What are the main areas of focus for the SPS 2021?

The cornerstone of the PLC has always been the classic automation components. This proven concept will not change. However, software and IT have become an increasingly important part of automation technology in recent years and this trend is naturally also reflected at the trade fair. One topic that is becoming increasingly important is "Sustainability in automation". The supporting programme offers some exciting contributions on this topic, such as "Paths to a sustainable industrial transformation - Empowering the All Electric Society", "Increasing sustainability with the global language of production" and "Energy cost optimization in production companies".

What will visitors be offered on the subject of IT and cyber security at the trade fair?

There is a small but attractive area in Hall 6 specifically dedicated to this topic. In addition to the German Federal Office for Security (BSI), Secuvera and Genua will also be exhibiting there. Exciting innovations can also be found at the it-sa joint stand, where the companies Fortinet, Kapsch BusinessCom, Stormshield, qSkills and Nozomi Networks are participating. Attendees can expect holistic IT security solutions ranging from threat analysis and assessment to the development of a customized corporate security architecture, employee training and education, as well as compliance and legal issues. Cyber security will also be addressed as part of the lecture program and will even form a focus topic together with safety: Interested parties can look forward to exciting contributions on the first day of the trade fair at the trade fair forum in Hall 3 and also at the digital accompaniment "SPS on air", for example the presentation "Cyber security in the product development process with IEC 62443" or the on-demand contribution entitled "Armed for the challenge of industrial networks".

What do visitors need to bear in mind regarding the coronavirus measures?

[Editor's note: At the time of the interview, the SPS was planned as a 3G event. Mesago has since switched the presence concept to 2G. At the same time, the event will take place online on the digital platform "SPS on air"].

The SPS 2021 will take place as a 3G plus event. This means that only vaccinated persons, recovered persons and persons with a PCR test that is no more than 48 hours old will be admitted to the event. In order to avoid waiting times on site, we recommend that participants who have not been vaccinated or have recovered should be tested in advance if possible. It is also worth mentioning that masks and social distancing requirements do not apply on the exhibition grounds under 3G plus conditions. However, everyone is of course free to wear a face mask if they feel safer doing so. We also recommend keeping a safe distance from other people whenever possible. Last but not least, disinfectant dispensers are available throughout the site and heavily frequented areas are cleaned at shorter intervals. In this way, we can offer everyone involved a largely normal trade fair experience with the greatest possible safety.