EPS@ISEP | The European Project Semester (EPS) at ISEP

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report [2021/06/26 19:53] – [7.3 Parts and Materials] team2report [2021/06/26 22:46] (current) – [7.2 Proposed Solution] team2
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 ^ Abbreviation ^ Description ^ ^ Abbreviation ^ Description ^
 +|B2B | Business to Business |
 +|B2C | Business to Customer |
 |C-U | Control-Unit | |C-U | Control-Unit |
 |EMC | Electromagnetic Compatibility | |EMC | Electromagnetic Compatibility |
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 |EU | European Union | |EU | European Union |
 |EUIPO | European Union Intellectual Property Office | |EUIPO | European Union Intellectual Property Office |
 +|FAQ | Frequently Asked Questions |
 |GHG | Greenhouse Gas | |GHG | Greenhouse Gas |
 |IoT | Internet of Things |   |IoT | Internet of Things |  
 |ISEP| Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto | |ISEP| Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto |
 |LAN | Local Area Network | |LAN | Local Area Network |
 +|LCA| Life Cycle Assessment |
 |LVD | Low Voltage Directive | |LVD | Low Voltage Directive |
 |OE | Order of Engineers | |OE | Order of Engineers |
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 |USB | Universal Serial Bus | |USB | Universal Serial Bus |
 |WBS| Work Breakdown Structure | |WBS| Work Breakdown Structure |
-|LCA| Life Cycle Assessment | 
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 ===== - Introduction ===== ===== - Introduction =====
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-From this analysis it is possible to say that **monitoring** is a common and important usage feature, mentioned in each project, to improve the relationship with the customers. Other key aspects to retain are that this relationship with customers should be open and truthful, as the company should provide information about the design and manufacturing stages, as well as service support during the usage stage. Furthermore, the products should be **reusable**, and/or **recyclable** products that actually add value, and the **modularization** and **customization** help to create **upgradable** services/products for greater longevity.+From this analysis it is possible to say that **monitoring** is a common and important usage feature, mentioned in each project, to improve the relationship with the customers. Other key aspects to retain are that this relationship with customers should be open and truthful, as the company should provide information about the design and manufacturing stages, as well as service support during the usage stage. Furthermore, the products should be **reusable**, and/or **recyclable** products that add value, and the **modularization** and **customization** help to create **upgradable** services/products for greater longevity.
 ==== - Commercial Projects ==== ==== - Commercial Projects ====
 The commercial projects/products are vital in the comparative process of the first research steps, to oversee what is already available on the market, to analyse the qualities and downsides of the products, and to conclude on which features the team's product should compile, and some issues that could be solved with said product. The commercial projects/products are vital in the comparative process of the first research steps, to oversee what is already available on the market, to analyse the qualities and downsides of the products, and to conclude on which features the team's product should compile, and some issues that could be solved with said product.
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 Based on this study of the state of the art, the team decided to adopt the following strategies: manufacture a modular/reconfigurable product with connectivity; develop a product that adds value and that answers to the existing problem of sustainable food production in today's society; choose the most sustainable production strategies and materials possible; be communicative with customers, and open about the manufacturing process and materials used. Therefore, the team will develop a smart modular 'keyhole garden' structure, to fulfil the need for sustainable food production techniques as the world's population grows. Based on this study of the state of the art, the team decided to adopt the following strategies: manufacture a modular/reconfigurable product with connectivity; develop a product that adds value and that answers to the existing problem of sustainable food production in today's society; choose the most sustainable production strategies and materials possible; be communicative with customers, and open about the manufacturing process and materials used. Therefore, the team will develop a smart modular 'keyhole garden' structure, to fulfil the need for sustainable food production techniques as the world's population grows.
  
-The following chapter is an overview of project management throughout the duration of the semester.+The following chapter is an overview of project management throughout the semester.
 ===== - Project Management ===== ===== - Project Management =====
 The team followed the agile project management methodology named Scrum, due to its short, iterative cycles (sprints) and flexibility. This is a simple framework to implement and it solves problems such as development cycles, inflexible project plans, and shifting production schedules [(wrike_scrum)]. The team followed the agile project management methodology named Scrum, due to its short, iterative cycles (sprints) and flexibility. This is a simple framework to implement and it solves problems such as development cycles, inflexible project plans, and shifting production schedules [(wrike_scrum)].
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 It seems that quality is a major category that consumers use to evaluate a product or service. Meeting users expectations is crucial for people involved in a business and is driven by the market conditions such as competition.
 It seems that quality is a major category that consumers use to evaluate a product or service. Meeting users expectations is crucial for people involved in a business and is driven by the market conditions such as competition.

