Together into the digital future: SMC joins the Open Industry 4.0 Alliance

SMC is part of the Open Industry 4.0 Alliance. The corporate network from various industries is jointly shaping the future of industry and developing a comprehensive concept for Industry 4.0 applications. (Photo: SMC Deutschland GmbH)

Christian Ziegler, Manager of Digital Business Development at SMC: "Customers want a clear concept for the future. That's why we are pleased to now be part of the Open Industry 4.0 Alliance." (Photo: SMC Deutschland GmbH)

Many paths lead into the digital future. SMC now wants to continue this exciting journey into Industry 4.0 together with companies from various sectors. That is why the leading manufacturer, partner, and solution provider for electrical and pneumatic automation solutions is now part of the Open Industry 4.0 Alliance (OI4.0 Alliance). In addition to automation experts like SMC Germany, market-leading software developers, measuring device manufacturers, and robotics producers are also members of this industry-wide initiative. "Data and information are the lifeblood of Industry 4.0. With their help, production will become even more economical and efficient in the future," says Christian Ziegler, Manager of Digital Business Development at SMC. "Therefore, we want to develop solutions for a digitalized industry together with the members of the alliance in the future and thus unlock great potential in efficiency and productivity."

An Alliance for Digitalization

The OI4.0 Alliance deliberately comprises diverse members. "Digitalization affects all areas of industry, from software development to machine manufacturing," says Christian Ziegler. "We are receiving more and more requests for coordinated offerings. Customers do not want to get lost in an increasingly confusing market, but rather want a systematic, clear concept." That is why companies from different sectors collaborate and learn from each other within the OI4.0 Alliance. The goal: a holistic concept for Industry 4.0 applications. Christian Ziegler: "Often, the continuity from the ERP system to the shop floor level is still missing. We want to establish this with the existing technologies."

Specifically, the OI4.0 Alliance is working on implementing and improving the following topics:

- Digital commissioning with automatic onboarding
- Data management with continuous semantics
- Technology continuity and APIs
- Cost-effectiveness

"At SMC, we want to contribute our extensive experience to the OI4.0 Alliance, learn from our partners, and incorporate new insights into our product development," emphasizes Christian Ziegler. "Our customers benefit from this, as we, as an association, can offer new, holistically compatible solutions for the digitalized industry."