Analytics

Predictive analytics opens up opportunities to improve decision-making in manifold areas, including in supply chain management (SCM). Yet, the complete realization of its potential requires the identification of the corresponding needs upfront. This paper provides a structured concept that guides through the complex and interdisciplinary endeavor of requirements analysis for predictive analytics in SCM. Due to the generic nature of this approach, it can be applied for any use case and be adapted or enhanced in case of need.

The digital twin [DT] is considered a key technology of Industry 4.0. Its basic concept is now being successfully applied in practice, as demonstrated by the commissioning of Mercedes' Factory56 in 2022. New identification technologies, tracking systems and communication solutions faciliate new ways of controlling production and managing material flows, particularly at the shop floor level. With precise technical data permanently available not only for products, but also for material availability and order fulfillment status, production processes can be managed more dynamically and efficiently. This is precisely where the concept of the DT comes into play, enabling the immediate use and evaluation of this data.Its relevance continues to grow, especially in the context of make-to-order production, the rising variety of product configurations, and the globalization of production and supply networks. This article introduces the basic concept of the DT and illustrates how it connects to ...

Digital twins connect physical and digital systems, furthering efficiency, enabling predictive maintenance, and allowing the production of more customized products. Despite these advantages, challenges such as high costs, data synchronization, and security risks hinder widespread adoption. This article explores the potential of digital twins and examines key barriers to integration and implementation, also considering some industrial applications including additive manufacturing as a relevant use case.

Traditional budgeting often resembles a marathon full of spreadsheets, manual reconciliations and time-consuming data collection. However, modern companies need agile, data-driven solutions that allow for transparency, efficiency and strategic foresight. Digital technologies such as digital twins, dashboards and process mining initiate this possibility: they transform the budgeting process from a static set of figures to a dynamic, simulation-capable management tool. Instead of getting lost in detailed work, companies can use them to analyze processes in real time, simulate scenarios and make well-informed decisions.

In line with current digital transformations, the number of software applications in use by companies is continuously increasing. This particularly affects industrial enterprises, which face challenges due to their often complex business processes. A holistic and sustainable integration of these business processes requires a strong link between the different information systems used. In this context, application integration, also known as enterprise application integration (EAI), is becoming more important. Modern approaches such as the use of microservices offer a particularly flexible and efficient solution for seamlessly connecting different applications and thus promoting the agility and scalability of a company’s IT landscape.