IoT: a cutting-edge technology

IoT

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a technology that includes smart devices such as sensors, actuators and network devices able to communicate with each other and with external systems. This technology is developing rapidly and the use of IoT is increasing in many industries to improve efficiency, safety and quality of services.

IoT technology and competitive advantage for businesses

The Internet of Things (IoT) is becoming increasingly important in industry and commerce. Allowing to collect and analyze data in real time to improve production, logistics, and resource management is a key utility. Consequently, companies using this technology benefit from a competitive advantage.

Competition among companies is becoming increasingly fierce, and to stand out, it essential to have high-quality, low-cost production. Meaning that, increasing the amount of production per unit time is a good solution.

The main goal is to achieve the best balance between operating costs and revenues, as reducing costs per unit of production is one of the key factors to consider in any competitive market. In this context, cost reduction studies of operating activities, purchasing, production and marketing costs are gaining more and more importance.

IoT technology: reducing operational costs

The good news is that technology offers many opportunities to reduce operating costs, particularly in transportation, between departments and between processing points. Using new technologies for dedicated material handling transport equipment (for instance forklifts) can make the process more efficient and faster.  In fact, the responsiveness of forklifts in lifting and transporting loads, as well as the versatility in their use, are gradually increasing.

Moreover, the development of technology has created new opportunities and new businesses in all sectors, whether in the production, storage or shipment of raw materials, semi-finished or finished products. In these cases, the use of lifting and transporting machines, conscious and responsible labor, are preferable when combined with high-level technology.

IoT technology: evolution and security to support specialized workforce.

The rise of transport lifting machines and the use of IoT increases positive contributions to the workforce as they facilitate all industrial and commercial activities, including production in various lines of business, temporary storage, main warehouses and shipping stages.

sicurezza e qualità

In the last decade, forklifts have evolved and the most widely used technologies ensure that loads are moved more easily, quickly and safely than more traditional means of transportation.

IoT allows companies a remote control of their devices and equipment.  Problems can be identified and fixed before they can cause disruptions in production. In addition, IoT enables companies to optimize resource utilization, for example, by using sensors to monitor the load level of forklifts and schedule maintenance operations.

Internet-connected forklifts

An example of how IoT can be used to improve production are Internet-connected forklifts. These trucks are equipped with sensors that collect data (location, speed, load level and other information).The data collected can be used to optimize the use of the trucks. For example, by scheduling load movements more efficiently.

On top of that, the use of Internet-connected forklifts enables companies to monitor and manage their assets more efficiently.  Notifications are sent in case of problems or malfunctions, allowing companies to act rapidly and prevent any disruptions in production.

In conclusion, the Internet of Things (IoT) and the use of Internet-connected forklifts are some of the Best Practices that companies can implement to increase the amount of production per unit of time, reduce operating costs, improve competitive conditions, and make handling operations safer. Using these technologies enables companies to collect and analyze data in real time to optimize production, logistics and resource management.

Tamarri has always been committed to security within companies. For Tamarri, security is smart! 🔝

December: it’s inventory time

inventario di magazzino

December: it’s inventory time. Planning the organization of the warehouse is a key issue and it should not be underestimated. Automating to optimizing management? Let’s plan it.

December: it’s inventory time. Warehouse organization, for high standards of technology.

There are rumors saying that a systematic and rational organization of the warehouse is not that important. Somewhat superficially, it is believed that warehouse management has nothing to do with the improvement of technology standards and sophistication.

However, we are far from reality…

With this simplistic attitude, one glosses over all the important  consequences that could result within the company. The organization of the warehouse is, in fact, a pivotal aspect for every company, large and small, as well as its management.

In this article, we will try to clarify some aspects concerning inventory.

December, it’s inventory time: how to organize your warehouse inventory

December has arrived: the month of Christmas,  holidays to spend with family and loved ones, and since it closes the year, warehouse inventory.

Let’s analyze the aspects of one of the fundamental activities that every business must deal with at the end of the year. Important to efficiently prepare the company for the years to come.

The practice of inventory or stocktaking, to use a more international term, involves first of all the analysis of inventories. Inventories are the goods intended for sale, or used to create products for resale, that remain in stock at the close of the financial year.

They can be classified as follows:

  • Raw materials and semi-finished goods
  • Consumable materials and supplies
  • Products in process
  • Goods for resale
  • Finished goods

December, it’s inventory time. Far from simple

When the time comes to draw up the final financial statements of a company’s financial year, it is also necessary to record the physical quantities of goods in inventory that must be valued.

