The fourth industrial revolution, Industry 4.0, is clearly software-driven. Rainer Glatz, president of the professional associations Electrical Automation and Software in the German engineering federation, talks about the effects for mechanical engineers in the run-up to AMB, the international exhibition for metal-working, which takes place in Stuttgart from 16th to 20th September 2014.
The growing importance of software is challenging the machine tool industry in particular, because for decades its domain was mechanics. The increasing software part of the products is also reflected in a modified added value. The development involves risks, but far more opportunities. The website www.plattform-i40.de brings order to the current flood of information on the topic. The website is a joint initiative of the Bundesverband Informationswirtschaft, Telekommunikation und Neue Medien e.V. (BITKOM), Zentralverband Elektrotechnik- und Elektronikindustrie (ZVEI) and the VDMA.
Software is the central realisation element for Industry 4.0, be it as embedded software, control software, ERP software or an app on smart devices. Ultimately, many of the ideas and concepts of Industry 4.0 are realised using software. Therefore, it is not surprising that the topic Industry 4.0 was initially dealt with in the VDMA by the two associations Software and Electrical Automation and in the forum IT@Automation. The VDMA is currently working on integrating the mechanical engineers even more in the discussion on Industry 4.0. During the course of the year a forum Industry 4.0 is being organised, through which the specific problems and experience in implementation of the mainly medium-sized users is to be concentrated.
Limiting insufficient IT security or possible loss of know-how to the cloud topic does not go far enough. With Industry 4.0 it starts with high-grade networked systems, which are not necessarily only networked via clouds. It is a question of all networked elements, be it clouds, servers, machines or simple sensors, including their own protective mechanisms. A VDMA survey among production managers clarified that today the risks lie with the people. The sensitisation and training of employees in relation to security is the first key measure. We also advise our companies to figure out what is the know-how of the company and how this can be protected in an organisational and technical manner. This also includes, in particular, the protection of software and data in machine and automation components.
For a long time, IT technologies have been an important driving force in mechanical engineering, both in relation to company processes and product developments. Particularly at product level, more and more standard IT technologies are being “industrialised” and installed, in order to create cost-effective and flexible solutions. This development is set to continue with Industry 4.0. It is no longer a question of replacing hardware functions with software, but developing new product-specific services.
More than 90,000 visitors and around 1,300 exhibitors are expected to attend AMB 2014 from 16th to 20th September 2014. On over 105,000 sq. m., further developments in the areas of metal-cutting processes and precision tools, but also chucking tools, CAD, CAM, CAE, software, grinding machines, handling of workpieces and tools, and measuring systems, can be seen. AMB 2014 is supported by the professional and conceptual associations VDMA Precision Tools, VDMA Software and VDW (German Machine Tool Builders’ Associa-tion).
