Digital enterprise shaping the industry’s future

At the ongoing Siemens Digital Enterprise Virtual Summit, Dr. Jan Mrosik, COO of Siemens Digital Industries, shared his vision of how cutting-edge technologies are shaping industry’s future, and why partnering plays a major role in shaping that future.

Dr. Jan Mrosik

There are quite a lot of pressing needs. Availability, efficiency, flexibility, quality, speed, etc., are prime. New business models and sustainability are also there. Digital industries connect the virtual and the real worlds, over the entire lifecycle. This is for process and discrete industries.

Siemens is offering the MindSphere, automation and industrial software for process and discrete industries, industrial communications, industrial security and services. MindSphere is an open cloud platform or an IoT operating system developed by Siemens for applications in the context of the IoT.

Mrosik said that each product is born in the digital world first. We design the electronics, mechanics and software, re-design and re-simulate. Once we meet the product requirements, we next design a whole line for the factories. We then get the digital twin. Once we have the digital twin complete, we go into the real world. The automation and software, in our portfolio, are the core and the backbone. We analyse the data and feed them into the digital twin.

Siemens software offering is for data sharing and collaboration. On the hardware side, there is the PLC automation, CNC automation, PC-based automation, and apps. Siemens enables the horizontal integration of digital twins along the supply chain. We are also driving the vertical integration, based on edge, MindSphere and Mendix low-code app development. There are connectivity devices as well. SAP and Siemens are partnering in the PLM and business fields. We are aiming to create a common thread.

Siemens and SAP partnership
Speaking via videoconferencing, Thomas Saueressig, Executive Board, SAP SE, applauded that Siemens has revolutionized Industry 4.0. We are starting with integrated solutions. Customers can leverage data from across the value chain. It will enable faster development times. We are now having a true digital portfolio.

Thomas Saueressig

Together, Siemens and SAP will deliver integrated end-to-end software solutions across product lifecycle, supply chain and asset management. The partnership leverages the expertise and technology of both companies to provide a true digital thread, that helps enterprises eliminate process and information siloes, drives digitalization and delivers a comprehensive solution for the 4th industrial revolution (Industry 4.0).

SAP will offer Siemens’ Teamcenter software as the core foundation for product lifecycle collaboration and product data management. Siemens will offer SAP Intelligent Asset Management solutions and SAP Portfolio and Project Management applications to maximize business value for customers over the entire product and service lifecycle and enable new collaborative processes between manufacturers and operators.

Mrosik added that Siemens and SAP will jointly install Teamcenter. He said: “We are going to integrate deeply with SAP. There are cutting-edge technologies for shaping the digital future of industries. Eg., IIoT, cloud, additive manufacturing, cognitive engineering, industrial 5G, etc.

Siemens' SIMATIC RTLS, a scalable locating system specifically designed for industrial applications, and SieTrace, which is for social distancing and contact tracing for industry facilities, are used in the Siemens’ Houston factory. The open industrial edge system enables cross-vendor collaboration.

Additive manufacturing
Additive manufacturing and generative engineering have lot of benefits. It allows for designs that have never been thought of. Siemens has invested a lot in additive manufacturing. We cover the full end-to-end workflow -- digital and real. We are providing the Siemens AM network as well. All business processes can be properly handled.

EOS is the leading technology provider worldwide for industrial 3D printing of metals and plastics. Founded as an independent company in 1989, it is a pioneer and innovator for integrated solutions in additive manufacturing.

Mary Langer

Mary Langer, CEO, EOS GmbH, said there was high demand for products during Covid-19. We are rolling out components to many countries. We have the HEXR helmet project. There are inner helmets being 3D printed. All projects can only work in partnerships.

EOS has been supporting London-based HEXR with its technology and providing expert consultancy since 2015. With the introduction of the HEXR fitting app, the company is now offering a complete scan-to-product-solution for high quality, safe 3D-printed cycling helmets.

An app-based head scan allows customers worldwide to begin the bespoke cycling helmet creation process at home. Next, the helmet is 3D-printed with EOS technology in a 100% plant-based polyamide material produced exclusively by Arkema. It is dyed in black before final inspection for structural integrity and finish quality.

All components of the helmet—including the 3D printed inner structure, outer shell, chinstraps, etc., are assembled, custom fit to the cyclist’s head and with an optional individual touch (e.g. personal engraving and shell colour).

Mrosik added that the role of digital thread varies from company to company. We help partners in shaping the future together. Innovations are the lifeblood of the digital industries. The current portfolio needs to be optimized and strengthened. Data coming out of factories and shop floors are being analysed, using AI. AI is the focus, and blockchain, engineering, optimization, etc., are all very important. We are pushing forward heavily.