Mr. Hamann, what is your impression of this year's Hannover Messe?

We are very satisfied so far. Many partners and customers are here; the schedule is full. We take part in the trade fair to reach a wider audience; other, more specialized events then complement this.

Which topic is the focus for you?

Sustainability. We can make a significant contribution to this topic based on our own experience. We were one of the first industrial companies to operate on_{a CO2-neutral} basis and can offer our own expertise in this area. Sustainability is in the process of becoming a real driver. As Bosch Connected Industry, we offer both the software and the consulting. Of course, this involves the efficient use of resources, but also classic topics such as avoiding waste.

The economic environment has changed dramatically in recent years. What consequences do you see?

The demand for sustainability solutions has increased significantly for us recently. The pandemic has already given a huge boost to digitalization. Now resource efficiency has been added to the mix.

What exactly are customers looking for?

Our customers ask for a comprehensive approach. It is not enough to simply sell software. Digitization requires a targeted strategy. That's why we are not just an IT company, but also advise and support our customers. Every customer comes with completely different requirements: What knowledge do the employees bring with them? What form should further training and change management take? What are the technical requirements on the store floor? How can the brownfield be digitized in a meaningful way? How can existing systems initially be structured and optimized?

Are customers ready for such long-term processes?

Just a moment. A well thought-out strategy also means that the customer makes manageable investments for which he can then expect a return on investment of one to two years. The customer must always retain cost control. Finally, if I may say so, it is important to think about digital in terms of the user who works with it, then you can also achieve a long service life in the digital sector.