open call documents frequently asked questions (faqs) · 2018-11-27 · d4.2 open call package...

Open Call Documents Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

D4.2 Open Call Package Documents – Guide for Applicants VTT archive code

[767642] L4MS -- Logistics for Manufacturing SMEs /18

Table of Contents

1 GENERAL QUESTIONS RELATED TO L4MS PROJECT .......................................... 5

1.1 What is L4MS? ................................................................................................................................... 5

1.2 What are Open Calls in L4MS? .......................................................................................................... 5

1.3 Who can apply to the Open Calls? ..................................................................................................... 5

1.4 Why should I consider applying for the Open Calls in L4MS? ........................................................... 5

2 QUESTIONS PRIOR TO THE APPLICATION PROCESS IN L4MS OPEN CALL ...... 7

2.1 What are the eligible countries for the Open Calls in L4MS? ............................................................ 7

2.2 In the application submitted individually or by a consortium? ............................................................ 8

2.3 What type of activities and projects is L4MS looking for? .................................................................. 8

2.4 What is OPIL? .................................................................................................................................... 8

2.5 Does the application has to be in English? ......................................................................................11

2.6 Where do I submit the application? ..................................................................................................11

2.7 What is the deadline for L4MS Open Call? ......................................................................................11

2.8 THE CONSORTIUM AND BUDGET (Q&A session questions from Applicants) .............................11

2.9 MATCHMAKING AND PARTNERS (Q&A session questions from Applicants) ..............................12

2.10 OTHERS (Q&A session questions from Applicants) ........................................................................12

3 QUESTIONS DURING THE APPLICATION PROCESS TO THE L4MS OPEN CALL .......................................................................................................................... 14

3.1 Why is it important to show OPIL implementation in the project? ....................................................14

3.2 Are there any additional attachments required? ..............................................................................14

3.3 What type of support is available during the preparation phase? ....................................................14

4 QUESTIONS ABOUT THE EVALUATION PROCESS IN L4MS OPEN CALL ......... 15

4.1 How is the selection process structured? .........................................................................................15

4.2 When will the final results be announced? .......................................................................................15

4.3 What if my proposal was not successful at the Open Call? .............................................................15

5 QUESTIONS ABOUT FUNDING RECEIVED THROUGH L4MS ............................... 16

5.1 Are the selected projects given funding in advance? .......................................................................16

5.2 Where does the funding come from and how will it be regulated? ..................................................16

5.3 When do the selected project receive funding? ...............................................................................16

5.4 How will the progress of the experiments be monitored? ................................................................16

5.5 Is the funding available as a fixed amount? .....................................................................................16

6 QUESTIONS ABOUT PARTICIPATION IN THE ACCELERATION PROGRAM ...... 17

6.1 Are all the activities included in the acceleration program compulsory? .........................................17

6.2 Are the Beneficiaries expected to move the business operations outside of their original locations? .........................................................................................................................................17

6.3 Are all the activities in the program covered by L4MS? ...................................................................17



Executive summary D4.2: Open Call Package Documents version 1.0 [M12]

The deliverable provides necessary documents for the successful execution of L4MS Open Calls:

1. Call Announcement (CA) – an overview on Open Calls’ structure, eligibility criteria, summary of the

evaluation process and support to applicants

2. Guide for Applicants (GfA) – a step-by-step guide with detailed information on the application process

3. Guide for Evaluators (GfE) – an information guide for external experts hired to assess the proposals for

Application Experiments (AEs)

4. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – a list of the most popular questions, available in a form of a

repository of knowledge, supporting the Applicants during the application process

5. Application Forms (AF) – a file including all the application questions to be elaborated on by the Applicants.

This document (D4.2 Open Call Package Documents – Guide for Applicants) provides detailed information about

the call’s specifics, including: the Call’s overview, eligibility criteria, project types, preparation and submission of the

proposals and applicants communication flow.

All remaining documents from the list above are created in separate files.



1 General questions related to L4MS project

1.1 What is L4MS?

The L4MS (Logistics for Manufacturing SMEs) is a project funded by the European Commission (Horizon 2020,

grant agreement no 767642). The project will deliver an open integration platform called OPIL (Open Platform for

Innovations in Logistics) together with a 3D simulator to completely virtualize the intra-factory logistics automation.

