Klaus Helmrich, member of the Managing Board of Siemens AG, made it clear right at the start of the press conference: "With the Digital Enterprise portfolio, the technical prerequisites for Industry 4.0 have been created. For the successful implementation of Industry 4.0, we now need an expanded model of respectful, partnership-based cooperation: large companies supply platforms and components, medium-sized companies develop their own solutions and business models based on them and end customers integrate them into their digital value chain."

Siemens wants to support this process with new products and updates - such as the new Mindsphere version 3.0, which the company plans to launch in January 2018 and is available on 'Amazon Web Services' (AWS) for the first time. According to Helmrich, three enhancements are essential and decisive. "Firstly, we now have the API with full support for the developer community - anyone can develop on the basis of their applications and receive the development support and tools to do so. Secondly, we have an extremely wide range of communication protocols at the connectivity level, i.e. how to integrate components or legacy or third-party systems in terms of communication - with OPC UA and Modbus leading the way, of course. Additional analysis functions have also been implemented."

Siemens also announced a partnership with Software AG to strengthen the Mindsphere IoT operating system. Software AG is providing scalable components of its Digital Business Platform for this purpose. The application and device management technology will enable both the central networking of devices and control via the cloud, thus offering scalable and flexible management of a network of millions of end devices - in future also in the area of edge analytics. Application connectivity technology can also be used to integrate different business applications along the value chain. The Adamos IoT platform also relies on Software AG's technology.

Helmrich also addressed the fear of many users that "Siemens is taking my data". "It is not right that we take data from our customers or develop applications for mechanical engineering, but it is very much right that we also write applications." However, Helmrich emphasized, this is only the case if Siemens itself acts as an OEM.

Motors in the IoT

The best example is the new Simotics IQ drive concept presented at the trade fair, which Siemens is using to make motors IoT-capable. Users can transfer data such as operating and status parameters of low-voltage motors to Mindsphere - for example to analyze vibration, torque or the energy or temperature balance. The Simotics IQ Mindapp uses this data to provide recommendations for action, for example, in order to plan maintenance activities in good time and react before a system shutdown occurs. The transparency gained is intended to increase efficiency and boost productivity. Simotics IQ is being used for the first time in the new generation of Simotics SD motors. Helmrich emphasizes once again: "We do not supply the machine manufacturer's application. However, the machine manufacturer can integrate our application into their app store, where they can offer a complete system."

The trade fair innovations also include version 15 of the TIA Portal engineering framework. The extended application options focus on the multifunctional platform for the integration of high-level language applications, the integration of additional drive systems including safety acceptance tests, the integration of handling functions and 2D to 4D kinematics with Simatic S7 1500 controllers as well as the connection and programming of robots.

As digital transformation involves considerable investment, Siemens wants to motivate companies with the new study 'The Digitalization Productivity Bonus: Sector Insights'. According to the study, manufacturers can expect a financial increase of 6.3% to 9.8% of their annual turnover through the automation and digitalization of their production systems and the associated improvement in manufacturing productivity. For SMEs in particular, the Group also offers suitable pay-per-use models and financing for software solutions under the heading 'Financing 4.0', which should enable a sustainable transition to digital technologies.