How can digitalization succeed in SMEs – beyond buzzwords and overly complex systems? A convincing answer to this question was given yesterday at the Digital Tour Ammerland, organized by the family business Wins in Rastede. As participants, we at erminas not only had the opportunity to hold exciting discussions, but also to demonstrate in concrete terms how machine data can be used effectively in real industrial processes.
Digitalization you can touch: Our exhibit in focus
Our contribution focused on a practical exhibit: a freefall tower controlled by two soft PLC systems. The recorded machine data was read out via Modbus and MQTT and transferred to a Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central instance using our erPUB solution. There, the data automatically generated service orders – a direct and traceable use case for data-driven processes.
What was important to us was that the example shown is just one of many possible implementations. Our approach is deliberately open – from retrofitting existing systems to integration into modern cloud infrastructures. This flexibility makes it possible to create future-proof solutions even with heterogeneous machine parks and evolved system landscapes.
Between craftsmanship and high-tech: conversations that make a difference
What made the day particularly valuable were the many discussions at eye level. Entrepreneurs from the Ammerland region brought very specific questions with them:
- How can paper be gradually replaced by digital processes?
- How can new systems be embedded in existing IT landscapes?
- How can you realistically get started with data-driven maintenance and logistics?
We sensed a clear trend: there is a great need for pragmatic solutions. Many companies have already taken the first steps – using web forms or simple DMS structures, for example – but are coming up against limits in terms of scalability, automation and user-friendliness. We were able to provide impetus here with examples such as mobile maintenance apps, tablet applications on forklift trucks or plug & play interfaces for existing systems (more on IIoT).
AI – vision and reality
Another key topic was the role of artificial intelligence in the industry. The question was not “if”, but “how” – and above all: when?
Our position: AI can only develop its potential on the basis of well-structured and accessible data. Although many companies have valuable information at their disposal, this is often “trapped” in closed systems or proprietary interfaces. As long as machine manufacturers do not enable open, interoperable data access, AI will remain difficult to grasp in practice. Predictive maintenance, automated planning or data-based optimization are only possible if the data basis is right.
A strong local network
In addition to the professional impulses, the setting was also convincing: modern premises, an open format and an audience that wants to shape things. The host, Wins, impressively demonstrated that digitalization can also be implemented feasibly and profitably in traditional family businesses. The event was supported by the Mittelstand-Digital Zentrum, OFFIS and Leages.ai – many thanks for the excellent organization.
It was our first visit to Ammerland – but certainly not the last. The region not only has potential, but also the will to exploit it.