The virtualization will reduce the installation cost and time of mobile robots by a factor of 10 enabling the rapid

deployment of small and flexible automated logistics solutions in SMEs and Mid-Caps factories. The installation will

not require any infrastructure change, production downtime or in-house expertise, making the investment in

logistics automation extremely attractive for manufacturing SMEs and Mid-Caps. Automation of logistics will not

only boost the productivity of manufacturing SMEs and Mid-Caps (reducing the production cost by 50%) but will

also provide unprecedented flexibility on the factory floor for batch production.

1.2 What are Open Calls in L4MS?

L4MS is launching an Open Calls for Application Experiments (AEs) to validate the cost effective and rapid

deployment of mobile robots in manufacturing SMEs and Mid-Caps through virtualization. The experiments will help

to confirm if the platform really contributes to reduction of the installation, deployment and configuration by a factor

of 10. The AEs will be conducted by using OPIL integration platform and 3D simulator, for which free licenses and

complete guidance will be offered by L4MS. The proposals should address the implementation of small solutions

required by manufacturing SMEs such as:

End-to-end (last mile problem) fully automated logistics solutions

Hybrid (human-robot collaboration) automated logistics solutions

Highly configurable (multi-vendor) automated logistics solutions

Proposals shall outline an initial business plan which ensures the further investment for the commercial

implementation of the logistics automation solutions in the manufacturing SMEs. Experiments are encouraged to

be complemented by ESIF or other regional or national fund, which will multiply the results of the experiments

across Europe.

1.3 Who can apply to the Open Calls?

The following entities and other members of the automation value-chain are invited to submit proposals as

individuals or as consortium. Matchmaking service will be provided for applicants looking for partners.

Manufacturing SMEs and Mid-Caps

Automation Solution Providers, Software Developers, System Integrators,

Mobile Robots, Sensors and Equipment Manufacturers

Competence Centres

Digital Innovation Hubs (DIHs)

Expected impact:

Increase in productivity and flexibility of SMEs, especially in case of short batch production.

Increase in the number of manufacturing SMEs using logistics automation.

Increase in the number of small system integrators capable of installing logistics automation solutions.

1.4 Why should I consider applying for the Open Calls in L4MS?

L4MS offers its Beneficiaries multiple services and opportunities:

The top 10 winners of the Open Call will enter into L4MS acceleration program getting access to:

Matchmaking with system integrators, mobile robots manufactures and manufacturing SMEs

Funding up to €250,000 per consortium (up to €100,000 per party)

State-of-the-art equipment and test environment within your region

Technology expert for adopting latest logistics automation solutions

Business developers for innovative business and service models

Training to re-skill workers at your door step

Finance for scaling up the new business and service models



Figure 1. Overview of L4MS Acceleration Programme

The L4MS acceleration program will provide the financial support in 3 stages:

Stage 1 (duration of 2 months): fixed amount of €3,000 EU Funds/experiment

Stage 2 (duration of 6 months): fixed amount of up to €48,000 EU Funds for a Manufacturing SME and up

to €98,000 EU Funds for the other type of parties in an experiment

Stage 3 (duration of 3 months): Support to get public and private investment for business acceleration,

replication and commercial implementation of the results.



2 Questions prior to the application process in L4MS Open Call

2.1 What are the eligible countries for the Open Calls in L4MS?

Only SMEs legally established in any of the following countries (hereafter collectively identified as the ‘Eligible

Countries’) will be eligible for the L4MS Acceleration Programme, more information of the eligible countries here1:

The Member States of the European Union: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic,

Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,

Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and

United Kingdom.

The Overseas Countries and Territories (OCT) linked to the Member States: o Anguilla, Aruba, Bermuda,

Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Curaçao, Falkland Islands, French Polynesia, Greenland,

Montserrat, New Caledonia, Pitcairn Islands, Saba, Saint Barthélémy, Saint Helena, Saint Pierre and

Miquelon, Sint Eustatius, Sint Maarten, Turks and Caicos Islands, Wallis and Futuna.

The Countries Associated to Horizon 2020: the latest information on which countries are associated, or in

the process of association to Horizon 2020 can be found in the in the online manual.

