Schnell operates in the field of automatic machines for processing reinforced concrete, the production of electro-welded mesh, and management software for shaping centers. Founded in 1962, Schnell has built its growth on three fundamental pillars: technology, reliability, and customer focus.

The challenge: From IoT to a Connected Services Strategy — A Shift in Perspective

As part of its innovation journey, Schnell’s R&D team equipped its machines with IoT connectivity and soon began exploring how to turn collected data into added value for customers. The idea was to develop an IoT system and portal that could provide users with a clear view of machine performance through real-time operational data.

Initially, Schnell considered building an in-house solution. However, the complexity of handling large volumes of data from a wide variety of machines, combined with the need for an intuitive, high-quality user interface, led the company to partner with an external expert.

Understanding Schnell’s needs, Vodafone proposed its Vodafone Smart Connected Product (VSCP) solution—designed to help OEMs collect, visualize, and manage the full lifecycle of data generated by IoT-connected devices.

At the core of VSCP is the Vodafone GDSP global mobile connectivity platform—recognized as a Leader in the 2025 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for 4G and 5G Private Mobile Network Services—which ensures reliable, scalable connectivity across markets.

VSCP also integrates Servitly, a configurable cloud application that enables OEMs and service providers to harness connected product data to enhance after-sales services, streamline operations, and unlock new value-added opportunities.

CONNECTED SERVICE - A service delivered to the end user, enabled by the product’s connection to a central information system via IoT technologies.

Discovering this alternative to a fully custom solution helped Schnell’s R&D team realize that the project was more than just a technological challenge—it marked the beginning of a broader transformation toward a value proposition enriched by integrating connected services to the product.

This new awareness prompted the team to immediately engage the sales and marketing departments in shaping a true connected services strategy. Cross-functional collaboration enabled the identification of key digital features for the portal and the definition of the supporting business model.

The team configured the portal to include all initially identified functions, gradually adding new ones as needed to fully support the connected services strategy. This process led to the development of Apollo, Schnell’s Digital Product Service (DPS) system.

Apollo is designed to harness IoT-generated data to support customers in both production and maintenance operations.

“Apollo is our IoT portal, developed to enhance customer operations,” says Giacomo Giambartolomei of Schnell. “For over 30 years, Schnell has delivered cutting-edge solutions—not only through our machinery, but also via software and consulting services that ensure maximum efficiency. Leveraging data from connected machines to offer digital support services was a natural step in our ongoing commitment to technology and innovation.”

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The solution: Remote Monitoring and Digital Performance Reporting and Advisory are the services offered through the portal.

Apollo provides access to features that give you info on machine status and ongoing processes, plus tips on how to optimize performance and maintenance activities.

Remote Monitoring services enable real-time tracking of each individual machine, including operating status, number of downtimes, work in progress, and energy and air consumption. Historical data for all these parameters is also available.

REMOTE MONITORING - A set of digital functions that allow customers to monitor and control their products remotely and receive notifications when relevant events occur.

Digital Performance Advisory services offer detailed and historical insights into machine OEE, cross-referencing availability and productivity data with production quality metrics.

DIGITAL PERFORMANCE REPORTING AND ADVISORY - A set of digital functions that analyze data generated by connected machines to provide customers with information on machine performance and suggestions on how to maximize it.

The portal also provides maintenance recommendations and logs of completed work, ensuring the team remains fully informed about each machine’s performance. Apollo supports a range of end-user roles, including entrepreneurs, management controllers, production managers, operators, and maintenance technicians.

“Through Apollo, our customers can monitor machine performance and key configuration parameters in real time, assessing any changes as they occur. The platform also provides maintenance recommendations to help maximize productivity,” explains Giacomo Giambartolomei, Head of the Spare Parts Department at Schnell.

Benefits for Customers

Thanks to Apollo's features, Schnell's end customers always have full control over their machines’ health, productivity, and consumption. Advanced reports, in-depth analyses, and performance graphs—covering energy and air usage—enable them to make informed decisions to enhance operational efficiency.

All relevant data is centralized and presented in a clear, intuitive format. This streamlines the evaluation and planning of production activities, helping reduce the time and costs associated with monitoring and diagnostics.

Real-time monitoring of machine parameters allows for prompt intervention to improve usability and productivity. Additionally, automated notifications from the platform keep customers up to date on necessary maintenance activities, minimizing the risk of errors and oversights.

“Previously, everything was managed manually by the machine operator, including maintenance logs, breakdowns, and production records. Apollo has changed all that for the better—automating and simplifying the process, and making it accessible with a single click from a remote location,” says Francesco Parrulli, Director of Parulli Sagomatura Center 

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The Business Model and Subscription to Digital Services

When an end customer purchases a machine, they gain access to Apollo based on the subscribed service level. The Basic service provides a daily, real-time overview of the machine’s key performance indicators, including machine status, type of processing, air and water consumption, and OEE. It also includes all relevant machine documentation and a log of maintenance activities.

For those seeking more support, the paid Gold services offer historical data and valuable insights to help maximize machine performance. Customers can access all features for a limited time, experiencing firsthand the value of the premium offering. At the end of the trial, they can subscribe to an annual plan directly within the platform. This is made possible by the platform’s native capabilities of Digital Subscription Management enabled by Servitly.

DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION MANAGEMENT - A set of digital functions that allow providers to define subscription plans, available features, and the price of each plan, and allow customers to purchase and manage their subscriptions.

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The enabler: Servitly and its Console

Each feature of the platform was configured independently by the R&D team using the No-Code Console, one of Servitly's distinctive features. This tool made it possible to manage all aspects of the portal's applications—including interfaces, algorithms, rules, and integrations—giving Schnell full autonomy and control over the development of its portal.

The availability of ready-to-use components, templates, and business logic has significantly reduced the time-to-market for new features. It has also supported Schnell in shaping its connected services strategy, providing guidance and ensuring the agility needed to continuously evolve Apollo in line with a changing market landscape and the business strategy defined in collaboration with the marketing and sales teams. These components, in fact,  incorporate best practices for an effective connected services strategy, developed through the combined experience of Vodafone and Servitly, and through ongoing dialogue with customers.

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What about you?
Are you just beginning your journey into connected services and thought the only option was to develop a proprietary solution?

Or have you already built an IoT system and want to scale it faster to support a complete connected services strategy?

Vodafone Smart Connected Product (VSCP) is a business platform that combines connectivity and software. As part of this offering, Servitly is the SaaS solution that helps OEMs unlock the value of connected product data to enhance and optimize after-sales services and adopt innovative business models, such as Equipment-as-a-Service.

Request a demo today.

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