 ==== - People ==== ==== - People ====
-Human resources are the key factor for a project. Team members contribute to multiple task development. To help organize the work different tasks were allocated to team members. What is more the team knows who is responsible for a certain task. It is visible in the table below.+Human resources are the key factor for a project. Team members contribute to multiple task development. To help organize the work different tasks were allocated to team members. What is more the team knows who is responsible for a certain task. It is visible in the following table.
  
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 **Competitive Matrix** **Competitive Matrix**
  
-A competitive matrix is a technique for industry analysis that analyzes the attributes of different brands in your market sector to determine their differences, strengths, and weaknesses. This data assists you in identifying your unique competitive edge and prospects for business growth.+A competitive matrix is a technique for industry analysis that analyses the attributes of different brands in your market sector to determine their differences, strengths, and weaknesses. This data assists you in identifying your unique competitive edge and prospects for business growth.
  
 We will use a competitive matrix in a form of a chart that lists each competitor along with a list of their features and benefits. **Table {{ref>CompetitiveMatrix}}** shows the differences between the Wormify composting system and other similar products. We will use a competitive matrix in a form of a chart that lists each competitor along with a list of their features and benefits. **Table {{ref>CompetitiveMatrix}}** shows the differences between the Wormify composting system and other similar products.
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-The team has decided to break into the bio marketplace with a unique and cost-effective product named Wormify. Knowing the benefits that Wormify brings to the table, we will further analyze it as a product.  An effective positioning strategy considers the strengths and weaknesses of the team, the needs of the customers and market, and the position of competitors. The purpose of a positioning strategy is that it allows the team to spotlight specific areas where they can outshine and beat their competition.+The team has decided to break into the bio marketplace with a unique and cost-effective product named Wormify. Knowing the benefits that Wormify brings to the table, we will further analyse it as a product.  An effective positioning strategy considers the strengths and weaknesses of the team, the needs of the customers and market, and the position of competitors. The purpose of a positioning strategy is that it allows the team to spotlight specific areas where they can outshine and beat their competition.
  
 During the project semester, we collected different proposals to find a suitable name for our vermiculture project. Towards the beginning of the project, a survey was created in which the possible brand names were divided into the two groups "closed-loop" and "sustainable/local" to find out which brand name and which group was preferred. During the project semester, we collected different proposals to find a suitable name for our vermiculture project. Towards the beginning of the project, a survey was created in which the possible brand names were divided into the two groups "closed-loop" and "sustainable/local" to find out which brand name and which group was preferred.
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   - **Measure performance** \\ Wormify creates a safe environment for compost worms and aerobic (odourless) microbes to convert organic household waste into vermicompost. The worms move through the perforations in the underground part, aerating and carrying those nutrients into the surrounding soil, creating an optimally fertile environment for plants to thrive.   - **Measure performance** \\ Wormify creates a safe environment for compost worms and aerobic (odourless) microbes to convert organic household waste into vermicompost. The worms move through the perforations in the underground part, aerating and carrying those nutrients into the surrounding soil, creating an optimally fertile environment for plants to thrive.
   - **Compare performance**  \\ Conventional household compost systems, such as tumblers, worm towers, and those ubiquitous big black buckets, sit above the ground where the material, worms and microbes are exposed to extreme temperatures. \\ When compost gets too hot, and not correctly managed, it becomes anaerobic and turns into a foul-smelling, greenhouse-gas-emitting sludge that attracts vermin and makes composting a drag – as well as a complete waste of time. Managing these systems is labour-intensive and difficult. Wormify eliminates these issues and is practically maintenance-free. \\    - **Compare performance**  \\ Conventional household compost systems, such as tumblers, worm towers, and those ubiquitous big black buckets, sit above the ground where the material, worms and microbes are exposed to extreme temperatures. \\ When compost gets too hot, and not correctly managed, it becomes anaerobic and turns into a foul-smelling, greenhouse-gas-emitting sludge that attracts vermin and makes composting a drag – as well as a complete waste of time. Managing these systems is labour-intensive and difficult. Wormify eliminates these issues and is practically maintenance-free. \\ 
-  - **Analyze deviations** \\ A typical mistake in worm feeding is assuming that they can or would consume anything organic or biodegradable. In reality, there are some popular foods and organic materials that should not be composted in a vermicomposting system: \\ - Grass clippings are a fantastic addition to a conventional compost pile, and worms will consume them in their natural environment, but they will heat the soil and kill all of the worms in a vermicomposting system. \\   - Meats, oils, and dairy products can be treated in a closed compost system, but not in a vermicomposting system. \\   - Citrus has the ability to decrease the pH of the vermiculture environment. Citrus peels or leftovers should make up no more than 20% of any given meal. \\   - Excessive salt in leftovers should be avoided as well because salt might kill worms.+  - **Analyse deviations** \\ A typical mistake in worm feeding is assuming that they can or would consume anything organic or biodegradable. In reality, there are some popular foods and organic materials that should not be composted in a vermicomposting system: \\ - Grass clippings are a fantastic addition to a conventional compost pile, and worms will consume them in their natural environment, but they will heat the soil and kill all of the worms in a vermicomposting system. \\   - Meats, oils, and dairy products can be treated in a closed compost system, but not in a vermicomposting system. \\   - Citrus can decrease the pH of the vermiculture environment. Citrus peels or leftovers should make up no more than 20% of any given meal. \\   - Excessive salt in leftovers should be avoided as well because salt might kill worms.
   - **Decide if corrective action is needed** \\ Wormify began with a simple idea: make composting a part of everyday life. We believe that if we can do that, we can teach people to love the soil their food comes from, and make the world a little bit better together. To achieve this purpose and avoid risks we have created a comprehensive FAQ and User Manual.   - **Decide if corrective action is needed** \\ Wormify began with a simple idea: make composting a part of everyday life. We believe that if we can do that, we can teach people to love the soil their food comes from, and make the world a little bit better together. To achieve this purpose and avoid risks we have created a comprehensive FAQ and User Manual.
  