This is also regulated by Article 2426, No. 9 of the Civil Code, which requires inventories to be valued in the financial statements at the lower of purchase or production cost and market-deductible realizable value.

 

inventario

Whether it is a small/medium-sized business or more complex and articulated entities, doing the inventory is a process that can be complicated.

It is usually a hated activity for those who must organize it, and it is often considered superfluous compared to other activities that are apparently more profitable for the company’s own business.

December, it’s inventory time: a must-have practice

In contrast to what it might seem, it is impossible to give up stock inventory: having stock under control at the end of a given period allows you to avoid problems with production and reorders. This is especially true for those who run an online e-commerce, as for them inventory is essential to reduce the differences between physical and accounting inventories.

Let’s also not forget that keeping inventory records is mandatory in some cases.

Pursuant to Article 14 co. 1(d) of Presidential Decree 600/1973 and Article 1 of Presidential Decree 695/1996, in fact, the following are obliged to keep auxiliary inventory records:

– corporations;

– public and private commercial entities;

– non-commercial entities, limited to commercial activity;

– partnerships and persons treated as such in ordinary accounting;

– individuals engaged in business activities in ordinary accounting;

– nonresident entities, limited to commercial activities carried out in Italy through permanent establishments;

These categories, in order to be held to the obligation, must exceed certain values of revenues and inventories. At this point the regulations become more specific to clarify the different positions. It is better to say that they specify certain business requirements. Overall, as always, the regulations become complex when not obscure and incomprehensible. The tendency that arises is look at this type of practice as something unmanageable.

There is good news, however! Since 2019, it has been possible to manage a warehouse in a faster, simpler and more accurate way, thanks to technologies and digitization, which have undoubtedly favored the process of automating practices.

Let us now analyze the benefits of rational and orderly warehouse management.

December, it’s inventory time: the benefits

Ensuring the efficiency of the production process

An effective inventory must be accurate and periodic. If it is carried out consistently, following scheduled deadlines, it will allow optimizing the control of goods processed and received, ensuring a fast and functional service that will be appreciated by customers.

Knowing inventories

Whether inventory management is imprecise and not constant, it will create discrepancies and doubts about inventories, with all the problems that come with it.

A key aspect of monitoring the situation in the warehouse is order: an accurate tracking of operations, as well as a periodic general audit.

Modalities and tools for warehouse inventory

There are several ways to prepare a warehouse inventory. There is no single modality and each company, depending on the size and structure of the warehouse, must find the best one for its size and type.

Let’s look at the most used ones:

Pen and paper: the traditional tools

You can start with paper, pen and calculator.

Nowadays outclassed by the most digital environments, they should continue to be the basis. They are traditional tools, but irreplaceable as the basis for keeping stock under control, especially for smaller realities.

Whether the tools are pen and paper or the more sophisticated systems, it always starts with categorizing products. The second step is to further subdivide the products that sell out most quickly. This will help to keep an eye on the categories that need more frequent reorders. It’s also useful to note next to each macro category the names of the suppliers and the minimum stock level required.

Now it’s time to label the shelves and catalog products in special charts that can clearly show the physical breakdown within the warehouse.

How? For instance, by indicating for each product the following information:

  • category to which it belongs,
  • date of arrival,
  • cost,
  • quantity,

Of course, it is essential to update the tables periodically to avoid errors.

Digital tools: Excel

In the absence of management software, a very performant tool is the Excel Sheet, which allows you to manage the warehouse quickly and easily.

Among other things, this tool will make it possible to have detailed summary charts that will optimize control at the end of the year.

software per inventario

To create the warehouse inventory with Excel, three different sheets must be used:

– one for products, where to list them with their respective information

-one for loading operations, with the date of arrival and quantity in the warehouse

– one for the selling of the goods

If a warehouse deals with both semi-finished and finished products, it is advisable to use three sheets for each category. The sheets should then be linked together for an overall view in order to help eliminate the risk of errors and delays.

It is also possible to automate these operations.

There are multiple online Excel sheet templates, pre-filled and very practical. Needless to say, it is essential that the sheets are constantly updated.

The most complete choice: management software

Not only the optimal, practical and fastest, but also the most accurate choice, which is inevitable in a larger and more structured warehouse: the management software.

With such a tool, it is possible to control every internal warehouse operation, greatly simplifying and speeding up inventory activity, thanks to process automation.

Controlling inventory with constantly updated management software will also optimize and speed up calculation operations at the end of the fiscal year.

