UdZ / Edition 03.21

Dear Readers, Wherever you look, digital transformation is changing the way we live and work. We are talking about the “big transitions” – and regardless of whether it's the energy, healthcare, service or production transition, they are all driven by digitalization and based on the systematic use of data. In our editorial “The Potential of Untapped Data” (p. 6), we evaluate the importance of data for a sustainable future and take a look at recent developments in different companies and industries. The topic of data utilization is not new, as the associated term “Industry 4.0” was coined at the Hannover Messe in 2011. Now, 10 years later, many companies are still in the midst of digital transformation. Read the guest article by the Industrie 4.0 Maturity Center starting on page 34 to find out why this is the case, where the manufacturing industry stands today, and how companies are able to determine their status quo. Also in this issue, we provide you with selected best practice examples to show you how companies are improving their processes based on data, developing new business models, and increasing their flexibility, speed, and transparency. We report on how ‘tracking & tracing’ helps optimize the rental items business at Kulmbacher Brewery , and how a structured, systematic approach supports maintenance management at Dräger in Lübeck. New information technologies are the basis for the flexible use of data – all stakeholders agree on that. However, many companies are still reluctant to use them. Learn more about the background, opportunities and risks, strengths and weaknesses of these new technologies. We take a closer look at the differences between 5G and Wi-Fi 6 for application in production and logistics (p. 26), explain how to overcome obstacles in the deployment of cloud computing with the help of a three-phase concept, and use it to create a tailored Follow us: facebook.fir.de · instagram.fir.de · linkedin.fir.de · twitter.fir. de · youtube.fir.de · xing.fir.de approach for secure implementation. Moreover, in the ‘SuBaSa’ research project (see p. 64), we demonstrate how providers and customers are empowered to develop subscription models and learn to manage risks. In many other research projects, we delve into market issues, structure and systematize problems, and provide support with practical solutions. In the ‘E2E-Parameter’ project (p. 70), we show how inter- company data exchange leads to greater flexibility and transparency in the steel industry. We present tools and procedures that enable SMEs to benefit even more from the advantages of digitalization. The ‘MarryIT’ and ‘PlatformHybrid’ projects serve as examples of how select suitable digitalization measures (p. 90) and leverage the platform economy (p. 102), respectively. The “big transitions” mentioned at the beginning can also be found in many of our research projects. The ‘ReStrok’ project (p. 74) aims to use predictivemaintenance to reduce both the operating and maintenance costs of onshore wind turbines. Cost reduction and sustainability through efficient energy management are major topics in the ‘EIS4IoP’ project (p. 86), while the ‘AirQuality’ project demonstrates how digitalization promotes environmental protection (p. 96): The team succeeded in developing a mobile IoT network that collects air quality data in real time and with previously unavailable granularity. The resulting transparency on air quality provides urban planners with a reliable basis for developing sustainable solutions for livable cities and urban regions. We have compiled a whole host of exciting information and projects, then, with which we would like to give you some new impetus as the year draws to a close. At the end of yet another very challenging year, we would like to wish you merry christmas and a healthy, happy, successful new year.