Roha Premium Potato Ltd
- Business Category:
- Food Production / Agricultural / Tourism Services
- Years in business:
- 19
- Website:
- http://www.roha.com.cy https://www.facebook.com/RohaPremiumPotato
Description of business and digitisation
Main activity of the company is the planning, production, packaging, storing and export of Cyprus potatoes, winter and spring crop. Roha has many options for packing choices depending on customer request. These packaging solutions are used mostly by supermarkets which have direct access to the consumer. A more convenient approach to wholesalers can be our variety of polypropylene bags which they come in 10kg, 15kg, 20kg and 25kg. Also Roha provides industrial packaging of 1250kg (Jumbo Bags) for customers who want to repack in their own packaging solutions or for customers who want to process the potatoes in different ways. Roha also provides a service called Private Label/Branding which we can pack potatoes for other companies with their own diacritics and logos. The company also exports Cyprus potatoes. European Union countries are our main destinations like Greece, UK, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Poland and Austria. Also export to third countries like Croatia and Moldova, UAE, Bahrain, Qatar and other.
Years in business
Roha Premium Potato Ltd was established in October 2005.
Size of your business
The total number of staff at the company is 10-20 (including the management team - excluding the producers).
Supports to set up your business and digitisation
Family business Certified with international standards (ISO) & GlobalGAP Facilities: Picking/packing automated lines 900m2 Cold rooms space, 800m2 Dry room space Forklift Containers Delivery: Online tracking options Marketing: Website, FB page, youtube channel, Linked in Exhibitions: Fruit Logistca Berlin, Gulfood Dubai
Pitfalls and challenges
The biggest challenge faced so far is the monitoring of the tasks and the procedures related to picking the potatoes. Although the products (potatoes) are growing and cultivating in red soils area using latest technology equipment on the guidelines of GlobalGAP with certified Seeds, they are distributed in the machinery/picking lines, where Roha’s staff should pick the high-quality potatoes to be packed and distributed. Another challenge is monitoring the distribution procedure.
Opportunities and plans for the future
Robotic arms are used to automate and optimize the procedure of picking potatoes Ensure on-time delivery: a custom-made system to automate the tracking delivery system, rather than just send a tracking number to the customer. To increase the packing lines, to meet the high demand Increase and expand the business in and outside Europe Become a green company (environmentally friendly), by replacing all plastic packaging with an eco-friendly material (the material is still under discussion)
Orthodoxos & Misos Warehouse Ltd
- Business Category:
- Agricultural / Tourism Services / Food
- Years in business:
- 8
- Website:
- https://orthodoxos-misos.com https://www.facebook.com/orthodoxosmisos https://www.instagram.com/orthodoxosmisos
Description of business and digitisation
The company is located in the Kokkinochoria (red earth area), the heart of Cyprus garden, where the highest quality local products are growing. ORTHODOXOS & MISOS Warehouse LTD is a processing and packing company where the best quality of fruits and vegetables are picked, washed, cut and vacuum packing (suitable method to store fresh food as it inhibits bacterial growth) such as potatoes, carrots, onions, beet roots and garlic. The company also supplies its products to different restaurants and hotels throughout Cyprus.
Years in business
Since September 2016, the company ORTHODOXOS & MISOS Warehouse LTD supplies fresh –washed-cut fruits and vegetables throughout Cyprus.
Size of your business
The total number of staff at the company is 10-15 (including management and depending on the season)
Supports to set up your business and digitisation
Family business Certified with international standards (ISO) Facilities: Washing/cutting/packing automated lines (potatoes, onions and carrots) Dry & Cold rooms space Forklift Trucks Containers Marketing: Website, FB page, Instagram
Pitfalls and challenges
Due to the fact that the company works with perishable products (products with short life time), the biggest challenge is the prevention of food waste. Nowadays, it is very important to reduce (or even better to eliminate) food waste. This keeps the company from expanding its business and supply supermarkets directly. Thus, the company used vacuum packing which extends the shelf life of foods and reduces the column of the package. However, concerning the environment, vacuum sealer and plastic rolls are used for food sealing. Instead of plastic, the company will prefer to use any other environmentally friendly material for the packing.
Opportunities and plans for the future
More production lines suitable for picking-washing-cutting a wider variety of fruit and vegetables. Increase and expand the business in and outside Cyprus, if possible Become a green company (environmentally friendly), by replacing all plastic packaging with an eco-friendly material (the material is still under discussion).
SAM Labs Limited
- Business Category:
- IT
- Years in business:
- 11
- Website:
- https://samlabs.com/uk/
Description of business and digitisation
As a provider of products of IoT, SAM Labs falls into the category of industry 4.0. From a small incubator SAM labs has expanded to many markets though still focuses on education. It supports STEAM education and the kits could be used by a wide age range from 8+ to 60+. The company maintains a presence on Twitter, Instagram and facebook.