The following countries, except exclusion rules that might be applicable by H2020 programme in the

deadline date of the open call (see footnote) and provided that natural or legal persons, groups or non-

State entities are not covered by the Council sanctions in force. Please see: the consolidated list of

persons, groups and entities subject to EU financial sanctions, available at

http://eeas.europa.eu/cfsp/sanctions/consol-list_en.htm:

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, American Samoa, Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh,

Belarus, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi,

Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, Colombia, Comoros, Congo

(Democratic People’s Republic), Congo (Republic), Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominica,

Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana,

Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Buissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica,

Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Korea (Democratic Republic), Kosovo*, Kyrgyz Republic, Lao,

Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia,

Maldives, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Micronesia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro,

Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palau, Palestine**,

Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Rwanda, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe,

Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sri

Lanka, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syrian

Arab Republic, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan,

Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Uruguay, Venezuela, Vietnam, , Yemen, Zambia,

Zimbabwe.

(* This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244/99 and the ICJ Opinion on the

Kosovo declaration of independence).

(** This designation shall not be construed as recognition of a State of Palestine and is without prejudice to the individual

positions of the Member States on this issue).

Moreover, to be eligible, your proposals have to fully comply with the eligibility criteria indicated in the ‘Guide for

Applicants’, which are:

Projects have to be in a TRL 7 “System prototype demonstration in operational environment”, TRL 8

“system complete and qualified” or TRL9 “Actual system proven in operational environment” development

phase.

Projects will have to show their potential to build new industrial value link-chains, as well as any partnership

or commitment with a corporate or equivalent strategic partner.

Projects has to be submitted in English.

Only one proposal per entity can be submitted. Entities having submitted more than one proposal will be

excluded from the evaluation process.

Applicant shall not have any conflict of interest.

1 Concerning the list of eligible countries, including Associated Countries, it will be considered the updated list in the Horizon 2020 portal in the

cut-off date of the Open Call.

http://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/data/ref/h2020/other/wp/2016-2017/annexes/h2020-wp1617-annex-a-countries-rules_en.pdf

http://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/docs/h2020-funding-guide/cross-cutting-issues/internationalcooperation_en.htm

http://eeas.europa.eu/cfsp/sanctions/consol-list_en.htm



2.2 In the application submitted individually or by a consortium?

In L4MS both options are eligible. In the case of an individual application, L4MS consortium will be offering

brokerage services in order to match the Applicants with its best potential partner(s).

In the case of consortium-based applications, at least one of the entities has to be an SME.

2.3 What type of activities and projects is L4MS looking for?

The proposals should address the barriers faced by the manufacturing SMEs in automatization of the logistics

processes and material flow in the factories and develop suitable solutions, including i.e. (human-robot) and

interactive logistics systems, highly configurable (multi-vendor) logistics systems, fully autonomous logistics

systems.

The proposals should be addressing the topics related to:

Hybrid (human-robot) and interactive logistics systems: The intra-logistics systems today are either manual

or automated at least with respect to task. The AGVs does not know about the manual performed tasks

and can only do their pre-defined tasks. This makes the investment of an AGV system highly risky for

SMEs strongly relying on manual workers.

By including easy to use graphical interfaces and connected task assignments and monitoring over the

OPIL, it becomes possible for manual and automated vehicles to share task information and perform tasks

in a collaborative manner. The perception and dynamic planning services of the OPIL also makes it

possible for the AGVs (with safety certified sensors) to operate in a workspace shared with human workers

and manual transports.

The evaluation will not only cover the system functionality but also the usability and productivity compared

to a completely manual system.

Highly configurable (multi-vendor) logistics systems: The automated intra logistic systems on the market

today consist of a fleet of AGVs from one vendor specifically configured for one well defined and very

structured operation environment. This leads to a vendor lock, costly reconfigurations and limited

scalability. This experiment will focus on developing interfaces for plug & play integration of multi-vendor

AGVs into OPIL for creating highly heterogeneous fleets of AGVs. An automatic registration process will

make the new AGVs a part of the OPIL ready to perform assigned tasks. Through the plug and play

capability, it should be possible to increase the overall logistics capacity by adding AGVs to an already

operating fleet. Involvement of system integrators in this topic is highly valuable.

