NEONEX

As highlighted in the NEONEX Industrial Trend Tree 2024, a 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 is crucial for the success of manufacturers. This approach seamlessly integrates physical and cyber-physical technologies to significantly enhance the performance, quality, and transparency of production processes.   Let’s dive into the key trends driving the Smart Factory evolution: > 𝗔𝗥/𝗩𝗥 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗹𝘆 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴   In the Smart Factory context, AR and VR technologies are revolutionizing the way companies plan and optimize their factory layouts. These immersive tools provide detailed visualizations that not only enhance planning accuracy but also reduce errors, allowing companies to create factory layouts that are precisely tailored to their needs. This trend enables more efficient, collaborative decision-making and better alignment with operational requirements.   Transformative Impact: Low Implementation Timeframe: Less than 1 year > 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗪𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗜𝗜𝗼𝗧 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻   The next evolution in Smart Factories is driven by advanced wireless IIoT communication. This trend involves the integration of low-latency, high-bandwidth communication technologies, such as 5G, which enable seamless connectivity and real-time data exchange across the factory floor. This trend is expected to facilitate new levels of responsiveness and agility in production environments, making it a key enabler for modern industrial operations.   Transformative Impact: Medium Implementation Timeframe: 1-3 years > 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗗𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝘄𝗶𝗻   The Factory Digital Twin represents a significant advancement in the Smart Factory domain. Unlike a simple digital shadow, a digital twin actively influences real-time operations through feedback mechanisms. This trend allows companies to create a comprehensive digital replica of the entire factory, including its layout, processes, and equipment. The Factory Digital Twin enables real-time optimization, predictive maintenance, and data-driven decision-making, promising to revolutionize operations management.   Transformative Impact: High Implementation Timeframe: 3-5 years   These trends in the Smart Factory are poised to redefine industrial production, offering substantial improvements in efficiency, flexibility, and operational excellence. By adopting these innovations, companies can ensure they remain competitive and agile in a rapidly evolving industrial landscape.   Stay tuned as we continue to explore other critical trends from the NEONEX Industrial Trend Tree. For more detailed insights, visit our website – find the link in the comments below.   #NEONEX #SmartFactory #DigitalTransformation

At our recent Company-Friday at NEONEX, we came together in the office for collaborating, knowledge sharing, and practical problem-solving. Once a month, we dedicate this day to stepping back from our daily tasks, focusing on how we can improve our Operations, tackle challenges together, and explore new ideas that keep us agile in a constantly changing environment. Our team shared valuable ideas, best practices, and insights on how to streamline workflows and adapt to the demands of our dynamic industry. Alongside internal updates, we also gained inspiring 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀: Peakboard: Thilo Brosinsky told us about their intuitive low-code software, which allows users to quickly create interactive industrial applications, faciliating in digital transformation within operations. sidion GmbH: Nicolai Ding explained how Sidion can support in various areas, from code analysis and requirements engineering to IT architecture and AI readiness, offering us new ideas to enhance our own approaches. 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘂𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗱: > Business KPIs from our Managing Director > Marketing updates > HR news and personnel updates > Addressing "tiny issues" to prevent small problems from accumulating > Exploring new possibilities with Power BI   And, of course, we took a break to enjoy some well-deserved pizza and cake together! What makes our C-Friday special are the spontaneous conversations and fresh ideas that emerge throughout the day. These face-to-face interactions drive real progress and help us tackle challenges in new ways. We're already looking forward to the next one!

Our NEONEX Smart Factory Tour on October 22nd-23rd, 2024 is already fully booked, but you can still join the waiting list for a chance to participate!   We’re looking forward to visiting the industry trailblazers GROB-WERKE, ifm, and DMG MORI with those who secured a spot. Together, we’ll explore how these leaders are revolutionizing operational performance through digital transformation. The two-day tour will offer valuable insights, in-depth discussions with fellow executives, and a hands-on workshop to help you kick-start your own Smart Factory journey.   𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁:   > GROB-WERKE GmbH & Co. KG: Discover how they utilize a fully integrated system for real-time data collection, visualization, and analysis, tailored for machine-heavy production, along with a universal connectivity solution for integrating machines of different manufacturers and ages. > ifm: See firsthand how they have digitalized the entire value chain, incorporating autonomous production supply, worker assistance systems, and digital shopfloor management. > DMG MORI: Learn how they use the low-code platform Tulip to streamline data processing, enhance transparency, and significantly improve operational leadership.   The tour concludes with a workshop by NEONEX Senior Partner Dr. Jochen Schlick, focusing on the key challenges and strategies that industrial companies will face in the coming years.   Our next tour will take place in Spring 2025 - stay tuned for details!   Interested in joining the waiting list? Check the link in the comments to sign up!   #NEONEX #SmartFactory #DigitalTransformation

