Mr. Greising, the OI4 Alliance originally wanted to create an automation app store. You have been in charge of the Application Management working group responsible for these activities for a year now. What has become of these lofty goals?

Greising: The goal of generating a unique and comprehensive automation app store is really a bit ambitious. The main goal of our working group is therefore rather to create a uniform framework for the publication of apps based on existing standards in order to enable seamless and uniform provision. So we are in the process of establishing clear guidelines for app providers while ensuring a smooth experience for end users.

And what is actually happening?

One current project is the definition of a workflow for app providers. We will be presenting this workflow at the trade fair, demonstrating the close collaboration and innovative spirit of the OI4 Alliance. The workflow provides clear steps and guidelines for app providers to publish their applications on the various app stores within the Alliance and thus ensure the uniform and efficient provision of apps.

How far has the uniform and efficient provision of apps within the OI4 Alliance progressed?

We have a clear vision for the future of app stores both within and outside the OI4 Alliance. Its approach focuses on using existing standards economically instead of creating new standards. One example of this is the introduction of so-called sandbox stores. Hilscher already provides the OI4 Community Store, but as more members join, additional sandbox stores will be set up. The idea behind this is to offer app providers who are members of the OI4 Alliance a clear advantage. By using these sandbox stores, they can test and validate their apps on various app marketplaces at an early stage, which shortens the time-to-market and increases the reach of their applications. The launch of these sandbox stores in 2023 represents a significant milestone.

What's next?

We plan to publish a white paper this year that will further improve the workflow for app providers and make it more efficient. This whitepaper will make the app development and deployment processes even more user-friendly.

Why is it so quiet around the OI4 and its activities?

This is a criticism we often hear: The efforts and achievements of the OI4 Alliance and its members are not sufficiently transparent; a successful alliance should clearly communicate its progress and milestones to generate interest and trust among potential partners and the public! - I think this appeal has reached the Alliance and I also hope that we will pursue a more proactive communication strategy in the future.

Open Industry 4.0 Alliance at the SPS 2023: Hall 5, Stand 160