Fully autonomous logistics systems: The unloading and loading operations of the logistics chain are mostly

performed manually (last mile problem). Due to continuous requirement of manual work, these operations

can make the partial logistics automation economically infeasible. The loading/unloading tasks are very

complex non-rigid and nonstatic operations. Their automation demands special context-awareness abilities

and capability to interact with a changing environment. Although generic solutions require significant

research and advancements in many technologies, specific solutions for a wide range of production tasks

can be developed. This experiment requires the implementation of innovative material handling and

perception tools to fully automate the logistics chain including the loading and unloading operations.

L4MS partners will aim to select the most ambitious projects showing the highest potential as global businesses.

The L4MS Consortium is looking for high growth projects with an already existing market footprint (TRL 7, 8 or 9)

and the ability to generate economic and societal value. Projects will have to show their potential to build new

industrial value link-chains, as well as any partnership or commitment with a corporate or equivalent strategic

partner.

Transversal criteria such as ‘Environment and low carbon economy contribution’ (e.g. reduction of greenhouse

emissions), ‘Equal Opportunities’ (e.g. gender balance) and ‘Social Impact’ (e.g. job creation) will be taken into

account in the final decision.

Transversal elements are recommended, but not mandatory. The more closely the projects match these criteria,

the more likely they will be considered for funding.

2.4 What is OPIL?

Open Platform for Innovations in Logistics (OPIL) is an open industrial IoT platform that – together with a 3D

simulator (provided by Visual Components®) – will enable complete virtualization of the intra-factory logistics

automation and will accelerate the innovation processes in SMEs.



The digitalization will allow cost effective deployment of exceptionally small and flexible logistics solutions requiring

no infrastructure change, no production downtime and no in-house expertise, while making investment in logistics

automation extremely attractive for manufacturing SMEs. Using OPIL and 3D Simulations, the AEs will conceive

highly autonomous, configurable and hybrid (human-robot) logistics solutions driven by the business needs of the

manufacturing SMEs.

The availability of OPIL will enable new actors in the business value chain. More system integrators, platform

service providers and Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) will become the stakeholders in the logistics

automation. The existing infrastructure can be utilized at a fraction of current prices and procured as a PaaS

(Platform as a Service) and SaaS (Software as a Service) as per need. The system integrators with the availability

of open interfaces will be able to provide highly customized solutions to the regional manufacturing SMEs.

Figure 2. OPIL structure

OPIL TECHNOLOGY (Q&A session questions from Applicants)

Could you be more specific about OPIL? Is it used just for the testing phase (3D simulation)? Does it

communicate to the software that moves the AGV? Does it send signal to AGV?

OPIL is actually developed for production mode and not only for simulation. OPIL is a set of containers, providing

open interfaces towards other modules and to physical devices like AGVs. OPIL is a set of containers for some

various modules, like AGVs, humans, sensors, but also for a HMI and/or a TaskPlanner... so it depends up to your

setup and your requirements.

In what ways could OPIL be applied in the textile manufacturing industry that operates the factory with

AGVs? How many components of the OPIL have to be employed in order for it to be considered as

integrated? Do we have to integrate every element?



OPIL can be used in the textile manufacturing. We are focussing on automating the material flow. There is a

minimal set of components which are needed to deploy, like a TaskPlanner, an HMI, the Communication

Middleware and components of the IoT Layer, but this depends on your requirements.

In the guide it mentions that "The Applicants should use the technology as their basic resource and

contribute – whenever possible - with further OPIL development and bringing new functionalities". What

would you envision as "bringing new functionalities"?

New functionalities able to improve the OPIL itself, as some requirements from logistics not addressed yet for

which you would like to propose solutions with your experiment.

ROS packages are dedicated to robot navigation, simulation and communication. It mentions that for the

first version of OPIL, the RAN only works in a simulated environment. Is it only a virtual simulation of what

the robot will do, while it doesn't actually do it? If so, how can the applicability or usability of OPIL be

demonstrated and estimated?

We are also having a real solution, not only simulated; in fact, we are also having some demos already prepared

how a real AGV is connected to OPILs RAN.

In the template for application you mentioned 3D Simulation. Do you mean "Virtual Commissioning"?

The 3D simulation tools are provided within OPIL. For this we have integrated 3D simulation tools from virtual

components (the provider). OPIL provides Interfaces towards a external simulator. In our case we are using visual

components. You can simulate your process/commissioning, but the simulation is not part of OPIL.

