Digitalisierung

Kinematic profile bending processes, such as three-roll profile bending, are known for their high flexibility with regard to the manufacturable contours. However, the low degree of automation and the predominantly manual quality control lead to a high personnel and time expenditure. The Mittelstand 4.0-Kompetenzzentrum Darmstadt and Herkules Wetzlar GmbH have carried out an implementation project to record and digitize the contour of curved profiles. With the results achieved, the added value through the implementation of sensor technology in production could be demonstrated.

Comparison and evaluation from research findings of 28 process models considering digitalization measures are presented. Furthermore, our own-developed process model, based upon interviews with professional managers, is reported. Our process model enables managers to deal with technology coming along with industry 4.0, such as the implementation of socio-technologies.

The ongoing digital transformation brings pressure to adapt, but also potential for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the textile and clothing industry. High investment costs for new technologies, insufficient employee qualifications and a lack of standards are examples of obstacles that explain the reluctance of many SMEs to digitalize. There is therefore a need for SME-specific information, both in terms of possible solutions and specific implementations, as well as support for the initiation and realization of implementation projects. The competence center “Mittelstand 4.0-Kompetenzzentrum Textil vernetzt”, which is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi), is intended to meet these needs, illustrate the potential of digitization and networking, and show SMEs how to get there.

In a previous approach of Lager et al. [1], the development of knowledge, competence and role profiles of employee groups in the course of industry 4.0 was studied. Based on that, the role of the overlapping focus IT is to be examined more closely and the analysis is extended to the tactical level using the example of production planning. In addition, the effects of the need for increased IT competence in all areas of the manufacturing industry on the erosion of current role profile boundaries are presented.

Companies are increasingly acquiring new technologies that enable higher quality and efficiency. Every technology adoption is also a change process which affects the employees and their work and thus needs to be managed in an optimal way. This article is focused on the importance of goal definition during a change process. To facilitate this process, a checklist with 81 goals is presented. The checklist was developed based on scientific literature and practice-oriented tools and can be used by project teams to focus their activities on a holistic change process and track the goal progress.

The complexity of logistic networks and systems is growing in today’s globalized world. Consequently, there is a rising demand on digitalization in this sector in order to gain a competitive advantage on the market. This paper introduces policy instruments suitable to boost the demand for uptake of information and communication technologies (ICT) in the logistics sector. Experts and stakeholders have been consulted on this topic and an EUwide survey has been launched. The consultations indicated barriers for the implementation of relevant technologies and showcased the appropriate demand-side policy measures able to overcome these barriers, thus motiva-ting companies to digitalize. As a result, several instruments to boost ICT-implementation in transport and logistics were recommended to the policy makers.