Pioneering the Digital Transformation of Classic Cars Preservation for a New Era

This research project focuses on advancing the digital transformation of classic car restoration processes, addressing the documentation, monitoring, and certification needs within this highly specialized field. The overarching objective is to ensure that classic cars retain their authenticity and value by adhering to standardized guidelines for restoration, as outlined by frameworks such as the FIVA Charter of Turin. This is achieved through the development of various interconnected systems leveraging IoT, blockchain, and process-aware tools to automate, monitor, and document each step of the restoration process.

The project faces several challenges, primarily due to the complexity of integrating IoT systems with high-level process models to achieve real-time monitoring and precise documentation. Given the uniqueness and historical significance of classic cars, it is essential to maintain accuracy and immutability in data collection and process verification. Each system must handle the constraints of a traditional workshop environment while delivering reliable, scalable, and minimally intrusive solutions.

The roadmap for this project includes stages of development, testing, and validation across multiple domains. Initial efforts involved the design and implementation of monitoring systems, including IoT and sensor networks, which capture various aspects of the restoration process, such as energy consumption, vibrations, and spatial data. This data enables real-time process recognition and serves as evidence for certifying authorities, reducing manual documentation. Blockchain technology is integrated to provide a decentralized, tamper-proof ledger for documenting the restoration history, enhancing transparency and trustworthiness. A process-aware GUI and monitoring platform further support remote communication and process visualization, allowing car owners and other stakeholders to oversee restoration progress and milestones.

Validation of these systems has shown promising results, with stakeholder feedback indicating that the project significantly improves trust and transparency. By systematically documenting each restoration phase and linking data to secure, accessible records, the project not only modernizes the restoration process but also increases the financial and cultural value of classic vehicles.