Tools and models to build a "Virtual Commissioning" for even the simplest logistic is not an inexpensive

task (maybe it goes beyond the €250K of the call). Should we write a proposal for a complete application or

just a prototype?

Yes, you should write it, explain the estimation of the costs (compared to the current situation and somehow

justified by some kind of relevant rational) and specify if you rent, lease or buy (AGVs). If you can't estimate the

exact number for now, please include an estimation, because at this stage we are looking for general plans.

Can OPIL be extended with own tools within the project scape?

This is our desire, so yes, as long as you can justify that the own tools extend OPIL and they are useful for other

cases.

Is it possible to get a short description of a well suited example for this application experiment, which

should be realized using OPIL (including required boundary conditions, considered components, etc.)?

See our pilot experiments here and here, and find more technical details about OPIL in this PDF document.

http://project.l4ms.eu/MURAPLAST-Pilot-Application-Experiment

http://project.l4ms.eu/news/estonian-chemicals-manufacturer-eliminates-production-bottlenecks-new-factory

https://s3.amazonaws.com/fundingbox-sites/gear%2F1536309468080-L4MS_OPIL_Info+%283%29.pdf



2.5 Does the application has to be in English?

Yes, English is the official language for L4MS Open Calls. Proposals must be in English in all its mandatory parts in

order to be eligible. For videos, English should be used as spoken language, or at least the video must be properly

subtitled in English. If the mandatory parts of the proposal are in any other language, the entire proposal will be

rejected. If only non-mandatory parts of a proposal are submitted in a language different from English, those parts

will not be evaluated but the proposal is still eligible.

English is also the only official language during the whole length of the acceleration process. This means that any

requested deliverables will be admitted only if submitted in English.

2.6 Where do I submit the application?

Applications shall be submitted through the Open Call submission tool at www.l4ms.eu. Proposals submitted by

any other means, will not be evaluated. To be eligible for further evaluation, an application has to be submitted

within the Call duration (by the deadline of December 07, 2018, 13CET).

2.7 What is the deadline for L4MS Open Call?

The deadline is December 07, 2018, 13CET.

2.8 THE CONSORTIUM AND BUDGET (Q&A session questions from Applicants)

Can the consortium include three legal entities from the same EU country?

Yes, it can.

Can the consortium include just the manufacturing SME and a research organisation/DIH (working for example on the IoT part and overall design of the system) and not include the robotics technology supplier? In this case, is it possible to later on (if the experiment gets accepted) find the suitable robotics supplier through the "Matchmaking with system integrators, mobile robots manufactures and manufacturing SMEs"?

Yes you can, and we advise you to have them on board already on the proposal.

How many participants can be included in the call?

There are maximum 3 participants in the consortium, including at least 1 SME.

Updated information: Multi-stakeholder consortia (exceeding 3 partners) are allowed in the call. Individual applications are also accepted with the potential match-making between individual entities at the later stage of the project.

As far as I understood the process is that we apply to the call and the first 10 proposals enter in the second phase with €3K for writing down the real project. Then the first 3 of this 10 will get the €250K funds. Is this correct?

The 10 successful consortia go into stage 1 with €3K lump sum. Then, 6 out of them will proceed to stage 2 and then receive the rest of the money -up to €250K per experiment (up to €48K for Manufacturing SMEs or MidCaps and up to €98K for other types of organizations, namely: System Integrators – usually as ICT or Manufacturing Equipment SME or Midcaps – Technology suppliers, or AGV Manufacturers, Research Organizations – which are usually Competence Centres, Research and Technology Organizations, Universities, Digital Innovation Hubs, etc.).

What tasks are expected to be carried out by each one of the members vs their budget? Eg: Tech provider, integrator and SME. What are costs categories are eligible?

The tasks are up to the consortium. In general, SMEs will be testing the technology at the premises, and the research organisations can support with prototyping, for example. Eligible costs are presented in the Guide for Applicants and they include: personnel, other costs (i.e. travel, purchase of necessary equipment for testing, etc). Anything that is absolutely necessary in order to execute the experiment.

Does the grant cover 100% of project costs?