Years in business
Founded in 2013 by Joachim Horn a Belgian national who settled in London, UK. The company HQ is in East London, UK
Size of your business
Currently the company has just over 30 employees and in 2019 raised a capital of US$ 8.9 million and just over US$ 20.15 million since its inception. Clients are mostly based in UK, Europe and USA.
Supports to set up your business and digitisation
The company has relied in VCs and investor funding since its inception. In total the company raised over US$20.15 million for its research and development. The kits support STEAM education and coding in schools.
Pitfalls and challenges
AS in any business the VC is very competitive and new technology firms need to do their due diligence and research before embarking on their new ventures. A business plan is necessary and as well solutions that would make life easier for the users of new technology.
Opportunities and plans for the future
AI and IoT is the future and in a decades the learning and teaching landscape is likely to change as more and more schools, colleges and universities embrace new technology. The expansion is likely to be exponential over the next 5 years and according to UK government sources AI will be 5% of total UK GDP by 2030. https://bit.ly/2OSo2xa
Device Pilot Limited
- Business Category:
- IT
- Years in business:
- 11
- Website:
- https://www.devicepilot.com
Description of business and digitisation
Device Pilot is an analytical tool for organisations to monitor their IoT devices and optimize performance. Device Pilot is a Software as a Service (SaaS) tool helping to analyse performance, track Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and trigger actions from your connected devices across the entire organization.
Years in business
Founded in 2013 by Pilgrim Beart who is aiming to make IoT as simple as possible for the masses. In 2006 Beart founded AlertMe that was later sold to British Gas which became the successful HIVE control system for houses and residential usage.
Size of your business
Device Pilot is a small SME that has big ideas. https://www.devicepilot.com/about In April 2019 the company raised £1.5 million to expand activities at Device Pilot. The company operates from its London, UK HQ and has an office in Sydney Australia.
Supports to set up your business and digitisation
Within the new technology and high-tech industry competition is stiff and most start-ups rely on Venture Capital and at some point government funding or regional funding to start their ventures. Device Pilot is no exception and has raised money via several Venture Capital firms in London and overseas.
Pitfalls and challenges
Due diligence and a solid business plan is necessary for the i4.0 investments as the competition is huge and the market may be becoming crowded. So a unique product or service offer is essential.
Opportunities and plans for the future
By 2019 the global IoT market was valued at US$ 1.7 trillion. In the next ten years this is likely to add US$14 trillion globally so the potential for SaaS is huge. https://bit.ly/2HoZjfM
Flo Live Limited
- Business Category:
- IT
- Years in business:
- 23
- Website:
- https://www.flolive.net/
Description of business and digitisation
Based in its headquarters in London, UK, the company maintains a number of overseas offices for special purposes: Research (Bnei Brak, Israel), Development (Limassol, Cyprus), Service & Support (Sofia, Bulgaria), Asia-Pacific Sales (Beijing, China). Flolive develops a cloud-based solution for IoT connectivity management for organisations across the world. This is aimed at both global enterprises and services providers. It provides uniform management from transport pay-as-you-grow business model to billing and invoices.
Years in business
Founded in 2013 under the direction of Steve Marsh now the Chief Technology Officer.
Size of your business
With around 50 employees, the company has presence in many locations with its HQ in London, UK. Under the direction of its current CEO Nir Shalom the company raised US$ 21.5 million in funding via a number of investors, including 83 North and Dell Technologies.
Supports to set up your business and digitisation
The company has relied on investments from funds and other Venture Capital. Since its foundation in 2015 the has raised US$21.5 million.
Pitfalls and challenges
Due diligence and a solid business plan is necessary for the i4.0 investments as the competition is huge and the market may be becoming crowded. So a unique product or service offer is essential. https://www.flolive.net/enterprises
Opportunities and plans for the future
After the funding of US$21.5 million Flolive’s new CEO Nir Shalom mentioned that the company is poised to tackle “a growing demand for seamless, global and secure connectivity services among enterprises and are in a great position to serve this market with our advanced platform and deep market understanding”.
GeoSpock Limited
- Business Category:
- IT
- Years in business:
- 23
- Website:
- https://geospock.com/en/
Description of business and digitisation
Geospock operates as a spatial data management company for a number of sectors such as Smart Cities, Telecommunication, and Logistics companies. As an operator within the IoT Geospock falls into the category of industry 4.0 revolution. Its recently released (Sept 2019) Spatial Big Data Platform 2.0 is likely to enhance business decision making especially for organisations that real on real-time systems, IoT and telecommunication applications.
