To achieve the previously described goals, the first half of the project has focused on the development of the tools/methodologies, the definition of the pilot areas and the characterization of the initial state of the four industrial partners.
During the first 18 months of the project the MAESTRI efficiency tools (ecoPROSYS and MSM) were refined to assure the best results and facilitate the implementation. The methodologies for approaching the industrial symbiosis and lean perspective aspects were improved and tested by running workshops with the industrial partners. The methodologies supporting the total efficiency framework were developed, with very special focus on, both, the integration of tools and the total efficiency framework, which encompasses the process, resource and eco-efficiency aspects. The initial requirements for the implementation of the IoT platform were also identified as well as its structure and architecture.
During this period the consortium developed a baseline characterisation of the 4 pilot areas. The characterization of processes by identifying, analysing and assessing their efficiency, both from environmental and economic perspectives. Starting with a characterisation of process model, all process stages were defined and described, as well as links and dependence relations and elementary flows, including both inputs (energy, materials, consumables, equipment, labour, etc.) and outputs (products, by-products, residues, emissions, etc.) of the pilot areas. Relations to other processes were also defined. During the pilot characterisation process the availability and detail of data was also analysed. This analysis intended to generate information regarding the requirements for the integrated framework and platform development, namely by identifying the pilot current applied tools and information/data sources. Following the definition of process models and data collection, a first efficiency assessment was performed, using the MAESTRI developed tools. This intended to evaluate the overall performance of the pilot areas and identify the most significant aspects that influence resource and energy efficiency. As a result, a preliminary list of KPIs was defined, from both environmental and economic perspectives.
Finally, during the first period of the MAESTRI project, the vision and general strategies for approaching the project were continuously refined to accommodate improvements and new ideas.
