The work performed during the 4 months of the SME1 project covers the following activities:
1) Technical feasibility
We have completed the development of the multifunctional and flexible platform PLC / HMI. Our work focused on the aspects of industrial controllers traditionally hostile for the designers, namely: a) The discrepancy among the different programming languages; b) Interface difficulties with the management software.
The aim was to generate PLC control in a single development environment, with the advantage of using an open platform in a modular system of inputs and outputs to the rack sensors. Using a PC, we installed the program that generates the PLC code, instead of relying on a closed architecture with the manufacturer / supplier specific runtime already integrated. The runtime can be installed on any hardware architecture, in compliance with the expressed production logic of the Km0, flexible and permanently modifiable and independent of the system architecture. To do this we used Codesys (Controlled Development System), a software to program the PLC in realtime, which transforms a normal PC into a PLC, that allowed us to implement automata for logic control using one of the languages defined by the IEC 61131-3 standard.
Secondly, we have finalized the services of the DMS and user-targeted mobile/web APPs. The application was created to be used both in WEB and in MOBILE mode (Android and iOS) and can be customized according to the language of the one set and used on the smartphone or Tablet or PC or Notebook. All the required functionalities have been tested and debugged. The functions are the same in the two access modes, except for the management functions by the System Administrators for which Back End functions are activated to carry out the technical maintenance activities of the Bikeinside system.
2) Commercial feasibility, Business Plan and Risk Assessment
During the phase 1 we have collected all available relevant information and data concerning our target market. We have roughly divided the market into three orthogonal but partially overlapping segments: a) bike parking, b) bike renting (sharing) and c) bike tourism; and we have deeply investigated them in order to better understand the different users’ needs and the barriers that might exist.
During the phase 1 project we have elaborated a comprehensive Business Plan that will serve to guide our company to successful introduction of the BIKEINSIDE into the market. We have consolidated our business model, our strategies for systems production and sales, our marketing mix and approach to reach the market. We also have performed a detailed Risk Assessment in order to quantify and mitigate any technical, financial and commercial risks that could affect the project exploitation. The IRP strategy and the IP context has been also re-assessed in order to verify our freedom to operate (FTO).
During the last four months we have developed some important contacts with potential clients, starting from the cities of our territory (Piedmont Region) such as Torino, Vercelli, Alessandria, Verbania, Cisterino and looking beyond the boundaries of our region: we have been in contact with the municipalities of Brescia and Gardone Val Trompia (Lombardy) as well as Locorotondo and Alberobello (Puglia). We have received an important expression of interest from UNCEM, ie the National Union of Mountain Communities Communities, an association that represents a territorial basin equal to 54% of the Italian one with more than 10 million inhabitants.
We boosted to the dissemination and communication of our project. This was promoted at both local and national level, also thanks to support of the CSMT Technological Pole of Brescia. Press release have been published in some local newspapers and we improved the communication thorough our website. BIKEINSIDE project was selected for the participation at the Science Festival of Gardone Val Trompia.