Years in business
Founded in 2013 under the direction of Steve Marsh now the Chief Technology Officer
Size of your business
Geospock operates out of its Cambridge, UK headquarters and maintains offices in 3 other locations: London, Singapore and Japan. It has over 50 employees. Since inception the company has managed to raise £21.25 million in funding for its R&D and sales activities.
Supports to set up your business and digitisation
The company is based in Cambridge, UK and has opened offices in London, Singapore and Japan to tap in the lucrative funding markets via Venture capital.
Pitfalls and challenges
Industry 4.0 is here to stay. A number of countries in Asia have advanced considerably, especially Singapore. Educators at schools and colleges would need to be at the forefront to encourage their students about the benefits of new technology while keeping in mind sustainability issues and concerns about the planet. Geospock’s answer is its Tech for Good concept. https://bit.ly/2tWru2u
Opportunities and plans for the future
Citizen Data Scientists and Geospatial Data Article by Richard Baker CEO of Geospock dated 3 February 2020 https://bit.ly/38xXrxo Blog - https://bit.ly/37w2AEO
Playbrush Limited
- Business Category:
- Health and Life Science
- Years in business:
- 10
- Website:
- https://uk.playbrush.com/
Description of business and digitisation
Within the IoT sector, Playbrush develops a smart controller that makes brushing teeth fun. Aimed at children aged 3-12, the smart device attached to the toothbrush turns into a gaming control. The Playbrush device connects to a smartphone or a tablet and offers interactive games that will measure speed, duration and positions when brushing teeth. By providing good brushing feedback, it enables children to playfully brush their teeth encouraging them to brush their teeth regularly, for longer periods and more accurately.
Years in business
Founded in 2014 in London, UK the company set up its HQ in Vienna Austria.
Size of your business
With around 40 employees the company operates out of London, UK and Vienna, Austria.
Supports to set up your business and digitisation
The company relies on external funding via venture capitalists. By Jan 2019 Playbrush had secured a funding of €3.5 million and sold over 170,000 units across 25 countries. It had also secured lucrative partnership agreements such as Unilever for the French market, German Tchibo and Austrian BIPA.
Pitfalls and challenges
Due diligence and a solid business plan is necessary for the i4.0 investments as the competition is huge and the market may be becoming crowded. So a unique product or service offer is essential.
Opportunities and plans for the future
The Oral Care market is huge and at the same time very competitive. So as mentioned above due diligence and good business plan and strategy is necessary. As their CTO and co-founder Tolulope Ogunsina said: “At the core of the business, we’re solving a health problem. We’re fighting tooth decay and helping people have confident smiles. The end goal is to have Playbrush in every bathroom in the world and we’re very grateful UCL Innovation & Enterprise has been really helpful in bringing us closer to our goal.”
SC COMESAD RO SA
- Business Category:
- Construction
- Years in business:
- 31
- Website:
- http://www.comesad.ro
Description of business and digitisation
Assembly constructions in the oil industry. The digitisation of a company consists in using a hardware-software ensemble, supporting the informatics of administration of a company from client and supplier, use information services specific to the company's profile or of a general nature . We are not an industry 4.0
Years in business
26 YEARS
Size of your business
Construction works – Installation of pipelines and installations. The number of employees is about 115 Turnover 2018 – 24806357 Ron
Supports to set up your business and digitisation
After the implementation of collection technologies, data management and analysis of all this information related to clients, transactions, services, products, assets and business experiences, new revenues will be generated, but the decision-making process will become more computerized and more performant.
Pitfalls and challenges
Thanks to digitalization we can choose how to work and when. With all data and information stored on media and digital devices, we can access them from anywhere.Technological progress and digitalisation made possible to adapt the work programme to personal and lifestyle needs. Industrial companies face challenges at the level of culture, vision or digital competence, which could lead to delays in the start of data collection processes and automation of decisions. Insufficient personnel for this type of activity, as well as the technical capacity of the computer system that we have at our disposal.
Opportunities and plans for the future
Industry 4.0 is a strategic and intentional approach to shaping the future, and the accession to the Industrial Revolution helps us understand what has already changed and what are the trends in industrial change To stay competitive and team our production lines for the future, we think about the next stage of the journey: Industry 4.0. If we don’t, we will not be able to remain competitive on the national and European market.
