Machines and plants, automation technology and also electronic products from Germany enjoy a global reputation. But "Made in Germany" is no longer a foregone conclusion, because competition, especially from the Far East, has increased the competitive pressure considerably in recent years. In addition, global networking is increasingly replacing the familiar handshake mentality. The Industry 4.0 initiative was therefore not only a wake-up call for an often rather conservative industry in which production traditionally determines business. It also showed companies the way to digitalisation and the development of new, data-based business models and technologies.
At the end of the day, two questions will be decisive for the success of the digital transformation. Does the organisation succeed in the shift from customer orientation to customer centricity of all business processes from production planning to the supply chain? Is the IT landscape open, consistent and scalable? If the answer is yes in both cases, the prerequisites are in place to react quickly and agilely to the market dynamics and the increased demands for flexibility, individualisation and lead times. Knowledge is shared for one's own benefit and for the benefit of all, instead of being hoarded.