  
-Whenever there is a bottleneck in the business – we need to first identify the cause and then run a Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle to improve the specific area that is causing problems. PDCA cycle is an iterative process for continually improving products, people, and services. It became an integral part of what is known today as Lean management. The Plan-Do-Check-Act model, represented in **Figure {{ref>swot}}**, includes solutions testing, analyzing results, and improving the process.+Whenever there is a bottleneck in the business – we need to first identify the cause and then run a Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle to improve the specific area that is causing problems. PDCA cycle is an iterative process for continually improving products, people, and services. It became an integral part of what is known today as Lean management. The Plan-Do-Check-Act model, represented in **Figure {{ref>swot}}**, includes solutions testing, analysing results, and improving the process.
  
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 ==== - Introduction ==== ==== - Introduction ====
-Sustainability is a strong concept how has the value to keep us healthy as a society. The “Brundtland Commission” (the duty of this commission is to connect countries to pursue sustainable development together) released its final report, Our Common Future, which defines sustainable development as "a development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” [(MCGILL2017)].+Sustainability is a strong concept how has the value to keep us healthy as a society. The “Brundtland Commission” (this commission must connect countries to pursue sustainable development together) released its final report, Our Common Future, which defines sustainable development as "a development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.” [(MCGILL2017)].
  
 These days, most organizations are seeking to attain sustainable development through assessing green performance and the main criterion is Eco-efficiency. Eco-efficiency is an improved measure of sustainability because it connects environmental impacts directly with economic performance and it works as a valuable tool to approach sustainable development [(RodrigoCaiado2017)]. These days, most organizations are seeking to attain sustainable development through assessing green performance and the main criterion is Eco-efficiency. Eco-efficiency is an improved measure of sustainability because it connects environmental impacts directly with economic performance and it works as a valuable tool to approach sustainable development [(RodrigoCaiado2017)].
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   - Provide their services with diligence and punctuality so as not to harm the client or third parties, never abandoning, without justification, the jobs entrusted to them or the positions they perform;   - Provide their services with diligence and punctuality so as not to harm the client or third parties, never abandoning, without justification, the jobs entrusted to them or the positions they perform;
   - Not disclose or use professional secrets or information, especially scientific and techniques obtained confidentially in the exercise of their functions, unless, in conscience, they consider that the requirements of the common good may be at risk;   - Not disclose or use professional secrets or information, especially scientific and techniques obtained confidentially in the exercise of their functions, unless, in conscience, they consider that the requirements of the common good may be at risk;
-  - Only be paid for the services they have actually provided and taking into account their fair value;+  - Only be paid for the services they have provided and taking into account their fair value;
   - Refuse to collaborate in jobs whose payment is subject to confirmation of a predetermined conclusion, although this circumstance may influence the setting of remuneration;   - Refuse to collaborate in jobs whose payment is subject to confirmation of a predetermined conclusion, although this circumstance may influence the setting of remuneration;
   - Refuse compensation from more than one person interested in their work when there may be conflicts of interest or if there is no consent of either party.   - Refuse compensation from more than one person interested in their work when there may be conflicts of interest or if there is no consent of either party.
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-To sum up, the following table shows the most important aspects from the four articles analyzed.+To sum up, the following table shows the most important aspects from the four articles analysed.
  
