Electromechanics
Case Study

Bonfiglioli: a path to technological excellence with SAP

Excellence in the metalworking sector

For over 60 years, Bonfiglioli Riduttori has designed, manufactured, and distributed a wide range of gearmotors and drive devices for numerous industrial sectors. Today, at its headquarters in Calderara di Reno, a true center of excellence has emerged, named EVO. It represents the group's largest facility, joining dozens of sales subsidiaries, manufacturing plants, and several hundred distributors worldwide. EVO is also an ambitious project that would not have been possible without a strong belief in the transformative power of technology.

Simplify picking operations

The entire investment was divided into new inline production technologies, Industry 4.0 best practices, and adequate infrastructure. A warehouse management solution was needed that would integrate with the existing SAP management system while radically simplifying picking operations. An analytical discussion with Var Group led to the design of a virtual pick-to-light solution based on augmented reality. This solution streamlines warehouse operations by seeing through the "eyes" of a tablet, bypassing radio frequency guns, voice-to-pick systems, and even the costly and limiting physical infrastructure of so-called pick-to-light.

iPick to improve the performance of the logistics department

Thanks to the technical expertise and in-depth knowledge of logistics processes at Var BMS, Var Group's SAP brand, iPick was chosen. This solution improves logistics department performance through Artificial Intelligence and Augmented Reality. Its distinguishing feature is the use of Aruco codes, special markers used for video recognition that have no perceptible latency.

AI and Augmented Reality are revolutionizing the warehouse

iPick has revolutionized the assembly department: each worker uses a multi-tier cart with a standard tablet installed. iPick makes it "smart" and "sees" its own augmented reality without affecting that of others, providing real-time code, quantity, and picking location. Picking operations are streamlined, providing a seamless experience for every employee. The iPick system also directs each worker so they can complete their picking tasks promptly, even if they don't know the warehouse map. On-the-job training is therefore very quick. Finally, thanks to the SAP interface, a real-time view of the overall situation is always available, and the tablet can also be used for additional functions related to the management software.

"The path pursued by Bonfiglioli and Var Group is a complex one, leading to a higher level of innovation that requires continuous updates and, by adapting to company growth, opens up continuous room for improvement."

Enrico Andrini | Chief Digital & Information Officer Bonfiglioli Riduttori