Mr. Himstedt, what is behind the six-step model from Trebing + Himstedt that you are presenting at the trade fair?

Steffen Himstedt: The six-stage model is a structured approach for companies to master the digital transformation towards the smart factory and internet-based service models. First, we determine which phase a company is currently in - in other words, we meet users where they are at the moment. The aim of the six-stage model is to ensure that digitalization arrives on the shop floor and can therefore be experienced by the workers, and also that concrete benefits can be measured.

What exactly is behind the individual stages?

Steffen Himstedt : Behind each stage are tools and aids, such as workshops with design thinking elements, in order to leverage user-centric benefits with digitalization.
If the user is still searching, for example, a general understanding of the opportunities of digitalization and what digitalization means in the specific company context can be developed in the first phase. If, on the other hand, they already know their goal, readiness checks or prototype development can be used to test market readiness.
Hands-on workshops, such as IoT hackathons, are particularly popular here, as they result in a functional prototype that can be used to test the initial idea in practice. Of course, this also includes projects in the final implementation phase. Those who are already ready can also get straight into MES, IoT and cloud topics.

What information do visitors need to come to you with?

Steffen Himstedt : First and foremost, companies need to be able to classify where they currently stand and what they want to achieve. For example, if the company is convinced that it can benefit more from digitalization, but many employees are not really familiar with it yet, it would make sense to start with a 'discovery workshop', i.e. discovering the possibilities together, as part of the 'strategy' phase. However, if the machine manufacturer already knows that 'predictive maintenance' is to be offered, for example, but is not yet clear how this will be implemented, a readiness check and roadmap workshop would be the next steps.

What is crucial for implementing digitalization projects?

Steffen Himstedt: Companies need a roadmap, similar to a train ticket. Then they have the destination, the timetable and know when and where they have to change trains to get to their destination. Another important guarantee of success is to put together a team that is as interdisciplinary as possible, with a mix of specialist departments, IT and the works council.