Autodemolizione Pollini Group Improves Car Recycling Processes with Zebra Technologies

Italian automotive recycler replaces consumer devices with more reliable, rugged mobile computers

MILAN, Italy – Feb. 8, 2024 - Zebra Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: ZBRA), a leading digital solution provider enabling businesses to intelligently connect data, assets, and people, today announced Italian automotive recycling company Autodemolizione Pollini Group has reduced device workflow disruptions by 20% and improved device resolution times by 10%. These positive outcomes are also driving annual savings, worker satisfaction and overall efficiency.

For over 40 years, the Group has focused on recycling end-of-life vehicles and selling spare parts via its stores and e-commerce website. Operators process 70-80 vehicles daily, manage 2,000 spare parts, and maintain 350,000 items in the warehouse for delivery.

In July 2023, the EU Commission published its proposal for a regulation on circularity requirements for vehicle design and management of end-of-life vehicles, renewing its focus on sustainability in the automotive industry. Companies like Autodemolizione Pollini Group follow safety and environmental regulations when recycling, including a disassembly list to catalogue spare parts. Subject to strict quality controls, the parts must be labelled with an identifying barcode, photographed, stored in the warehouse, and put up for sale.

Previously, the Group’s warehouse operators were using consumer devices as part of the labelling process which lacked the ruggedness, functionality and battery life needed to drive efficiency. Operators were also using three different devices to manage the entire storage process which proved time-consuming and unproductive. Moreover, each location had to manually update their device pool which increased the risk of inventory inefficiencies and inaccuracies. The Group recognised that data analysis, digitalisation and automation were needed to improve quality and productivity.

“We were looking for robust, easy-to-use, all-in-one mobile devices capable of covering an entire working day without interruption,” said Giacomo Pollini, Owner, Autodemolizione Pollini Group. “The ability to manage the devices and provide support remotely was critical along with enterprise-class Wi-Fi connectivity and extended-range scanning capabilities for fast, reliable barcode reading. We needed devices that could provide the best readability outdoors for our large storage areas and warehouses, and software for tracking all processes and analysing data in real time to ensure targeted, timely actions.”

Progetto6, a Zebra business and registered independent software vendor (ISV) partner specialising in auto-ID technologies, was selected to analyse the Group’s needs and develop a solution. They replaced the consumer devices with Zebra’s TC57x rugged mobile computers including Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity. In addition, Zebra’s Workcloud Communication software helps optimise warehouse management and track spare parts with walkie-talkie and phone communication between employees. Front-line operators can now receive an order with all the necessary product information directly from the mobile computer, see where it is, and move it safely and conveniently.

“Front-line operators find the solution more intuitive and user-friendly, and the IT department is more efficient using centralised device management and standardised processes,” said Pollini. “As a result of the positive changes, we intend to implement a Zebra radio frequency identification (RFID) solution for tire inventory management in the near future.”

The Group also deployed Zebra’s VisibilityIQ™ Foresight software for device configuration, management and updates. The Group can monitor mobile computer health and usage from a single dashboard available via the cloud to provide useful insights and forecasts.

A range of Zebra printers, including ZT231 industrial printers, ZD421 desktop printers, and ZQ630 mobile printers make it easier to label components during disassembly with outdoor durability ensured via thermal adhesive labels supplied by Zebra.

“Zebra and Progetto6 have made valuable contributions to the Group’s sustainability efforts with better workflow, device efficiency and performance,” said Enzo Tumminaro, General Manager, Italy, Zebra Technologies. “Technology solutions are a valuable means of supporting the important work of making the automotive industry sustainable for the future.”

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • For 40 years, Autodemolizione Pollini Group has specialised in the recycling of vehicles and selling of spare parts.
  • To improve workflow and device operations, the Group worked with Zebra and Progetto6 to develop a solution including mobile computers, printers, labels, and device management software.
  • The solution has helped the team reduce device disruption by 20%, improve resolution time by 10% as well as drive cost savings and worker satisfaction which all contribute to the Group’s work in making the automotive industry more sustainable.
  • Read the full case study here.

ABOUT ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES

Zebra (NASDAQ: ZBRA) helps organisations monitor, anticipate, and accelerate workflows by empowering their frontline and ensuring that everyone and everything is visible, connected and fully optimised. Our award-winning portfolio spans software to innovations in robotics, machine vision, automation and digital decisioning, all backed by a +50-year legacy in scanning, track-and-trace and mobile computing solutions. With an ecosystem of 10,000 partners across more than 100 countries, Zebra’s customers include over 80% of the Fortune 500. Newsweek recently recognised Zebra as one of America’s Most Loved Workplaces and Greatest Workplaces for Diversity, and we are on Fast Company’s list of the Best Workplaces for Innovators. Learn more at www.zebra.com or sign up for news alerts. Follow Zebra’s Your Edge blog, LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook, and check out our Story Hub: Zebra Perspectives.

Media Contact:
Daniel Blackman
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Daniel.Blackman@zebra.com

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Zebra Technologies
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k.fahmy@zebra.com

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