Sensor technology, sensor apps and the cloud - Sick now wants to use this trio to create a digital solution portfolio. The aim is to enable customers to generate individual added value for their business processes.
Companies in production and logistics are no longer faced with the question of whether they should digitize their processes and implement the concepts of Industry 4.0, but with which partner and how they can smoothly integrate new approaches.

Sick now wants to score points with its new digital portfolio of sensor applications. "In recent years, we have done a lot to significantly simplify the use of data obtained via sensors. Many sensor solutions have been developed that make it possible to make the operation of systems and processes more efficient," says Christoph Müller, Senior Vice President Product Management.
The company focuses on combining sensor intelligence with industry and application expertise. The resulting offering is now to be bundled into two brands: the AppSpace and the IntegrationSpace. According to Müller, the Spaces will use flexible data structures and provide digital services, advice, information and knowledge. The aim is to make vertical data integration from the sensor to the cloud as simple as possible.

The AppSpace

The AppSpace Flow: In effect, a dataflow made up of function blocks.

© Sick

In the AppSpace ecosystem, programmable sensors and edge devices can be configured for new tasks using SensorApps. Many apps are already available for download via the AppPool. Until now, basic programming knowledge was required to create your own SensorApps in the Sick AppStudio. Thanks to a new graphical interface within the AppStudio, users can now solve specific sensor applications without programming knowledge by linking and configuring predefined function blocks in a dataflow.

The IntegrationSpace

With the Asset Hub - a tool from the IntegrationSpace - data from the sensor is brought to the data level, analyzed and activities are recommended.

© Sick

"Today, customers approach us with problems that no longer have much to do with classic automation technology involving sensors, logic and actuators," explains Christoph Müller. "It's much more about designing the business process in such a way that it becomes considerably more efficient. To do this, the sensor collects data that helps to solve the problem and brings it to the data level," says Müller.
The IntegrationSpace platform now enables access to the virtual representation of the sensor and its data. This opens up a new dimension in the world of sensors. In this dimension, sensor data is integrated into intelligent digital services. With continuously evolving digital services based on the AssetHub and LiveConnect, the aim is to make the possibilities available to individual customers. "The transparency gained from the sensor data provides the basis for new optimization potential in business processes," says Müller. The IntegrationSpace platform is designed to enable independent management and booking of digital services.