving the company’s production chain. The fully digitalized materials management system enabled the company to achieve this result in a very short timeframe, while also providing comprehensive product traceability that is particularly valuable during the post-sales phase.

Although not all improvements can be attributed solely to digitalization, it represents a strategic factor that is already decisive today and is expected to play an increasingly important role in future performance.

ELIGIBLE EXPENDITURE: €181,521.31

GRANT AWARDED: €90,760.66 (of which 40% funded by the EU)