Remanufactured gearboxes, traceability and Industry 5.0: process innovation at Tecnotrasmissioni
Traceability is a recurring term in industrial supply chains. In a remanufacturing process, it refers to something specific: the set of data collected throughout the machining, inspection and testing stages, and the ability to consult that data whenever needed. This is what makes it possible to verify the process, reconstruct the operational steps and support the customer with documented information whenever necessary.
In the article on digitalisation of production and logistics processes, we described the tools introduced – MES and WMS systems integrated with the ERP, as well as automated vertical warehouses. We can now look at how Tecnotrasmissioni has built an efficient, controlled and sustainable industrial process to deliver measurable benefits for those managing structured supply programmes.
In short, the digitalisation of the remanufacturing process acts on operational efficiency, verifiable control and integrated sustainability. Traceability, that is, the set of data recorded at every stage, makes quality documented and demonstrable, unit by unit. For those managing structured supply programmes, this translates into more reliable product availability and more controlled operational risk.
A digitalisation project that strengthens the industrial model
Digitalisation makes the process more efficient, more controlled and more sustainable, three objectives that reinforce one another.
An efficient process makes better use of time, resources and energy. A controlled process generates data that allows activities to be verified, documented and consulted whenever needed. A sustainable process reduces waste and consumption as a result of the way it operates. Industrial remanufacturing brings these three dimensions together, and technology makes them measurable.
The investments made by Tecnotrasmissioni as part of its Industry 5.0 project represent a virtuous example of process innovation, accelerating the modernisation of production, logistics and control processes and strengthening the integration between technology, operational organisation and energy efficiency.
How monitoring works throughout the remanufacturing process
Tecnotrasmissioni’ remanufacturing process includes the monitoring of activities from machining to testing, through to logistics and document management. The investments made have strengthened the integration between departments, data collection systems and verification tools, making this monitoring more effective.
The digital recording of time and materials makes it possible to measure what happens during production. The digital terminals introduced in the workshop record the time and materials used, helping to reduce operational variability and making activities more comparable.
The two new Apicom gearbox test benches enhance functional testing capacity and make technical control of remanufactured units more structured, enabling a more robust and repeatable verification process. The new industrial parts washer in the disassembly department makes the industrial washing phase of transmission group components more consistent and controlled.
The data collected during production and testing becomes valuable when it flows into the management systems, where it remains available for future consultation. The project at the Mirafiori Circular Economy Hub by Stellantis is an example of this: automation of the testing cycle is combined with data traceability integrated into the management systems, with component testing capacity doubled.
The integration between the workflow of a transmission group and the information flow improves operational control throughout the entire process: industrial remanufacturing verifies each physical unit, while digitalisation does the same with the data that accompanies it.
Operational continuity: efficiency and less variability
The recording of time and materials during production reduces operational variability, helping to ensure consistent process quality.
At Tecnotrasmissioni, efficiency also involves logistics and warehouse management. The introduction of vertical warehouses – two already operational and a third on the way – improves stock management, access to information and the handling of spare parts, reducing time and operational steps. For car manufacturers and distributors in the automotive sector, the result is greater reliability in product availability and smoother supply management.
Sustainability: energy efficiency integrated into the process
Tecnotrasmissioni’ modernisation project has strengthened the energy side of the process through measures aimed at recovering the heat generated by compressors and optimising compressed air flows, in order to improve efficiency and reduce consumption.
Similarly, power quality systems contribute to stabilising electrical power and optimising consumption. A more stable voltage supply to the loads supports operational continuity and the reliability of the power supply throughout the production process.
For Tecnotrasmissioni, sustainability is first and foremost a consequence of the industrial remanufacturing model: extending the life cycle of components, reducing the consumption of raw materials and limiting waste.
The investments in energy efficiency made as part of the Transition 5.0 plan make this model even more coherent. For corporate customers, this represents a concrete alignment with supply chain sustainability objectives.
The benefits for B2B and corporate customers
The Industry 5.0 project represents concrete value for B2B supplies.
From a compliance perspective, verifiable documentation is relevant in relationships that require alignment with OEM technical requirements, where verifiability is itself a requirement. In addition, traceability makes the result comparable and helps maintain consistent standards across ongoing supplies and large volumes.
A tracked process also supports the prevention of non-conformities: the origin of an anomaly becomes easier to identify and prevent over time. For buyers, this is a direct factor in reducing operational risk.
Conclusion
Efficient, controlled, sustainable: three words that describe Tecnotrasmissioni’ industrial process, made measurable through digitalisation. Thanks to traceability, the quality of each individual unit can be demonstrated: a concrete value for those managing structured supply programmes.
Want to understand how a traceable process can reduce operational risk in your supply chain?
Speak to the Tecnotrasmissioni technical team.