FUTURE MANUFACTURING
Data ecosystems and data spaces create added value
DR-ING . OLAF SAUER
In Germany , almost 7.5 million men and women were working for manufacturing companies employing 50 or more people in 2022 . Directly or indirectly , about 15 million of the barely 45 million jobs in Germany depend on the manufacturing sector of industry . This implies that the prosperity of Germany , being a country with few natural resources , will continue to depend immensely on innovative and efficient creation of value . New product service systems provided by machine builders and factory outfitters support the manufacturing sector in doing so , rendering them more resilient .
Sources : Fraunhofer ISST
Division of labor in data economy : data spaces result in new supplier profiles and forms of cooperation .
Delivering or operating highly productive and reliable machinery and equipment alone will not suffice as a distinguishing feature forming the basis of business success of equipment suppliers in the future . This results from the fact that we are currently undergoing a paradigm shift away from the focus on products towards benefit-oriented added values ; these are called product service systems ( PSS ), which add new value and ensure future-proof jobs for highly qualified staff . They are completed by software-based services in the area of production , which will ensure data-based subscription business models in an “ as-a-service economy “. These are considered less susceptible to fluctuations in demand and investment cycles . Simultaneously , they strengthen customer loyalty and thus the sensitive customer interface . The key to product-related digital services and additional potentials can be found in information and communication technology ( ICT ). ICT ensures transparency with respect to value added chains , enhances resilience and enables material cycles fostering a circular economy .
In addition to the traditional hardwarerelated competences , team members of
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