SMITEC
Forerunners of Industrial Automation with IoT Solutions

Since its inception in 1997, SMITEC has been at the forefront of blending back-office technology solutions with industrial automation. Its journey began with an ambitious vision—to modernize the industrial sector by introducing computing power into factory machines that, until then, had been largely mechanical.

“We took the bold step of incorporating Intel processors and embracing the Windows OS, alongside programming languages like C++ and Java—choices that were quite uncommon in our field at the time,” reflects Stefano Salvi, R&D Projects Manager, on the pioneering decisions that set the foundation for SMITEC’s success. “We became the purveyors of Industry 4.0, long before the term was even a buzzword.”

Originally dedicated to elevating the bottling and packaging machinery produced by its parent entity, the SMI Group, SMITEC has since broadened its scope to accommodate a wide array of external clientele. More than just adding more buttons or screens, SMITEC’s role entails reimagining what the client’s industrial machinery can be.

Its innovation is evident in every device it develops, from design to production. With dedicated teams for electronic and PCB design, software development and an advanced production line, the company encapsulates the full spectrum of technological advancement to deliver sophisticated automation solutions.

Equipped with Ethernet connectivity, these machines have extensive data acquisition capabilities. Tapping into this wealth of information facilitates more intuitive and responsive machines that significantly enhance the manufacturing process.

Clients typically approach SMITEC with challenges centered on two main themes—sustainability and connectivity. These are critical in today’s context, where integrating operations within the larger digital ecosystem, particularly through IoT, is becoming increasingly essential.

The demand is met with SMITEC’s cutting-edge IoT solution, Smart Metering and Internet of Things (SmyIoT). At the heart of SmyIoT lies the capacity to provide clients with real-time insights into various performance metrics of their machinery, such as energy consumption, alarm activations, breakdown instances and output rates. This insight is invaluable, given that many clients may not have real-time visibility into their machinery’s operational status. SmyIoT effectively bridges this gap by enabling precise monitoring and management of machine functions.

Beyond merely monitoring, SmyIoT takes a proactive stance in delivering custom recommendations for each client’s needs. These recommendations span a wide range, from setting up detailed maintenance schedules and identifying critical components needing replacement to prevent breakdowns, to suggesting upgrades or the introduction of new applications aimed at enhancing machine performance.

A noteworthy example of SmyIoT’s impact involves a client who was initially unaware of the primary alarms or issues causing their machine’s low efficiency. By providing a prioritized list of frequent alarms, the client was able to identify a malfunctioning component in the final packaging process—a problem ultimately traced back to a supplier. This critical insight proved pivotal in overcoming the efficiency bottleneck.

Integration of Windows on Intel-based panel PCs, alongside Linux for real-time control of machine controllers, further enhances the system’s capacity for cloud data aggregation. This technological harmony not only facilitates adaptability with SMI-manufactured machinery but ensures compatibility with equipment from other manufacturers. Such inclusivity is part of SMITEC’s strategic initiative to extend its reach beyond the confines of the SMI Group machinery, targeting new sectors with its advanced solutions.

SMITEC’s adept use of industrial PCs equipped with Intel processors also adds the capability for over-the-air (OTA) updates, crucial for remote workers. Such agility in deploying updates ensures the swift rollout of new functionalities or innovations, responding to clients’ evolving requirements.

Adopting such solutions also offers clients potential financial advantages, especially in Europe. Countries such as Italy, France, the UK and Germany provide incentives for businesses that incorporate IoT systems to improve energy efficiency. Many clients consider implementing SmyIoT solutions in their machinery, viewing it as a strategic move to qualify for public financing or government-backed contributions.

The effectiveness and impact of SMITEC’s innovative strategies have earned the company industry-wide recognition. This acclaim was most notably exemplified by a recent distinction at the 2023 Oracle Excellence Awards, where it won the Innovating with Data Award. It was celebrated for its outstanding contributions to the Oracle ecosystem and its pioneering development of forward-thinking solutions. The accolade is a powerful reminder of SMITEC’s leadership in using cutting-edge technology to enhance factories’ operational performance and environmental sustainability.