Contact point Industry 4.0

Digitalization opens up enormous potential for the "hidden champions" in German plant and mechanical engineering. But it is precisely there that there is often a lack of resources for digital initiatives.

This is why SAP, Siemens, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Giesecke & Devrient, Deutsche Telekom and Festo, together with the associations Bitkom, VDMA and ZVEI, are founding the Labs Network Industry 4.0 to network Industry 4.0 test environments in Germany.

The aim of the founding players is to intensify the implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies for German SMEs and to initiate the necessary structure of practical tests through a supporting association.

The Labs Network Industry 4.0 will act as an initial point of contact for German SMEs, advising them on issues relating to the development of Industry 4.0 solutions and promoting international exchange.

To this end, a network of test installations is being created in which companies can develop solutions for a variety of problems. The Labs Network Industry 4.0 serves as a platform for dialog, expertise and experimentation for German companies on the threshold of Industry 4.0.

The companies can get to know new technologies, innovations and business models relating to Industry 4.0, try them out and evaluate their technical and economic feasibility before launching them on the market.

In a pre-competitive environment and with minimal financial and technical risks. The network is company-neutral and adds an important application-related element to the Industry 4.0 platform.

All other member companies will have the same status as the founding members. The association will be based in Berlin. The network will begin its work this year.