Everybody is talking about digitalization and industry 4.0. But what does it mean for companies? The globalization of the past years did not only offer advantages, but also risks for companies. There is, however, a big difference between large companies and smaller or medium-sized ones. Large companies have financial and personnel resources in order to plan and react to great changes in production and logistics and to develop new strategies. It is vital, though, that small and medium-sized companies are not left behind. But how does industry 4.0 look like?

Today, no company produces goods to put them on stock. Instead, they start the lean production after the order placement. Production nowadays needs to be quick and precise. The expression “Internet of Things” is mentioned a lot in reference to production as there is always a digital copy of all production and logistics proceedings in order to find possible faults in the production chain quickly. The work of men and robots goes hand-in-hand. This <link https: www.youtube.com _blank u-icon--before>video  gives a good example. The questions all companies have to ask themselves are:

How do I produce as efficient as possible and with as few resources as possible on demand every day?

Which processes can be optimized?

How do we succeed in copying all processes digitally in order to continue production in case of disturbances?

How do I offer our customers smart solutions for everyday-problems?

It is essential today to offer products that customers ask for and to create customized solutions. Hochschule Mannheim offers courses in Automation Technology, Electrical Engineering, Renewable Energies and Mechatronics according to the needs of the market. Students practice their knowledge in cooperating companies.