In a smart factory, data is constantly collected, processed, visualized and exchanged on an IoT platform. However, due to different communication protocols, databases, interfaces and control systems, the amount of data is usually incoherent and must be homogenized on the IoT platform. Operating a smart factory is challenging, not least because historically grown organizational structures have to be broken up and new ways of thinking and working established. Given these requirements, how can medium-sized production companies pave the way to a smart factory with the best possible networked solutions?

Thinking from the problem

When planning digitalization projects, it is important to think in terms of the problem or challenge. One example: external specialist companies, as well as the company's own employees, have limited availability to carry out on-site maintenance and repair work. The solution is to implement remote maintenance instead of relying on presence. This is possible via mobile data collection devices enhanced with voice and video functions or the secure exchange of relevant data via a virtual desktop. Data glasses are also suitable for virtually "bringing in" experts.

When it comes to selecting suitable remote work solutions, small to medium-sized companies in particular are reliant on the external expertise of specialists. This is because there is a wide variety of technical options, the suitability of which is difficult to assess. Often, the company's internal resources are not sufficient in terms of time and expertise to ensure subsequent trouble-free, secure operation. As a result, more and more companies are procuring Infrastructure-as-a-Service from specialized service providers. These service providers are usually also able to meet special requirements for special environments.

Which technological innovations are right for my business? Production facilities will not be able to do without cables. But is it 5G, fluid mesh, WLAN or ultra-wideband that will enable mobile connectivity and network devices in industrial applications? Only a high-performance, wireless infrastructure can enable efficient communication between people, machines and systems.

Innovative technologies in the SME sector

According to a Bertelsmann report, many SMEs are reluctant to invest in technologies where it is unclear whether they will survive the next ten years. However, while innovative technologies - such as big/smart data analysis, AI or ML - were previously intended more for the big players, SMEs can now also benefit from them. One medium-sized pump manufacturer, for example, has modernized its customer service by using digital twins. If there are problems with their pumps, customers no longer have to call a service technician. They identify defective parts in the 3D models themselves and order replacements. Customer service and sales are relieved and the company works more productively. With digital twins, manufacturing processes can be observed in detail, steps can be optimized, reorganized and transferred to the real production plant. To do this, companies need innovation teams to help them select suitable technological innovations and also to safeguard them. After all, every move towards mobile connectivity means more IT security risks that need to be kept in check by effective security mechanisms.

Pain point: shortage of skilled workers

Companies are under pressure. Qualified personnel for digitalization projects are in short supply. The shortage of skilled workers is another important reason why companies need to find other ways to secure resources. In the wake of increased automation in machinery, there is a growing need for engineers who can both design and operate machines. Automotive and vehicle construction, biotechnology and medical technology as well as mechanical and plant engineering are desperately searching. With remote work and maintenance models, companies can continue to digitalize their production and maintain operations even in times of crisis. In manufacturing companies, many functions and areas are involved in a holistic digital transformation - from operational organization and administration to IT and OT through to central production units. In order to implement new cross-functional working methods, these must converge organizationally. In established structures, however, there are usually rigid boundaries, especially between those responsible for IT and OT, who pursue different objectives: The IT department understands "safety/security" to mean protection against cyber threats, for example. OT managers, on the other hand, are concerned with physical threats to people and machines. IT and OT are usually led by different board departments. These rigid boundaries must be blurred, otherwise even the best digitalization solutions will not be able to unfold.

Interactive Factory shows digitization possibilities

It is clear that production companies also need to evaluate the new "world of work" and the associated opportunities and break new ground in times of a profound shortage of skilled workers. Four central questions are important here:

• What do we want to improve in the top use cases of security, mobility, edge/cloud or service & support?
• What solutions are available for this?
• Can we do it ourselves or do we have to (partially) outsource?
• Where are we heading in the medium to long term?

In its graphic concept "Factory 2025", the Innovation Alliance depicts fundamental digitalization steps in three dimensions that companies should use to digitalize their production over the next four years in order to remain competitive. Establishing remote working options is one part of this. The Innovation Alliance is an association of eight digitalization specialists that advises SMEs from the industrial and production sectors on digitalization options and their implementation. The aim of the alliance, which was initiated by Cisco in 2016, is to develop "tangible concepts" and pragmatic solutions.

Frank Dittmar, Business Development Manager, Pan Dacom Networking, member company of the Innovation Alliance