The grant is not 100% for all partner categories. The rules for this are the same as the rules for H2020. This project is IA, so the private entities get 70% funding and the RTOs 100%. The maximum is €48K per SME, €98K for non-profit organization, as stated in the Guide for Applicants. It is a lump sum covering the cost of the project. There is

http://www.l4ms.eu/

https://l4ms-open-call.fundingbox.com/pages/gfa

https://l4ms-open-call.fundingbox.com/pages/gfa



a 70/100% support rule (profit/non-profit entities), however we won't be requesting full cost reporting, ass in SME Instrument.

Updated information: Please note that the grant is not 100% for all partner categories. The rules for this are the same as the rules for H2020 for Innovation Actions: according to the information provided in the Guide for Applicants, Manufacturing SMEs or Midcaps receive 70% funding and other types of parties (System Integrators – usually as ICT or Manufacturing Equipment SME or Midcaps – Technology suppliers, or AGV Manufacturers, Research Organizations – which are usually Competence Centres, Research and Technology Organizations, Universities, Digital Innovation Hubs, etc.) receive 100% funding. The maximum is €48K per Manufacturing SME or Midcaps, €98K for all other types of organisation (mentioned above), including private and non-profit organizations, as stated in the Guide for Applicants. The budget should be justified and presented at the proposal . prior to the signing of the Sub-Grant Agreement. The funding that results from this budget is a lump sum. The lump sum is paid following the review of the project and approval of achievements and KPIs that correspond to each payment. The payment schedule with achievements and KPIs is part of the contract. Each Applicant is responsible for keeping proper accounts for the purpose of cost registration.

When is it expected to make the payments? Is there payment in advance?

The first payment (€3K/consortium) will be done once we select all 10 finalists - most probably in February 2019. We will be signing a sub-grant agreements with everybody. Then the agreements will structure further payments for the 6 best experiments moving forward to stage 2. They will be most probably divided into 2 batches - mid and final payment.

One of the goals is to show an increase in productivity and ROI, and a decrease in initial costs - is the physical installation of the solution foreseen as eligible activity/costs? Should these KPIs be attributed to the virtualisation/simulation alone or also to the logistic solution?

Include the KPIs as linked to the simulation/virtualization. The scoring is 5 points per each section (15 in total) plus additional points for the KPI and transversal issues - we are not disclosing the scoring here (these are additional categories, so can say only that they will not be the major categories).

We intend to use standard logistic KPIs. Is this accepted or we should "invent" new KPIs?

Use the KPIs that are reasonable from you point of view at this stage. There is no list of obligatory KPIs that you should be following, the KPIs should be related to the case your work is aiming to improve. They should be able to show the difference from where you are today to where this action will take the involved parties (and most importantly the manufacturing SME).

2.9 MATCHMAKING AND PARTNERS (Q&A session questions from Applicants)

How do we find partners in case we are interested in working with other EU countries?

You can submit a matchmaking request to L4MS - the same way you would be submitting a full application at https://l4ms-open-call.fundingbox.com.

If we need partner, is it possible to match it in the second step of the project?

You need to apply as a consortium or you can ask us to help you with the matchmaking, but getting a partner at the second stage is impossible.

In case I already found a partner, will I have to write Excellence/Impact/Implementation/KPI for both of them?

You need to address this as a project, and include the impacts for any partner that would have one.

How is the matchmaking with system integrators and mobile robots manufactures going to work?

We can offer a matchmaking now (in order to build consortia applying in the call). Later, we will be providing a matchmaking with potential suppliers in order to continue the project once the experimentation phase (the L4MS Experiments) is over.

2.10 OTHERS (Q&A session questions from Applicants)

One of the benefits of L4MS Open Call is training and mentoring. How is this going to work?

https://l4ms-open-call.fundingbox.com/



L4MS provides full support program including the OPIL technology implementation, experts working on the optimum setup and financial resources to get the experiment done.

I would like to know if is possible to add graphs in the application proposal?

You can add an attachment to the application with whatever material you want, but please, note that there is no additional scoring for the additional materials.

In the template you mentioned that the proposal shall provide: "Work plan (task list, timing of tasks, role of team members, list of deliverables, milestones and risk management plan)". This looks something that we might know when we right down the project in the second stage. Now it is a proposal, how can we do that at this stage?

At this stage you are asked to provide the overall plan for the project (for now). You will have 2 months to figure out the details.

Do you have an estimate date when experiments will start with Phase 1?

Hopefully, it will be in March 2019.

In case you have an approved project, what mandatory administration do you need to keep track of?