Recently, we had the chance to connect with Manufacturing Execution System experts from Dassault Systèmes. We discussed technological advancements of their MES solutions. These range from integrating low-code approaches into traditional MES to the latest methods for quickly and seamlessly connecting assets for data collection. With their insights, we also debated best practices for staying ahead of the curve in the evolving MES landscape. MES systems have been a key pillar of manufacturing for years and will continue to serve as a crucial technological foundation for the smart factories of the future. Getting quite deep into discussion on how to make MES projects successful for our customers, we discussed the main roadblocks that keep MES projects from running smoothly and how to counteract them during the phase of solution selection and later implementation. > 𝗘𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 Actual business requirements often materialize during implementation, leading to high costs due to unforeseen changes. To counteract this, it's essential to define core functional requirements early, with both Operations and IT agreeing on the requirements catalogue. > 𝗢𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘇𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆 The complexity of machine connectivity is often underestimated, revealing gaps in data needed for effective production control and optimization. A consistent use case approach focused on business value, along with a clear plan to integrate machine data with background information like error catalogues, error trees, and standard procedures, ensures better outcomes. > 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 Inexperienced MES project management can lead to delayed escalations and extended timelines, resulting in higher costs and effort. Bringing in experienced MES experts early helps identify potential challenges early, ensuring smoother implementation and a timely transition to the customer team. Thank you very much Maximilian Mühling, Moritz Schmid, Jochen Thomas and Patrick Renz! #MES #NEONEX #DigitalTransformation

Join us next month for the NEONEX Smart Factory Tour on October 22nd and 23rd, 2024! There are only a few places left! Here’s what it's about: During this exclusive two-day tour, you'll visit digital transformation pioneers, gaining firsthand insights into how Smart Factories are revolutionizing operational performance. This tour includes visits to: 🏭 GROB-WERKE GmbH & Co. KG in Mindelheim 🏭 ifm in Tettnang 🏭 DMG MORI in Pfronten Through the visits and a complementary NEONEX workshop, you will gain insights into how other companies are embracing the digital transformation of operations, boosting their effectiveness and efficiency by integrating lean thinking with digital technologies. The direct comparison and discussion with other participants will provide you with valuable insights on how to successfully initiate the digital transformation of your company and embark on the journey to a Smart Factory. To achieve this goal, our journey includes: > 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗯𝗹𝗮𝘇𝗲𝗿𝘀 > 𝗞𝗲𝘆𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 > 𝗜𝗻-𝗱𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗵 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗳𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗲𝘅𝗲𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 Want to know more? Check the link in the comments to dive into the details and sign up! #SmartFactory #DigitalTransformation #OperationalExcellence

As identified in the NEONEX Industrial Trend Tree 2024, Data Analytics is a key driver of transformation for manufacturers. Building on last month’s focus on trends in the Connected Supply Chain, we now turn to the developments within 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗔𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘆𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀 that are set to reshape industrial operations.   Let’s explore the key trends driving this transformation from the Industrial Trend Tree: > 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗮-𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻   This trend marks a significant shift in how companies optimize their production processes. By leveraging existing production data, businesses can identify bottlenecks, streamline operations, and enhance overall productivity. The data-driven value stream design is not only accessible but also delivers high transformative impact, making it a strategic focus for organizations seeking to maximize efficiency.   Transformative Impact: High Implementation Timeframe: Less than 1 year > 𝗔𝗜-𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁   AI-Based Company Assistants represent a future where AI-driven insights empower employees by providing tailored access to internal information. This trend is expected to emerge within the next one to three years, significantly improving decision-making, enhancing innovation, and streamlining operations through the use of generative AI.   Transformative Impact: High Implementation Timeframe: 1-3 years > 𝗔𝗜-𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗘𝗻𝗱-𝘁𝗼-𝗘𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁   Looking further ahead, AI-Based End-to-End Product Development is expected to revolutionize the product lifecycle by integrating AI from ideation to post-launch optimization. This approach enables the creation of highly innovative and market-aligned products, setting a new standard for product development processes.   Transformative Impact: High Implementation Timeframe: 3-5 years   These trends in Data Analytics are poised to redefine how manufacturers operate, offering substantial improvements in efficiency, decision-making, and innovation. By staying ahead of these trends, companies can ensure they remain competitive in a rapidly evolving industrial landscape.   Stay tuned as we continue to explore other trends from the NEONEX Industrial Trend Tree. For more detailed insights, visit our website - link in the comments below.   #NEONEX #DataAnalytics #DigitalTransformation

How can Low Code platforms drive the digital transformation of manufacturing? Facing challenges such as international competition, unstable supply chains, and labor shortages, many companies choose a comprehensive digital transformation to ensure their competitiveness. In our latest article for Industry of Things magazine, we discuss how Low Code platforms can become an integral part of the IT architecture of manufacturing companies in this transformation. The main topics covered include: > 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗼𝘄 𝗖𝗼𝗱𝗲 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝘀 Rapid, cost-effective development of highly customized applications when compared to traditional monolithic systems like ERP and MES. > 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝘀𝗲𝘀 Rapid and cost-effective development of highly tailored applications, when compared to traditional monolithic systems like ERP and MES. The article also highlights the balance between leveraging Low Code platforms for flexibility and ensuring scalability to avoid isolated solutions. Real-world examples from companies like Festool and DMG MORI showcase how Low Code solutions enhance efficiency, reduce assembly time and document critical knowledge. Dive into the article to discover how embracing Low Code platforms can streamline your digital transformation efforts and drive substantial improvements. Find the full article through the link in the comments below. #lowcode #citizendevelopment #smartfactory

