The industry is under considerable competitive pressure. In order to secure their market position, companies need to shorten development times, reduce production costs and at the same time realize products with higher added value. The interplay between software, hardware and automation plays a central role in this. At the Hannover Messe, Rittal and Eplan will be demonstrating how this combination can also achieve speed and scaling effects for smaller companies. Solutions will be presented along the entire value chain - from engineering, sourcing and system technology to automation and service.

"In industry, speed is becoming the decisive currency. If you don't keep pace, you lose out to the competition," says Uwe Scharf, Managing Director Sales Germany and Europe at Rittal. "Software, hardware and automation must function as an integrated system. This interaction creates the speed and scalability that companies need to plan and produce faster and operate their applications more efficiently."

Data consistency as the basis for accelerated processes

The starting point for more efficient industrial processes lies in engineering. This is where the data that controls all downstream processes such as planning, procurement, production and operation is created. The quality of this data is crucial: The more structured and consistent it is, the better processes can be automated and accelerated.

"The opportunities offered by automation and AI can only be exploited if the database is right," says Sebastian Seitz, Managing Director of Eplan. "Well-prepared engineering data is becoming a strategic resource for the industry."

Against this background, Eplan shows how engineering processes can be simplified and a consistent database created at the same time. Further development of the software has led to a streamlining of the product portfolio and is more closely aligned with typical user workflows. This allows different engineering disciplines to be better integrated and forms the basis for a digital twin as a central data source.

This data consistency opens up new perspectives along the entire value chain. For example, Eplan Smart Sourcing enables transparency regarding the availability and delivery times of components as early as the engineering stage. Designers can recognize at an early stage whether required components are available on time or whether alternatives need to be considered. Coordination processes with purchasing or suppliers can be significantly reduced as a result.

There are also improvements in the change management of components. With Product Change Notification (PCN), information about changes to components is transmitted in a structured manner. The software receives this data via the Asset Administration Shell and automatically updates the Data Portal. Users thus receive early notification of discontinuations, technical changes or updates and can take these directly into account in engineering.

Automated production based on structured data

Structured engineering data also forms the basis for automated manufacturing processes. Rittal shows how this database can be directly transferred into more efficient and stable production processes in plant engineering.

One example of this is the new generation of wire assembly solutions. The Wire Terminal WT L series is a compact and economical solution that makes it easier for smaller control system manufacturers in particular to get started with automation. The aim is to lower the barriers to entry for automated processes and make these technologies accessible to a broader user group.

New requirements for IT infrastructure due to AI

At the same time, the topic of IT infrastructure is becoming increasingly important. The increasing use of artificial intelligence and high-performance computing is leading to rising power density in data centers. This is accompanied by new requirements for energy supply and cooling.

Rittal is presenting infrastructure concepts that focus on greater integration of power distribution in the immediate vicinity of the IT systems. Modular supply approaches enable flexible scaling directly in the so-called white space of data centers, also using direct current. Power distribution platforms form the technological basis for corresponding architectures.

One example is sidecar concepts, in which power electronics are installed in separate power racks next to the server racks. These enable a standardized and scalable power supply for high-density IT infrastructures.

As power density increases, cooling is also becoming more of a focus. Air-based systems are increasingly reaching their physical limits, which is why alternative concepts are required. These include, in particular, direct liquid cooling of chips. Corresponding solutions also open up potential for heat recovery and thus contribute to reducing the carbon footprint.

Adaptation to regulatory requirements

In addition to technological developments, regulatory framework conditions are playing an increasingly important role. For example, stricter requirements for refrigerants in refrigerators and chillers will come into force in the European Union from 2027. Manufacturers are required to design their systems accordingly at an early stage.

A portfolio of cooling appliances and chiller solutions will be presented that is geared towards these requirements and enables long-term use in compliance with regulations. At the same time, the solutions also address industrial and outdoor applications, for example in the context of battery storage systems.

Holistic approach for the digital industry

The solutions presented illustrate the approach of viewing software, hardware and automation as an integrated overall system. Consistent data in engineering, automated production processes and high-performance infrastructures form the basis for functioning digital value creation.

On this basis, processes can be accelerated, scaling effects can be realized and new applications can be operated efficiently. The aim is to strengthen industrial competitiveness and at the same time meet the requirements of an increasingly digitalized economy.