In addition, management software allows historical storage. This will make it possible to trace back and detect any errors quickly and easily.

This tool can be customized according to business needs and different production flows.

Automation, for a competitive company

As already pointed out several times, if we want to increase the competitiveness of our company in the market, we must start precisely from an optimized organization of the warehouse.

Among warehouse management criteria, the one dedicated to automation is to be considered among the most effective performance principles.

However, like any serious and structured process, it needs careful planning. In order to proceed in a strategic and structured way, a detailed analysis of business needs is necessary, starting right from the warehouse.

The second step, which is no less important, is the evaluation of the budget: choosing an automated system even for inventory requires sometimes significant investments, and the so-called ROI could be recovered in a rather long time.

Choosing the right, reliable and punctual partner can be a choice that can allow the company to keep costs down and have precise control of inventory through B2B platforms such as the one offered by our portal, especially at the beginning of the business.

That’s why, choosing a supplier who knows how to manage its products and inventory is crucial for your business!

With that said, for the coming year, choose Tamarri S.r.l.

🎅 Tamarri S.r.l. wishes you a peaceful Christmas, full of the brightest plans for the year to come! 🎄

 

Slowing down the forklift in specific areas

Forklift slowdown. The safety of vehicles inside warehouses and production areas is a fundamental issue that requires increasingly safe and technological devices. Tamarri has always been at the forefront of research and distribution of the best solutions in this area.

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Forklift slowdown: a safety issue

Safety within warehouses and production areas in general is an important issue. The one of forklift slowdown in specific and sensitive area represents a topic of particular interest.

schema rallentamento incrocio

Workplace safety laws are increasingly specific and stringent, as are regulations. Warehouses, even though highly automated, must account for many unexpected variables. For instance, pedestrian movements within specific maneuvering areas, “blind” aisles in which vehicles maneuver.

Thus, increasingly high-tech, high-level devices and solutions come into play, managed and controlled remotely through websites, cell phones and tablets.

On this fundamental aspect Tamarri wanted to contribute.

Read how! 😉

Tamarri and the slowdown in zone and area

Tamarri S.r.l. created the forklift slowdown device combining high-tech sensors and transmitters. But let’s see how.

What it does

With the combination of different sensors and transmitters from the STS range, it is possible to slow down the forklift in medium and large areas, such as production areas, corridors and warehouses with high pedestrian density, or in specific areas, such as pedestrian crossings, intersections and offices.

Let us now analyze the devices used within the STS ecosystem.

Devices used and technical data of individual components

STS90A forklift device 12-24V

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THE FORKLIFT DEVICE, is the central hub of the system, used to collect signals, data and system parameterization.  It features 2 on-board relays to access control, speed reduction and shock sensor.

Wall-applied powered transmitters

These transmitters allow to automate the slowing down and restart of the vehicle speed in specific areas

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• STS95 area limitation transmitter
• STS94 function reset transmitter
• STS99 area limitation transmitter

They are equipped with a rechargeable buffer battery LIR2450 to cover blackout periods, for which external power supply is required (these are recommended devices).

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Battery-powered transmitters applied on the wall:

– STS95P area limitation transmitter

– STS94P function reset transmitter

– STS99P area limitation transmitter

Those devices are simpler to apply but they require periodic maintenance (CR2450 3.6V battery replacement every 6/8 months).

STS95 and STS95P zone limitation transmitters are normally used to manage access gates in dangerous areas. When the STS90A forklift device enters the sensor “bubble,” relay k2 closes, the device light turns orange from green, and the speed is reduced. The state of the relay remains as such, even when leaving the sensor intercept zone or if the vehicle is turned off and on again.

Function restoration transmitters STS94 and STS94P, represent the antagonists of the slowdown transmitters. When the forklift enters the sensor “bubble,” relay k2 reopens and the device light turns green again, restoring the medium’s standard speed.

The STS99 and STS99P area limitation transmitters are used to limit the speed of vehicles in restricted areas, pedestrian crossings, rest areas, intersections and offices. When the STS90A forklift device enters the sensor area, relay k2 closes, the device light turns red, and the speed of the vehicle is restricted.

After a certain amount of time (expressed in seconds) from the time the vehicle exits the sensor “bubble,” relay k2 reopens, the device light turns green again, and the standard speed of the vehicle is restored. This time-gap can be set in the SafeTApp.

General usage and installation

The STS90A device is meant to be installed on the forklift roof. Both access control and shock control can be activated, although the specific function of lift limitation does not require them.

 

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Application examples of STS94-STS95 sensors for zone slowdown.

