This is the main source of waste for companies – and the solution I’ve seen produce results”

We spoke to Samuel Póvoa, Head of Internet of Things (IoT) at Somengil, about the main challenges companies face and the role of technology in solving them. This is practical advice from someone who has spent years in the field helping companies become more efficient.

What is the main challenge for companies that want to be more sustainable?

SP: One of the main challenges our customers face is energy inefficiency. Many businesses struggle with high energy consumption and its costs, and with the negative environmental impact this entails. In addition, the pressure to adopt more sustainable practices is growing, and finding ways to reduce resource consumption without compromising operational efficiency has become a priority.

It’s true that companies want to be greener, but they often don’t know where to start or how to implement changes that really matter. This need to be sustainable while remaining competitive can be a real challenge.

What role does technology play in addressing this challenge?

Somengil is at the forefront of new technologies, such as IoT, to help companies achieve remarkable efficiency improvements. We already collect data from around 200 machines around the world every day. This analysis allows us to obtain detailed information on the operation of our machines, their consumption and any faults. This data is used, for example, to predict problems before they happen. Best of all, we can access the machines remotely to solve problems and even make updates. Basically, the machine continues to improve over time, almost as if it had a “digital coach” looking after it. As a result, companies become more efficient, effortlessly.

With this data, we can identify priority areas for future development, whether it’s reducing energy consumption or increasing the reliability of specific components. In addition, we are always on the lookout for the latest market developments. One of our focuses is the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with IoT. Using AI algorithms, we will be able to identify complex patterns in machine data and recommend automatic adjustments to further improve MultiWasher’s efficiency and reliability.

What advice do you have for companies aiming to enhance their efficiency?

My first piece of advice would be to start by assessing your specific needs and clearly defining the objectives you want to achieve. There’s no point in wanting to run before you know how to walk. Next, it’s important to choose technology partners with proven experience who can offer ongoing support.

In addition, change management is crucial. Involving the team right from the start helps to ensure a smooth transition. And, of course, having a well-defined strategic plan is essential to ensure that the implementation really brings value to the business.

What is the main advantage of working with Somengil?

The biggest advantage of working with Somengil is our commitment to innovation and efficiency. We use technology to create solutions that are tailored to our customers’ needs. This improves machine performance and also cuts operating costs.

And that’s not all: our after-sales team is tireless. We’re always here to make sure our customers have everything they need to keep their operations running smoothly. We are at our customers’ side to innovate, optimize and make their investment count.

About Samuel Póvoa

Samuel Póvoa is Head of IoT (Internet of Things) at Somengil. He has always been fascinated by understanding how things work, a curiosity that led him to study Automation, Robotics and Industrial Maintenance. Over the years, he has focused on using IoT to make Somengil’s industrial washing machines smarter and more efficient. This mission has already taken him to various projects and geographies, bringing real and measurable benefits to companies.