
Based on edge computing
The Aprol process control system from B&R can be installed and operated in the cloud in the future - it can be installed on virtual computers from all common cloud providers.

The Aprol process control system from B&R can be installed and operated in the cloud in the future - it can be installed on virtual computers from all common cloud providers.

Dassault Systèmes will be showcasing the new Solidworks 2017 version, which offers new applications aimed at paperless manufacturing and supported by model-based definition (MBD) and printed circuit board (PCB) design.
In order to further increase productivity in production, the globally active automotive supplier Neumayer Tekfor decided to purchase an MES solution. The aim was to reduce machine downtimes.

Konstantin Kerscher has been the new Country Manager at automation specialist ESA Elettronica since October 1, 2016. He is tasked with further expanding the Italian company's German-speaking market share.
Digitalized, semi-autonomous production in networks using cyber physical systems (CPS) not only requires the use of 'smart' (automation) components and services - there is also a need for action when it comes to technical documentation.
Developing products uniformly - across all three disciplines of mechanics, electrics and software: the household appliance manufacturer V-Zug has risen to this challenge. A field report.

The VDMA's IT Report 2016 brings surprising results to light: the mechanical and plant engineering industry is focusing on new topics that have previously played a subordinate role - such as machine data acquisition. There are also interesting developments on the subject of the cloud.
Fast data analysis is useful in production - for example, to be able to react immediately to problems in production or to a cyber attack. An in-memory database, which works up to 100 times faster than conventional systems, is predestined for this.
There are many factors that lead to logistical delays along the value chain. These can be identified with the help of a big data analysis method: Dr. Nils Gerken, Senior Data Scientist at Munich-based Celonis SE, explains the process mining method.
Version and data management: there is a great deal of skepticism and even myths surrounding this topic, especially in the automation environment. But are these concerns still justified given the current state of the art?

General Electric - GE - intends to acquire the 3D printer manufacturer SLM Solutions via its GE Aviation division and thus develop into a digital industrial company.

On September 1, 2016, the Supervisory Board of Infoteam Software appointed Christian Zahn to the Management Board as Chief Sales Officer (CSO). From January 2017, he will also assume the position of CEO - replacing the last founding member.

Follow-up with Michael Finkler
Due to the Industry 4.0 hype, a lot of smart factory initiatives are emerging in Germany. Michael Finkler, Managing Director Business Development at Proalpha, explains what is special about the Smart Electronic Factory and what role it plays.
Big data is an important component of Industry 4.0: the generation and analysis of huge amounts of data should enable flexible production control. However, the current situation is sobering - simple data analyses dominate and there is a lack of suitable strategies.

The IT & Business trade fair opens its doors in Stuttgart from October 4 to 6. The topic of Industry 4.0 will be high on the agenda - with the expanded special show 'Smart Factory' and a new showcase.
The maintenance and servicing of complex systems and machines requires specific expert knowledge - which the technicians involved often lack. A central platform that collects knowledge and makes it available to employees on the move is intended to provide a remedy.
Suppliers of agricultural and construction machinery must keep pace with the technical development of the industry and should keep an eye on trends in order to generate growth through new products. A look at the 'innovation database' is helpful here.
Contrary to many predictions, far fewer components and systems will communicate directly with a cloud in the future. Instead, 'fog computing' or 'edge computing' will enable the local integration of countless data points.

Production can already be kept under control today using visualization tools. If these tools are now linked with software tools such as personnel planning and materials management, completely new possibilities open up.

Intelligently networking production and thus increasing profitability - small and medium-sized enterprises often do not know how to approach this goal. The Fraunhofer IPA study 'Industry 4.0: Fields of development for SMEs' aims to provide a remedy.