Press release

June 6, 2017

Is digitization in the SME sector on the brink?

New "Reality Check 4.0" congress - with best practices and "low-hanging nonsense 4.0"

Industry 4.0 is no longer an abstract idea, but has long since arrived in the reality of everyday corporate life. There are plenty of conferences and presentations on Industry 4.0, where large manufacturers in particular present their solutions. In contrast, contributions from manufacturing companies that have already gained experience with Industry 4.0 projects are few and far between. It is precisely these examples that will be presented on July 6 at the "Reality Check 4.0" congress, which is being held in Cologne for the first time.

The digital transformation poses major challenges for many companies. Some have already gained experience with initial implementation projects and have already overcome one or two hurdles. Despite this, the numerous conferences on the topic of "Industry 4.0" only report on successful 'lighthouse projects' by large companies. But it is worth taking a closer look: Has everything really gone well? What problems were encountered and how were they dealt with? Was every project really necessary and useful? These and other questions will be answered at the "Reality Check 4.0".

One highlight is the keynote speech by Prof. Dr. Andreas Syska, Professor of
Production Management at the Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences in Mönchengladbach. He poses the question of the "sense and nonsense of Industry 4.0". The entire morning is characterized by food for thought and best practices, including from:

Georg Weber (Wilo SE) and Michael Piekarzewitz (Weidmüller Interface GmbH) on their experiences and hurdles in building new, modern factories

Dr. Marius Grathwohl (MULTIVAC Sepp Haggenmüller SE) and Dr. Stephan Fischer (TRUMPF Werkzeugmaschinen). They will show how companies are dealing with the challenge of digital transformation

The afternoon will be dedicated to discussions and networking. In the keynote speech "How do I recognize low-hanging nonsense 4.0?", Dr. Frank Breitenbach (EDAG PS) will explain what is really behind the concept of "Industry 4.0" and why it is so important to take a closer look when searching for providers. Afterwards, participants will be able to get active themselves and discuss various questions in three world cafés, such as "Why does silo thinking not work in Industry 4.0 projects?"

Because the networking of systems also places ever greater demands on IT security, Thomas Haase from T-Systems will show in his presentation how hackers proceed when they attack networked devices.

The "Reality Check 4.0" congress will take place on:
July 6, 2017 at the House of Communication in Cologne

Further information and registration at www.reality-check40.de.

Vogel Business Media is Germany's largest trade media company with 100+ trade journals, 100+ web portals, 100+ business events as well as numerous mobile offerings and international activities. Its headquarters are in Würzburg. The print and digital media serve around 20 sectors in the fields of industry, automotive, information technology, law/economics/taxes and B2B communication. Other offerings range from trade fair services, communication services, contact experts and communities to market intelligence & insights. The company celebrated its 125th birthday in 2016.

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