Holistic approach to the smart factory

Apr 22, 2016

• Vendor-neutral advice on processes and IT
• End-to-end networking of all individual solutions
• Technologies on demand: from goods tracking to cloud computing

The value chain becomes a network: At the 2016 Hanover Trade Fair, T-Systems will be presenting its approach to creating an end-to-end solution for the smart factory. The Deutsche Telekom subsidiary is developing customized roadmaps for large corporations showing the way to the smart factory. Such road maps will be created as needed for implementation from its own portfolio and from products offered by market leading partners, including Salesforce and manufacturing software provider Dassault Systèmes. An important component of the task is the challenge of integrating existing systems and IT infrastructures.

"T-Systems can connect the standard solutions of a variety of manufacturers together into a single overall solution," says Florian Gruber, Senior Vice President System Integration Sales Automotive & Manufacturing at T-Systems .

Step-by-step into smart production

In their efforts to digitize existing production plants step-by-step, businesses can start out with stand-alone solutions like goods tracking systems, linking them together one-by-one into a smart factory. T-Systems can help identify, evaluate and implement applications suitable for this process. For fast implementation there are a number of pre-configured potential solutions available, from such specialized partners as TAGnology, for example. Experienced systems integrators can adapt such solutions to the individual needs of the business in question. Experienced roll-out specialists and on-site teams can then ensure seamless rollout worldwide.

Remote maintenance of connected machinery

Production companies can, for example, use "tags" to identify and couple their workpieces and tools together via their manufacturing execution systems. These tags enable the machines to prepare automatically for the next workpiece in the line and to process it correctly. Businesses can optimize their maintenance planning by using sensors to detect the status of machines and transmit the information to a central system. Unexpected breakdowns can be prevented through the use of fast and comprehensive data analysis processes, which also help to plan maintenance windows in synchrony with production needs. Staff at the plant can respond to problems faster if they are no longer forced to control production, logistics and maintenance processes via stationary monitors, but are able instead to work in real time using secure smart devices such as tablets or smartwatches.

Scalable and secure

T-Systems can also provide the manufacturing industry with all the other technologies it needs to become a smart manufacturer. On the one hand, such technologies will include the right IT systems. In this area, the Deutsche Telekom subsidiary works with partners like SAP, as well as all leading providers of product lifecycle management systems (PLM), even taking over IT operations where the customer wishes. Manufacturing businesses also benefit from scalable smart factory platforms, highly secure cloud solutions, improved connectivity and robust security designs.

Visit Deutsche Telekom's stand at the HANOVER TRADE FAIR from April 25 to 29 to experience our products and services live. Deutsche Telekom's entire presence at the trade fair is carbon-neutral: All CO2 emissions generated in setting up and operating the stand are offset fully by carbon-reduction projects abroad.