Focus on data management

Data only becomes valuable when it is brought into a meaningful context: Data from design, for example, with data from the operation of a product or machine. So before big data can be analyzed, manufacturers need suitable management of their engineering data. Product lifecycle management (PLM) is therefore not losing its importance even in the age of the Internet of Things, but rather provides crucial information for improving a product.

The same applies to Manufacturing Execution Systems, MES systems, with which operating data is recorded and linked to tool, capacity and warehouse data. They provide more and more data that can be used for predictive maintenance and thus prevent unplanned downtime.

ERP systems on the rise

The role of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems is also changing. They no longer just help companies to create, process and invoice orders. They are now also used to estimate in advance whether a request can be accepted, in what time frame and at what cost. In this way, the software ensures the automation of business processes.

The world of standard software is also changing under the impact of digitalization. It creates the basis for harnessing the growing volume of data with the help of artificial intelligence and cloud services.

Additive manufacturing as a key element of the digital factory

Additive manufacturing is one of the clear crowd pullers at the Hannover Messe. The exhibition area is located together with topics such as CAD and PLM in the south of Hall 6.

The 4th Additive Manufacturing Symposium , which will be held for the first time in 2018 on the Tuesday of the trade fair in the Technology Academy (Pavilion 36) on the exhibition grounds, will also focus on this innovative manufacturing method. Using practical examples, users from the mechanical engineering sector will demonstrate the added value that additive manufacturing brings in terms of quality, reliability, energy and costs. am