Mr. Moser, what exactly is behind the term Manufacturing-X?

Michael Moser: In summary, Manufacturing-X is an attempt to create a data room for the digitalization of industry. From a DSAG (German-speaking SAP user group) perspective, this is a logical step, but also a huge one. Once the idea and concept have become a practicable infrastructure, standardized data exchange between all participants in the value chain based on common standards and rules would finally be possible. On the other hand, a stable framework would be available on which company-specific applications could be developed. It doesn't matter whether they are start-ups, SMEs or DAX companies. Together, everyone involved can benefit from the innovative strength.
Following on from Catena-X and Gaia-X, the aim of Manufacturing-X is now to provide a sustainable, resilient and competitive data space for industry that advances the digital transformation and thus also urgently needed innovations such as the systematic reduction of_{CO2 emissions} and a closed circular economy, enables digital sovereignty and strengthens Germany as an industrial location once again.

What is the difference between Manufacturing-X and Business Networks?

Moser: Business Networks are a concrete offer from SAP. At the moment, Manufacturing-X appears to be a global initiative that SAP solutions such as Business Networks contribute to.

For whom is Manufacturing-X fundamentally interesting?

Moser: In principle, Manufacturing-X is of interest to all companies in the manufacturing industry. Thanks to end-to-end data networking, manufacturing companies could, for example, anticipate supply bottlenecks and provide replacements in good time, identify faulty parts before they are installed or seamlessly track and calculate the_{CO2 emissions} of individual products - from the first supplier to delivery to the end customer.

This could also answer pressing questions that arise against the background of the new Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) laws, such as: Where do the raw materials come from? How much energy did production require? How much_CO2 will be_emitted on the way to the end customer? In other words, it includes all information relating to the_{CO2 footprint}.

Manufacturing-X is also of interest to those who want to leverage optimization potential within the manufacturing processes of production and industry. This includes, for example, networking supply chains not only just-in-time, but also just-in-sequence. For example, it would be conceivable to flexibly rent out machines to third parties in the event of a short downtime and thus also efficiently serve smaller batch sizes. One of the visions behind Manufacturing-X is production lines that never stand still thanks to intelligently networked production.

Manufacturing-X is intended to create an open data ecosystem in the manufacturing industry. To what extent is there actually a need for this on the part of user companies?

Moser : A data space like the one envisaged by Manufacturing-X can help to make value chains more resilient, ensure a closed-loop circular economy and promote digital innovation. However, it is already possible to operate sustainably - without an open data ecosystem.

What challenges do users face when it comes to data in manufacturing?

Moser : As an industry association, we see it as a top priority to develop technological foundations and a set of rules for the multilateral sharing of data in the Manufacturing-X environment - particularly due to the pent-up demand for digitalization in some companies. They must not be confronted with a generic Manufacturing-X data room and overwhelmed. Instead, they need applications to use it sensibly. They need to get to grips with the basics of digital manufacturing. Like other cloud offerings, Manufacturing-X poses the same challenges in terms of data and IT security. This requires education and support from software manufacturers. Productivity gains through digitalization must be clearly visible and the path to achieving them must not be too costly and complicated. The better companies are prepared for the use of Manufacturing-X, the more active participants there will be.

What would Manufacturing-X have to offer in terms of content and commerce for users to use it?

Moser : In order to be able to use the data room practically in everyday life, it must fulfill three requirements. Firstly, it must have a business case, i.e. be economically viable for companies. Specific use cases are crucial here, because any automation must pay off. Secondly, we see the issue of trustworthiness: as a virtual data room in the form of a cloud offering, German user companies require a secure and stable infrastructure that complies with the applicable rules and laws, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Thirdly, more knowledge about all processes and materials in the value creation network is still needed today. Companies need even better support in this area. Manufacturing-X is not the first idea or the first project to be measured by its implementation.

What would DSAG like to see in terms of further cooperation on Manufacturing-X?

Moser : Topics such as sustainability, including_{CO2 accounting}, transparent supply chains and resilient business models, are on the agenda for both DSAG and SAP users, as they are confronted with them on a daily basis and are now increasingly so. The requirements and legal regulations are increasing and becoming more demanding. Meeting the requirements of the German Supply Chain Compliance Act (LkSG) alone can tie up entire departments for several weeks. Accordingly, we welcome any push for a better future that strengthens the 'Made in Germany' seal and our global leadership position once again.