DATA + AUTOMATION
TEAM
4Ocean
4Ocean needs a more efficient and streamlined way to collect data from work sites and organize it into researchable data in a more environment-friendly way.
Project Synopsis
4Ocean is an international ocean cleanup company that is working to clean plastic out of the world marine habitats. Their process starts when the crews deploy onto boats and collect a haul of debris. The haul of debris collected from the ocean is then taken on shore where it is offloaded then weighed, logged, and sorted. During the sorting process plastics are separated from trash and natural debris. The plastic is divided further and organized by material (i.e. PETE, LDPE, HDPE, PVC, PS, PP, and other). These materials are then recycled and some are used for their products. The sale of their products funds their continued cleanup operations, currently in 4 countries around the world.
4Ocean currently lacks a clean, streamlined process of data collection. Due to restrictions on connectability in certain areas of deployment, they rely on paper records of their work. The paper records are sent from person-to-person up the chain of command, back to data analytics. This process not only hinders the efficiency of their data collection process, but also limits the amount of researchable data they are able to collect. The massive usage of paper does not coincide with their environmental mission, these paper logs are also a risk when working on coastlines year-round, The cleanup crews on these boats are typically already exhausted from the cleanup and want to avoid any intensive form of logging.
Our solution to 4Ocean’s problem is a database formatted to meet their needs. The application of a database coincides with their environmentally friendly goal by forgoing the use of paper records, while making it easier on the crew to log their progress. The database is designed to be at the collection and sorting sites to improve the efficiency of data collection. It will provide a simple format for employees to enter data on the debris pulled that day. This database could also be automated and connected to a system of devices to further streamline the process in future efforts. The system of devices could include a hang scale, camera, GPS, or any other sensor that may become available in the future. This automated system would allow for the data to be stored locally on an SD card and transferred at any point, further simplifying the data logging of the cleanup efforts. The automation would apply the data collected into the database which reduces the amount of information that is needed to be entered by the staff.
Research
DEVELOP
CREATE
MEET THE TEAM
ZACH MORRISON
Industrial Design Major, Product Developer.
Alison POOLE
Biology Major, Product Developer.
LUKE SWeIGART
Business Major, Product Owner.
KELLY ORTEGA
Computer Science Major, Product Developer.
AIDAN PHIPPS
Biology Major, Scrum Master.
WHO IS 4Ocean?
4Ocean began in 2017 with a simple goal to remove as much plastic from the ocean coastlines as possible.
Pounds Removed
Countries
Donated for conservation
Employees
What’s the problem?
4Ocean lacks a streamlined process of data collection, currently due to restrictions on connectability they rely on paper records. This method is not only inefficient but does not coincide with their environmental mission. The paper records are sent from person-to-person up the chain of command. This problem not only hinders the efficiency of their data collection process but also limits the amount of researchable data they are able to collect.
Solution STATEMENT
A database to collect data at work sites in a format that improves efficiency for data analysts and automation through IoT devices.
Our solution to 4Ocean’s problem is a database formatted to meet their needs. The application of a database coincides with their mission by forgoing the use of paper records. Additionally, the database is accessible at the collection and sorting sites and improves the efficiency of data collection by providing a format for employees to enter data on the debris pulled that day. This database could also be automated and connected to a system of devices to further streamline the process, like a hang scale, camera, or GPS.
Automation of the process
Beyond the database, we plan to further automate 4Ocean’s data collection process via interconnected sensors, like a spring scale.