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Application examples of STS99 sensors for in-area slowdown.

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Complete control thanks to the SafeTApp

Thanks to the cloud-based STS platform, all STS series devices and transmitters can be managed in our free Android app. With a simple cell phone or tablet, it is then possible to manage all device parameters: vehicle slowdown in area, anti-collision, pedestrian, door opener, traffic light signals, and much more!

Distances, times, and all parameterizations of individual devices can be easily set in the SafeTApp.

All devices and transmitters of the STS series, as well as the systems made with them, are NOT to be considered PPE (INDIVIDUAL PROTECTION DEVICES) and are NOT a substitute for such devices with which the user must be provided according to legal provisions. They do, however, represent a valuable safety commodity in all areas.

The sale of STS systems is reserved only for specialized workshops in the sector.

Tamarri S.r.l. continues its concrete commitment to safety at work. In collaboration with DOT-net, Tamarri has developed a system that, along with several other features, also has that of slowing down in the area! Find out more on the dedicated page of the STS Platform.

Hyper-amortization. Automatic and semiautomatic guide

 

Hyper-amortization. In this article, we would like to analyze the situation regarding the requirement for automatic and semiautomatic driving according to the “Transaction 4.0” plan.

Hyper-Amortization. From “Industry 4.0” plan, the facilitation regulations of hyper-amortization.

In this article, we want to tell you about the requirement of automatic and semi-automatic driving according to the provisions of the “Transaction 4.0” Plan.

With the help of Eng. Matteo Iubatti, let’s analyze the situation to provide more clarity on the topic.

Hyper-amortization in the field of automatic and semiautomatic driving: Eng. Matteo Iubatti

Below are the words of Eng. Matteo Iubatti that help us further clarify the issue related to automatic and semi-automatic driving

“The facilitating legislation of hyper-amortization (now tax credit capital goods 4.0) was introduced by Plan “Industry 4.0” by Law No. 232 of December 11, 2016, published in the Official Gazette General Series No. 297 of December 21, 2016 – Ordinary Suppl. No. 57, as amended by Article 7-novies of Decree Law No. 243 of December 29, 2016, converted with amendments by Law No. 18 of February 27, 2017, and its Annexes A and B and Circular No. 4 /E of 03/30/2017 – Industry 4.0 – Article 1, paragraphs 8 to 13, of Law No. 232 of December 11, 2016 – Extension, with amendments, of the discipline of the so-called “super depreciation” and introduction of the so-called “hyper depreciation.”

This legislation provides, among the eligible goods, “mobile machinery” within the meaning of Directive 46/2007/EC, defined as any self-propelled vehicle specifically designed and manufactured to perform work and, due to its construction characteristics, not suitable for transporting passengers or goods. Machines assembled on a motor vehicle chassis are not considered mobile machinery.

In Circular No. 4 /E of 03/30/2017 – Industry 4.0 – Article 1, paragraphs 8 to 13, of Law No. 232 of December 11, 2016- Extension, with amendments, of the discipline of the so-called “super amortization” and introduction of the so-called “hyper amortization,” the technical specifications that such machines must meet in order to be covered by the facilitating discipline, are detailed. In addition it is reported that in the case of driving or operating machines, which operate in the outdoor environment (typically machines used in agriculture and construction) the feature of interconnection and automated integration must be fulfilled if they are completely automated (without an operator on board) or semi-automated (meaning being operator-assisted with remote control) and capable of receiving data related to the assigned task from a remote central system (related to planning, scheduling or production progress control, without necessarily having features of machine actuation or startup) located in the factory environment.

The above information thus clearly shows that the requirement of automatic or semi-automatic driving “does not constitute an autonomous and additional requirement with respect to those required by the Facilitation Framework, but rather a technological feature or, in other words, a circumstance where for the “mobile machines” in question the requirements of interconnection and automated integration are fulfilled” (clarified by Circular No. 177355 of May 23, 2018).

Also from the same Circular May 23, 2018, No. 177355, it is specified that “semi-automatically guided ‘mobile machines’ are the ones equipped with guidance systems capable of controlling at least one displacement function: for example, steering, speed, stopping.” For moving machines then, as well as for all other machines that can benefit from the hyper amortization, the main way to meet the requirements for interconnection and automated integration with the factory system are those aimed at the two-way exchange of data with the user’s information system, designed to generate value within the work process.

