Interconnected production

Your software for Industry 4.0 in SMEs

What is Industry 4.0?

The term "Industry 4.0" stands for the interconnection of production, logistics and customers. Large goals are being pursued with this: the production of the future is intelligent, malleable and sustainable.

Developments are being driven by the increasing digitalization of the economy and society. Industry 4.0 is the fourth industrial revolution: After the steam engine, the conveyor belt and electronics, the interconnection in the production has reached a new level today.

The goal of this digital interconnection is an improvement of the collaboration, coordination and transparency. And not just across a company's departments, but along the entire supply and value-added chain.

Digital systems enable an almost self-organized production: Man, machine and products communicate with one another directly. The basis for this is formed by advanced sensors and innovative Industry 4.0 software.

Why Industry 4.0?

In short: With Industry 4.0, companies are able to keep track of entire processes. This allows them to react to changes in the market more quickly and flexibly. They meet individual customer requirements, plan servicing appointments with foresight or automate for example raw material orders.

The benefits of Industry 4.0 are apparent: The improved interconnection of products and machines

increases efficiency and saves resources
improves collaboration
facilitates new products and services
makes companies more flexible and smart

"The flexibility required in the production will know longer be achievable with classic instruments in the future. Companies, who are quicker and more flexible than others, will therefore be the ones making the money."

Prof. Dr. Michael ten Hompel, Head of the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics

How can SMEs achieve Industry 4.0?

Experts see opportunities, regardless of how big the company is. Some industrial companies are already successfully operating interconnected manufacturing facilities. And even SMEs can take advantage of the benefits of Industry 4.0. But more than this: if you act quickly, you'll achieve a distinct competitive advantage.

Industry 4.0 for SMEs is however subject to different requirements. SMEs need solutions that allow them to network the production step-by-step. This helps you achieve an initial success - for a surprisingly low price.

One approach to this is the use of modern enterprise software. This is used to read machine data, process it and then use it in applications and processes. In this way, you can digitalize individual procedures or entire areas of business.

The showcase

United Planet and SICK AG demostrate Industry 4.0

Industry 4.0 promises many benefits. But often, the specific tools are missing. A showcase from United Planet and SICK AG demonstrates how to interlink production using portal software:

The production simulation demonstrates an example of an interlinked production process – from ordering via "production on demand" through to quality assurance and customer service. You're provided with a 360-degree view of the production.

You'll also discover, how even SMEs can implement Industry 4.0 scenarios with surprising ease. In particular, the showcase will provide you with inspiration for your own application ideas.

Download the showcase

The solution

Industry 4.0 with Intrexx

With Intrexx, Industry 4.0 is achievable for SMEs.

Intrexx enables you to integrate data from machines into applications, processes and even directly into the communication. The interconnection provides you with greater efficiency and customer satisfaction.

More about Intrexx