SC NEW DESIGN COMPOSITE SRL
- Business Category:
- Food Production / Industry / Transport
- Years in business:
- 22
- Website:
- https://www.newdesigncomposite.ro
Description of business and digitisation
We operate at the company's headquarters, on Petrochemical Boulevard Nr. 45, in Pitesti, on a land in the area of 9,620 sqm. The objectives are located in this area: 1. Production hall, heating plant and ventilation systems; 2. Installation of parts and making tanks of composite materials which has included a small mechanical workshop and a post-curing furnace on the outside; 3. Administrative flag; 4. Gate cab; 5. Sewage treatment plant; 6. Overland diesel fuel tank used for the supply of own means of transport; 7. Production Hall for: aqueous solution of urea, windscreen cleaning liquid, demineralized water, automotive or plant antigels, car degivrant; 8. Canvas tents for miscellaneous, temporary storage operations of approx. 16 sqm each; 9. Drilling water supply; 10. Desand and hydrocarbon separator for the rainwater collector, located in the north of the property; The activities consist in the design, execution, installation and marketing of polyester resin products, reinforced with fiberglass and composite materials as well as their respective moults as well as production and marketing of the solution Aqueous Urea (AdBlue®-registered trademark of V.D.A., New Blue®-trademark of New Design Composite), liquid for car windscreen cleaning, demineralized water, auto or plant antigels, car degivrant. 1. Production hall, heating plant and ventilation systems; The success enjoyed by the organization is due in particular to the values guided the organization's policy and which encompass the spirit, philosophy and daily practices of our Organization, principles that underpin our relationships with customers, partners and employees. 3. Administrative flag; We believe that we are at a starting stage of digitization, but we are rigorously planning the digital transformation so we can see in CLE shorter time as an industry 4.0.
Years in business
The organization New Design Composite SRL, is a limited liability company, established in the year 2002, having full private capital, which operates in Piteşti in Argeş County, and has "fulfilled" 17 years of activity, putting in each year emphasis on the quality of the products and services it offers.
Size of your business
The SC New Design Composite SRL has a number of 60 employees and a turnover that grows annually. All employees are involved in the company's activities and in the efficiency of production. We want to grow as far as we can and get among the first in the top companies in Romania.
Supports to set up your business and digitisation
We know that long-term success does not only mean the achievement of exceptional products but also a complex of values that we have no need to cope with the complexity of domestic and external conditions. We are constantly concerned about innovative solutions that can improve and meet the needs, requirements and expectations of our customers or partners. The success we enjoy is mainly due to the values that guided society's policy which encompass the spirit, philosophy and daily practices of our society, principles that underpin our relations with customers, partners and employees. From the outset, the company has proposed to enrich the range of products offered, and year after year sought to bring new designs and products. We put the highest quality products on the market, with a fair ratio between quality and price, and the support we offer to customers in achieving their own goals and targets is constant.
Pitfalls and challenges
-Skills shortages and staff in the IT field; -Massive investment and high operating costs; -Poor internet connection speed; -Lack of awareness and insufficient level of financial and operational support. -The degree of training of the labour force; -Technical skills and "soft"; -Entrepreneurial skills; -Involvement in public policies; -the development of robust human resource management strategies; --investments.
Opportunities and plans for the future
It is very important for the leadership of an organization to promote an enterprise-wide digital culture that involves governance and change it. For a successful digital transformation, management needs to change many things and processes, such as raising awareness and understanding the business ecosystem, adopting innovation as a business model, adopting methods for planning and governance and, last but not least, the evaluation criteria to substantithe strategic digital initiatives at enterprise level. The consumer habits of our customers evolve rapidly through new digital technologies to simplification, convenience and getting a quick satisfaction. As a result, all customer interaction points must evolve together with their needs. Written communications have made room for the phone and online interactions where the possibilities develop exponentially (emails, mobile messaging, social media, robochats, video chats and much more). An enterprise can choose a path to the future with a virtual customer service, with mobile applications that remove physical operators; Clients only need a mobile phone and connectivity to complete their transactions. Also, data management is one of the elements of supporting a new experience of selling and communicating. To be able to extract value and utility statistics, data from all new and existing sources must be consistently integrated. After the implementation of data collection, administration technologies and analysis of all this information related to clients, transactions, services, products, assets and business experiences, new revenues will be generated, but the decision-making process becomes more informed and more perfomant. As things begin to work, the next goal is to make business operations more efficient by using the products/services, resources, people and trading partners digitally connected. The people who operate in the company are the most valuable resources of any organization. It remains a challenge to optimize productivity and flexibility. This requires taking into account the IT talents and skills management, as well as a continuous programme of skills development to achieve and sustain the level of knowledge required to effectively fulfill their roles in place Of today's digital work. The digital age changes the way we work and interact, there will be many other innovations, and we want to be part of this reinvention process "with everything he assumes, but at the pace and through the steps we set. To achieve the true potential of industry 4.0, the company must plan rigorously digital transformation. We need to start today to search and training of the best talents with digital skills and elaborate a clear plan on how the digital factory will look like.