There is no additional requirement for automatic or semiautomatic driving needs. Automatic or semiautomatic driving does not constitute an autonomous and additional requirement with respect to those required by the Facilitative Framework, but rather a technological feature. In other words, for the “mobile machines” in question the requirements of interconnection and automated integration are considered to be fulfilled, but only if operating in an outdoor environment.”

Tamarri S.r.l. is always aware of regulatory news. Follow us to receive an expert advice. 😉

Act plural

team

Act plural. ”A dream you dream alone is only a dream, a dream you dream together is reality” – John Lennon

Act plural: collaboration and individuality

 To collaborate means to actively participate, to achieve the accomplishment of a task or the performance of an activity. Within the company, collaboration is fundamental, as a synergistic relationship between two or more entities working together. The main goal is to produce something better than what could be done alone.

“Collaboration,” however, should not be at odds with “Individuality.”

One of the most famous quotes about teamwork, attributed to Chicago Bulls assistant coach Tex Winter, states: “there is no ‘I’ in ‘team.'” It is also said that the star of that team, Michael Jordan, replied: “but there is an ‘I’ in ‘win.'”

Fact: there is no room for individualism in collaboration. But successful collaboration requires room for individuality, now more than ever, since working alone has become almost impossible.

Even we ourselves individually have an “internal team,” and we are like a team composed of several different personalities, with different interests and desires, even divergent ones.

Act plural: collaboration and empathy

The goal of the I-professional’s day, for example, may not coincide with that of the I-in-family. Each person is at his or her best if he or she is in balance with his or her own life, and so to collaborate means to contribute to each other’s balance.

To collaborate, especially today when technologies give us access to increasingly effective and pervasive tools of connection (the magic – unthinkable 15 years ago – of a videocall) and sharing (the agility of a shared working document), it then becomes also and above all a matter of empathy, a delicate interconnection of “fractals” between our “internal team” and the real “external teams” of which we are part.

Sharing a project goal is important but collaborating with someone to ensure that both ours and his or her more “subtle” wants and needs are gratified and enhanced is what makes all the difference in our (and others’) work-life balance.

The advice: collaborate more and better, with others and with yourself. In the age of sharing, it is not only projects and goals that are “shared,” but also people, their values, their sensitivities, their multiple desires: commit to making sure that everything comes out better, not just the outcome of the project. Because if you learn to respect other people’s time, others will learn to respect yours.

Act plural: ask yourself the right questions

What can I do concretely to facilitate the collaboration in my team?

How do I consider the “vital” needs and desires of the people I collaborate with?

What questions should I ask my colleagues to stimulate and enrich my and their ideas?

How do I assess my level of active listening? And how could I improve it?

Training.

Workout #1 – Technology to collaborate

For one week, follow some simple rules to collaborate with technology, not only to achieve a given goal but also to respect other people’s needs:

Transparency: share your schedule and have others share theirs with you.

Cleanliness: as often as you can, put a maximum of 3 people in knowledge copy of an email, to avoid multiplication of information that might take unnecessary attention from others.

Alignment: work on shared documents, to avoid unnecessary effort and wasted time (e.g., not to work in parallel on different versions of the same file).

Accuracy: send targeted and concise emails, 5-10 lines maximum, with an unambiguous subject line and content structure that can be understood immediately.

Empathy: send emails only at respectful hours (“sociable hours”), avoiding evenings and weekends, limiting yourself to communicating what the other person expects to know from you, or what is relevant to them.

Workout #2 – Collective intelligence

For one week, follow 7 simple rules to collaborate and create innovative solutions together with others that are the result of collective intelligence.

– Instead of “the Devil’s,” be “the Angel’s Advocate”: don’t undermine others’ ideas but encourage them to generate new ones by “raising” on their own (avoid “yes, but…” and use “yes, and…”).

Respect the brainstorming rules not only in dedicated sessions but in any time of sharing and exchanging ideas with other people. Separate the creative phase of idea generation (divergent phase) from judgment (convergent phase): when you are in the former, “surf” freely among other people’s ideas and, only in the latter, clearly and respectfully express your agreement or disagreement.

Facilitate collective thinking: connect and relate your ideas to others and those of others to each other (“your idea makes me think of…”)

Listen actively: ask your colleagues questions to understand better how and what they think. Involve, offer and ask for suggestions and advice.

Relativize: start with the assumption that your beliefs are a point of view, not an unbreakable dogma. Question yourself, invite others to challenge your ideas, and continually look for cues to improve your thinking with the help of others.

Eyes shut and focus on your breathing will help you get to sleep quickly.

No distractions: the phone’s “flight mode” is your best friend!

Tamarri: technology for empathy! 😉