Working in partnership to create more added value

In the areas of Industrial Automation, Panel Building, Energy Transition and Smart Factory, the companies wanted to show that more added value can be achieved in partnership. The key message from the Friedhelm Loh Group is that the requirements of digitalization and sustainability are not mutually exclusive - they go hand in hand. Sustainability drives digitalization, digitalization enables sustainability. The key to this is consistently optimized value creation processes.

Industrial companies are working in an area of tension - in addition to challenges in the recession, along the supply chains and in attracting skilled workers, the need for faster digital transformation and sustainability is at the forefront. At the same time, it must meet requirements for greater sustainability - the path to an "all-electric society" is a high priority. A major task that must be accomplished with a decreasing number of skilled workers. From the perspective of the companies in the Friedhelm Loh Group, the key lies in the optimization and industrialization of processes along the value chains.

Modular solutions to suit the application

The four companies wanted to show how customers can make rapid progress: The action principle of industrializing entire process chains requires the clever combination of software and hardware. This only works on the basis of data consistency along the entire value chain. Rittal's approach is standardized, modular solutions that are precisely tailored to the specific application. This requires precise knowledge of customer processes and close communication with customers on an equal footing. This is how efficiency and productivity can be increased. Customers found a quick introduction based on their applications via the topics of Industrial Automation, Panel Building, Energy Transition and Smart Factory. From there, concrete products, software and system solutions for specific requirements were presented in four deep-dive areas.

Standardization in engineering

How can standardization in engineering bring more digital consistency - and for different tasks in automation technology? Eplan provides initial insights into Cable proD, a software for the virtual cabling of machines, as well as the extended functions of the eView AR app, which uses augmented reality to overlay the real control cabinet with its digital twin. Cideon also presented its Sparify software, which uses information from CAD models and PDM to simplify parts management.

Control and switchgear construction is also set to become even more efficient. The key is data consistency along the value chain, from electrical engineering, system technology and panel building through to the digital operations phase of the systems. Rittal is expanding the possibilities with innovations in the AX enclosure series, the new CX panel system or bayable CS-Toptec outdoor enclosures, as well as with energy-saving cooling solutions. Rittal Automation Systems is increasing automation on the store floor with the optimized CT M3 cutting terminal and new machines. The Concept Machine for fully automated wiring of control components provided a glimpse into the future. The expansion of energy systems is also intended to speed up value creation processes. A higher degree of digitalization and standardization along the lines of mechanical engineering will increase the opportunities. Visitors to the trade fair were able to see the concrete implementation using the example of a transformer station.