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Data room Industrie 4.0
An infrastructure for data sovereignty.
Manufacturing-X was launched in 2024 by the Industry 4.0 platform. It implements the previously developed Industrie 4.0 concepts and standards in practice for the first time and disseminates them throughout industry.
The project was launched jointly by business, politics and science and implements the Industry 4.0 data space. While Catena-X previously focussed on the automotive industry and its suppliers, Manufacturing-X is geared towards the entire industry.
Data Spaces
In order to digitalise industrial supply chains, market participants must ensure a standardised exchange of data. The concepts and technologies of data spaces play an important role in this.
They enable industry-wide marketplaces that ensure interoperability between different segments. This is particularly important as companies are involved in different value chains. In the past, exchanging information with different partners was often associated with high costs. With data spaces, companies can collaborate more efficiently and reap the benefits of digitalisation.
Manufacturing-X strategy
Manufacturing-X aims to create a common infrastructure for data sovereignty in order to enable cross-industry applications. As part of the overall Manufacturing-X project, various sub-projects are being initiated, each of which is focussing on individual topics and use cases.
A clear strategy for selecting and prioritising projects will be applied. Each project initiative submitted must address at least one of the strategic objectives of Manufacturing-X: Resilience, competitiveness and sustainability.
Resilience
Manufacturing-X aims to reduce dependencies and build more flexible supply chains in order to be able to respond better to future challenges
Sustainability
Manufacturing-X reconciles the economic interests of industry with the protection of the environment. New business models, a closed-loop circular economy and increased efficiency are important steps towards promoting sustainability.
Competitiveness
Manufacturing-X is committed to equal opportunities and combats monopolies in order to strengthen competitiveness. By promoting digital innovations, the leading position of German and European industry is further expanded at a global level.
Furthermore, it must be assessed whether the project objectives
- promise significant profits / savings
- are also applicable to small and medium-sized enterprises
- can be completed within a reasonable period of time
- and, of course, whether they fit in with existing technologies, frameworks and concepts.
Currently in focus: Factory X.
Factory X deserves special attention among the Manufacturing X funding projects. Led by SAP and Siemens, around 50 partners from industry, research and associations are working together to drive forward the concept of smart fabrics - the digitalisation of the shop floor. This is where many value chains from different suppliers intersect: For example, some companies supply components and systems for the production lines, while others supply materials, components and services for the manufactured products.
Rolf Engesser
Rolf Engesser has many years of experience in software and consulting companies and has already designed larger solutions as an architect in the pioneering days of the Internet. After several years in industry, he joined M&M Software in 2021, where he now heads the Industry 4.0 & Digital Twin Competence Centre. Through his career, he combines both in-depth expertise in software development and an understanding of the processes in an industrial company.
"Manufacturing-X puts digitalisation in industry on a common track for the first time. Many companies now have the opportunity to get on board and pick up speed. They should now be careful not to miss the boat and run the risk of losing the access to some markets they thought they had."