We recently had an insightful and productive workshop with experts from MES provider Industrie Informatik GmbH, where we discussed the assessment, selection and implementation of Manufacturing Execution Systems for manufacturing companies. Our discussions focused on addressing key challenges that manufacturers face, with a focus on practical approaches and best practices from both our project histories. Here’s a brief look at the key points we addressed: 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝗘𝗦 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 > Developing clear methodologies for MES assessment and provider selection to ensure the right fit for business needs. 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗖𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 > Guiding customers through organizational and technical preparations, including understanding IT architecture and MES capabilities. 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 > Ensuring accurate and detailed capture of both functional and non-functional requirements to avoid common pitfalls. 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 > Integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Low-Code solutions to enhance MES functionalities and future-proof operations. 𝗢𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗱 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗲𝘀 > Exploring classic and hybrid project implementation models to streamline the journey from concept to go-live. We’re eager about the findings we’ve made and looking forward to sharing our insights soon. Stay tuned for more!

Driven by the latest trends depicted in the NEONEX Industrial Trend Tree, manufacturing companies face a major transformation in 2024 and beyond. Last month, we discussed Robotics & Automation trends. The next key area of focus that we want to explore in detail is the 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗻, which is set to improve industrial operations. Let’s take a closer look at the transformative trends within this category: > 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘆𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 PLM systems are becoming an integral part of the IT architectures of many manufacturers, responding to the rising demand for product customization and modularity. By eliminating data redundancies and standardizing processes, PLM enhances compositional transparency across the product lifecycle. It plays a critical role in aligning Configure-to-Order and Engineer-to-Order processes, improving product quality, and enabling advanced maintenance services. Transformative Impact: High Implementation Timeframe: 1-3 years > 𝗘𝗻𝗱-𝘁𝗼-𝗘𝗻𝗱 𝗢𝗯𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 This trend is set to revolutionize supply chain management by enabling seamless tracking of products throughout procurement, production, and distribution, down to individual components. End-to-end object traceability enhances supply chain transparency, helps to identify inefficiencies, reduce errors, and optimize processes. It also plays a crucial role in quality control by facilitating quick problem identification and resolution. Transformative Impact: High Implementation Timeframe: 3-5 years > 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 Imagine having real-time insights into your inventory and demand dynamics. Advanced inventory management provides this transparency, facilitating precise demand forecasting, streamlining order fulfillment, and reducing inventory-related risks. This approach minimizes capital binding and storage costs, enhancing overall resource utilization and cost efficiency. Transformative Impact: Medium Implementation Timeframe: Less than 1 year These advancements in the Connected Supply Chain are not only poised to transform production processes but also address critical issues like supply chain resilience and operational transparency. By adopting these trends, companies can ensure long-term competitiveness and resilience in the evolving industrial landscape. In the coming months, we will explore the remaining key trends listed in the NEONEX Industrial Trend Tree in detail. However, you can get an in-depth look at all the trends right now by accessing the complete report on our website. Find the link in the comments below. #NEONEX #DigitalTransformation #SupplyChain

We are excited to share the highlights from the second NEONEX Power Days: This time, we gathered at lake Dümmer in Lower Saxony, Germany with perfect weather! The event once again lived up to its name, allowing us to dive deep into our goals while enjoying the idyllic environment. Here are some of the highlights: > 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗶𝘇𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀: Each day started with a refreshing activity by the lake. Our mornings included a fitness session led by our self-appointed fitness instructor, Consultant Steffen Ertle, a SUP session on the lake, and a calming yoga session. > 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: We concentrated on refining and perfecting our corporate strategy. This included discussing our ambitious goals and key focus areas for the rest of the year and beyond. We are committed to continuous improvement, striving to get better every day and regularly reviewing our progress to enhance our efficiency and teamwork. > 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵: We bonded by constructing a raft together and sailing it across the lake. This activity demonstrated valuable lessons about knot techniques & teamwork. > 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴: We presented and discussed topics we’ve been working on over the past few months, learning from each other and gaining new insights. > 𝗦𝗼𝗳𝘁𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽: We reviewed our custom-developed value stream optimization software and received a comprehensive introduction to ensure that all NEONEX consultants can use it effectively in client projects. > 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗰𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗰 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗲: We embarked on a cycling tour to explore the beautiful surroundings, ending the day with a relaxing meal at the local beach club. > 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗶𝗻𝗴: We enjoyed our self-made barbecue, which provided a perfect opportunity to relax and bond over delicious food. These activities not only enhanced our skills and teamwork but also provided a perfect balance of work and strengthening our team spirit, making the second NEONEX Power Days an unforgettable experience. We’re looking forward to applying what we’ve learned and achieving our goals with newly gained energy! #NEONEX #powerdays #team