  
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 ==== - Environmental Ethics ====  ==== - Environmental Ethics ==== 
  
-Environmental concerns have been around for many decades but with the huge impact of the media, these have been brought to the spotlight in recent years. Green marketing is the process of promoting products or services based on their environmental benefits. However, labels such as "sustainable", "conscious" or "green" are many times, used wrongfully and without proof. This is called **Green-washing**, giving a false impression or providing misleading information about how a company's products/services are more environmentally friendly than they actually are. Some examples of Green-washing are:+Environmental concerns have been around for many decades but with the huge impact of the media, these have been brought to the spotlight in recent years. Green marketing is the process of promoting products or services based on their environmental benefits. However, labels such as "sustainable", "conscious" or "green" are many times, used wrongfully and without proof. This is called **Green-washing**, giving a false impression or providing misleading information about how a company's products/services are more environmentally friendly than they are. Some examples of Green-washing are:
   * Saying "product made **with** recycled materials", but only a small percentage of recycled materials was indeed used;   * Saying "product made **with** recycled materials", but only a small percentage of recycled materials was indeed used;
   * Irrelevant allegations saying "product does not contain CFCs" or "not tested on animals" when the product is produced in Europe - both are forbidden in Europe. This is different from "Cruelty-Free", which certifies that the brand does not sell for countries that do those tests (like China, for example);   * Irrelevant allegations saying "product does not contain CFCs" or "not tested on animals" when the product is produced in Europe - both are forbidden in Europe. This is different from "Cruelty-Free", which certifies that the brand does not sell for countries that do those tests (like China, for example);
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 === - Target Group === === - Target Group ===
  
-To come with a valuable design, we first thought of a target group, presented in the figure below. We decided to focus on people who live in the city, as previously stated in the marketing chapter. More specifically on people living in apartment buildings. They could use their roof to install the modular vermiponics system or just use one module on their own personal balcony. This way the vermiponic system will not only allow them to produce herbs and vegetables sustainably but also will have the power to connect the residents to one and other, as it can function as a meeting spot to come together. +To come with a valuable design, we first thought of a target group, presented in the following figure. We decided to focus on people who live in the city, as previously stated in the marketing chapter. More specifically on people living in apartment buildings. They could use their roof to install the modular vermiponics system or just use one module on their balcony. This way the vermiponic system will not only allow them to produce herbs and vegetables sustainably but also will have the power to connect the residents to one and other, as it can function as a meeting spot to come together. 
  
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 ==== - Parts and Materials ==== ==== - Parts and Materials ====
-This section provides a detailed overview of each part of the system, analyzing the options the team went through regarding shape and material.+This section provides a detailed overview of each part of the system, analysing the options the team went through regarding shape and material.
  
 === - Bars === === - Bars ===
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   * P = I x U = 0.95 W   * P = I x U = 0.95 W
  
-Further, we will analyze different options for the photovoltaic panel.+Further, we will analyse different options for the photovoltaic panel.
  
 === - Photovoltaic panel === === - Photovoltaic panel ===
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 In this part, the types of simulation that were performed for Wormify are presented.  In this part, the types of simulation that were performed for Wormify are presented. 
-First of all, we built a 1:1 scale model of one module. The prototype is obviously a simplified version of what the actual product is supposed to be. This means that dimensions are smaller and materials are cheaper and more accessible versions of the ideal ones. +First of all, we built a 1:1 scale model of one module. The prototype is a simplified version of what the actual product is supposed to be. This means that dimensions are smaller and materials are cheaper and more accessible versions of the ideal ones. 
  
 The team followed the traditional protocol to collect the worms from the land. Firstly, a bucket was inserted into the ground. Then, a layer of food waste was added, followed by a layer of dry leaves and shredded paper. Finally, the team inserted the lid on top to prevent other animals from entering the composting basket. After five days, we were able to remove the bucket from the ground and get the worms that were attracted to the food waste. The team followed the traditional protocol to collect the worms from the land. Firstly, a bucket was inserted into the ground. Then, a layer of food waste was added, followed by a layer of dry leaves and shredded paper. Finally, the team inserted the lid on top to prevent other animals from entering the composting basket. After five days, we were able to remove the bucket from the ground and get the worms that were attracted to the food waste.

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