Once approved, you will need to keep records as your usual ones: records of time spent on the experiment, the costs bore and any other documents that might show your progress (i.e. reports on the milestones - according to what you set up as your final plan).

Is it mandatory for the pilot to be tested in a Manufacturing SME? What if our plan is to execute the pilot in a warehouse of a logistics and transport SME?

It's ok to have a logistics company applying as long as the experiment includes all the necessary elements and aims towards improvement of the logistics processes (in this case in the logistics company premises).



3 Questions during the application process to the L4MS Open Call

3.1 Why is it important to show OPIL implementation in the project?

OPIL is one of the core elements of L4MS. The idea of the project is to experiment with the developed technology,

making the innovation processes faster and simpler. The Applicants should use the technology as their basic

resource and contribute – whenever possible - with further OPIL development and bringing new functionalities.

3.2 Are there any additional attachments required?

There are no obligatory attachments in the application, however it is recommended to use the visual material to

present the projects submitted in the Open Call.

3.3 What type of support is available during the preparation phase?

There are 3 types of the support services provided by L4MS:

1. Brokerage services: applied in a case where there is an individual applicant looking for potential partners to

form a consortium. L4MS will monitor the profiles of entities in order to match the suitable organizations,

according to their needs.

2. Helpdesk services: L4MS has established a separate email address that can be used for any questions

and/or issues resulting from the Open Call. The applicants are asked to write to [email protected] for

further assistance.

When contacting the Technical Helpdesk, please include the following information in your email message:

Your username, telephone number and your email address

Details of the specific problem (error messages you encountered, bugs descriptions, i.e. if a

dropdown list isn’t working, etc.)

Screenshots of the problem.

3. Webinars: the project consortium will be organizing webinars presenting the project, OPIL technology and

other topics related to the Open Call. All details on the webinars schedule can be found at: www.L4MS.eu

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.l4ms.eu/



4 Questions about the evaluation process in L4MS Open Call

4.1 How is the selection process structured?

The L4MS selection process has been designed to be fair, easy and interesting for the applicants. After the

proposal submission (on receipt of each proposal), the system will send an Acknowledgment of receipt to the

proposer (please note: late submissions won’t be accepted).

The selection process will be as follows:

Phase 1. General Eligibility Check

All applications have to comply with all the ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA. They also need to be submitted through the

online form at www.l4ms.eu. Proposals submitted by any other means, will not be considered for evaluation.

The applications have to be submitted before the deadline: must be submitted by the closing time and date of the

contest round. The time recorded during the submission process through www.l4ms.eu, will be the taken as the

official time of submission. Late proposals will not be evaluated.

Phase 2. External Evaluation

All applications having successfully passed phase 1 will be assessed and scored by two INDEPENDENT

EXPERTS (from the Experts Panel created by the L4MS consortium for each vertical/challenge), on the following

criteria:

Excellence

Impact

Implementation

Additionally, Transversal criteria such as ‘Environment and low carbon economy contribution’, ‘Equal Opportunities’

and ‘Social Impact’ will be also considered by evaluators when scoring the proposals.

Phase 3. Consensus Meetings

The ‘Selection Committee’, composed by the ‘Expert Group [EG]’ and, at least, 3 External Evaluators, will decide

by consensus, and based on the raking gotten as result of the External Evaluation the ‘List of finalists’. The exact

number of proposals approved will be decided based on the overall quality of the proposals.

Phase 4. Champions Bootcamp (Jury Day)

The selection of the Experiments will be done during a Jury Day (organized in the framework of the ‘Champions

Boot Camp’). The ‘Jury’ will interview the applicants in person.

The Criteria that the Jury will take into account to select the projects are based on the capacity of the AEs in

making a real impact on the market.

The criteria will be:

Increase in productivity

Significant reduction of the initial cost

Increase in Return on Investment (ROI)

Increase in the number of manufacturing SMEs using logistics automation

Increase in the number of small system integrators capable of installing logistics automation

solutions

Phase 5. ScaleUp Bootcamp

The selection of the Application Experiments passing to the next stage will be done during a BootCamp. The Jury,

composed by the ‘EG’ members and potential investors, will select the projects that will receive further support in

the scope of getting additional private funds, based on the scalability potential of the experiments developed.

