The trade fair organizer Mesago Messe Frankfurt was satisfied with the anniversary edition of SPS: Not only the new name SPS - Smart Production Solutions - reflects the development of the industry. The approximately 1,600 exhibitors also demonstrated their innovative strength in the 17 exhibition halls. In addition to functions from the IT world, such as machine learning, digital twins, cloud and big data technologies, the topic of security played a major role. The Industrial Security area in Hall 6 was particularly popular with visitors. Here, they were able to find out about the latest industrial security products and applications from exhibitors such as Genoa, Fortinet and the German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI).

According to the trade fair organizer, the joint stand 'Automation meets IT', which has existed since 2015, was once again a popular point of contact. Last but not least, the 'Automation 4.0 Summit' enriched the information on offer at the trade fair: The sessions on 5G, TSN and OPC UA, security in the factory, IoT platforms - best practices and cost-effective robotics for the factory offered visitors in-depth specialist knowledge on currently hotly debated topics in automation.

According to Mesago Messe Frankfurt, the number of exhibitors with their own stand space was higher than ever before. The exhibitors praised the very high quality of the discussions with trade visitors. In addition to the intensive technical discussions at the trade fair stands, users and decision-makers also found answers to their automation questions in specialist lectures and product presentations at the forums and during the guided tours.

First exhibitor statements for SPS 2019

Steffen Winkler, Bosch-Rexroth: "If it hadn't been around for 30 years, the PLC would have to be reinvented. It is as future-oriented and versatile as automation technology and just as successful. There is hardly any other trade fair where we hold discussions at such a technical depth, where so many concrete and joint projects are launched."

Dr. Gunter Kegel, Pepperl+Fuchs: "Digitalization is driving all areas of life at a rapid pace and offers new technological developments every year. The SPS has correctly anticipated these and kept pace - and that is precisely why the event is experiencing great success today. SPS is the benchmark when it comes to trade fair efficiency!"

Susanne Kunschert, Pilz: "We have a special connection with SPS, as we are one of the very few exhibitors to have been here for 30 years. We particularly appreciate the in-depth professional exchange here. SPS was and is a leading trade fair and one of the most important trade fairs for us. It is fantastic to see how easily networks are created here. The industry needs this get-together at SPS - now more than ever, because only together are we strong!"

Sinead Branagen, Beijer Electronics: "SPS supports our fast-moving industry in many ways - the whole world is gathered here and we can talk to them in one place. When we come here, we discover different trends and not only learn a lot in three days, but we can also talk to a wide range of experts. It's a super open atmosphere and we can see the trends and technologies in action - it gives us a sense of community that inspires and motivates us."

The 31st SPS will take place next year from November 24 to 26.

On our own behalf: During the trade fair, the media brands Elektronik, Markt&Technik and Computer&AUTOMATION of WEKA FACHMEDIEN reported daily on the events on site in the official daily newspaper of the trade fair - 'The Official Daily'. You are also welcome to request the trade fair newspaper at a later date.