You want to initiate an app store revolution with OI4. What will this revolution look like?

With the OI4 member companies, we have laid the foundation for designing both industrial app stores and the app developments themselves with a preconceived and therefore interoperable approach. Both building blocks pursue the goal of offering the user repeat effects and thus ensuring scaling.

Why does the OI4 see itself as a key player in this revolution?

The Application Management working group is probably the world's largest alliance of app store operators. This holds incredible potential for shaping the future. The working group is now led by Samuel Greising, Flecs, and Werner Paulin, Lenze, and above all by Hilscher. This has brought a whole new dynamic to the app store revolution.

What steps are still necessary and what is OI4 already implementing?

One milestone is the introduction of a three-stage process for the publication of apps, developed in collaboration between Siemens, Lenze, Hilscher and Flecs. The initiative is also showing its commitment to open source by promoting a manifesto scheme for app descriptions. The working group is currently working on the definition of criteria for OI4-compliant app stores and the description of a corresponding API for connecting these stores. The aim is to connect at least one deployment platform with at least one app store by SPS 2024.

The OI4 has been dedicated to the topic of app stores for some time now. However, it seems that the number of cycles is not very high?

In a pre-competitive community like the OI4, the pace is different from a competitive organization. The speed depends on voluntary cooperation and the number of supporting companies and experts. However, the output is at a satisfactory level, especially with regard to the app store issue. What we still need to intensify is external communication. In addition to the great progress made on the app store issue, OI4 is admittedly facing challenges in terms of output in other areas. That is why we have announced a strategic realignment.

What does the realignment involve?

The focus has changed in such a way that customers and partners of the Open Industry 4.0 Alliance can also be involved as part of the community. In addition to membership, there is now also the option of becoming a supporting member or project partner. In this way, we want to actively integrate all persons and institutions involved in the eco-system.

Hall 15, Stand E40