4.2 When will the final results be announced?

L4MS evaluation process is planned for the months of December 2018 and January 2019. The applicants will be

informed about their results once the entire evaluation is closed (there is no pre-final feedback sent).

4.3 What if my proposal was not successful at the Open Call?

If a certain proposal was not successful at this round of the L4MS Open Call, it can be improved and submitted

during the 2nd

Open Call that will be launched on September 1, 2019 (with the deadline of December 07, 2019).



5 Questions about funding received through L4MS

5.1 Are the selected projects given funding in advance?

The L4MS funding scheme is based on a series of payments against the achieved milestones, i.e. payments will be

made only upon receiving and validating the beneficiary’s previously agreed milestones. Therefore, there is no

advanced payment.

5.2 Where does the funding come from and how will it be regulated?

Each selected Beneficiary will sign the ’L4MS Sub-Grant Agreement’ with the consortium. The funds awarded

under the Sub-Grant Agreement are provided directly from the funds of the European Project L4MS, and are

therefore funds owned by the European Commission: Management of the L4MS funds has been transferred to the

project partners in L4MS via the European Commission Grant Agreement Number 767642.

The ’L4MS Sub-Grant Agreement’ will include a set of obligations the Beneficiaries have towards the European

Commission. It is the task of the Beneficiaries to satisfy these obligations and of the L4MS consortium partners to

inform the Beneficiaries about them.

5.3 When do the selected project receive funding?

The L4MS acceleration program will provide the financial support in 3 stages:

Stage 1 (duration of 2 months): fixed amount of €3,000 EU Funds/experiment

Stage 2 (duration of 6 months): fixed amount of up to €48,000 EU Funds for a Manufacturing SME or

Midcaps and up to €98,000 EU Funds for the other type of parties in an experiment (System Integrators –

usually as ICT or Manufacturing Equipment SME or Midcaps – Technology suppliers, or AGV

Manufacturers, Research Organizations – which are usually Competence Centres, Research and

Technology Organizations, Universities, Digital Innovation Hubs, etc.).

Stage 3 (duration of 3 months): Support to get public and private investment for business acceleration,

replication and commercial implementation of the results.

5.4 How will the progress of the experiments be monitored?

In order to properly monitor the Beneficiaries’ performance, ‘Projects Review Meeting’ will be organized by L4MS

in order to validate the development and to approve the related payments. An Interim Review will be done two

months after the beginning of the programme (end of Phase 1). This Phase, started with 10 Beneficiaries will end

with the advancement of the 6 selected consortia to Phase 2, offering the business support, scaleup bootcamp,

technology execution and overall mentoring by appointed experts. There will be a series of meeting organized

during this Phase (lasting 6 months), allowing to capture the progress and development of the solutions.

Upon advancing to Phase 3, only 3 selected Beneficiaries will be offered the possibility to benefit from other forms

of financial support (i.e. venture capital investment) and this process will be monitored throughout its timeframe (3

months).

5.5 Is the funding available as a fixed amount?

Yes, the L4MS funding is in a form of fixed amount, namely up to EUR48k per Manufacturing SMEs or Midcaps and EUR98k per other type of organization (as in the Guide for Applicants: System Integrators – usually as ICT or Manufacturing Equipment SME or Midcaps – Technology suppliers, or AGV Manufacturers, Research Organizations – which are usually Competence Centres, Research and Technology Organizations, Universities, Digital Innovation Hubs, etc.). Please, also note that funding will not be awarded to individual legal entities that have already received more than 100,000 Euro via open calls (FSTP) from H2020 I4MS and SAE projects). The financial support will reimburse 100% of the eligible application experiment-related costs of the non-profit legal

entity and 70% of the eligible experiment-related costs of the for-profit legal entity. Payment arrangements will be

specified in the sub-grant agreement documents.



6 Questions about participation in the acceleration program

6.1 Are all the activities included in the acceleration program compulsory?

Yes, all activities are compulsory for the Beneficiaries selected to the program.

6.2 Are the Beneficiaries expected to move the business operations outside of their original locations?

No, all business operations will be executed in the Beneficiaries’ locations (premises).

6.3 Are all the activities in the program covered by L4MS?

Yes, all activities included in the program, as well as travel reimbursement is covered by L4MS funding.

H2020 Innovation Action – This project has received funding from the European

Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement

No 767642