Within SMEs, machinery have often been growing accross years – thus, diverse IT and OT technologies have been introduced, which in most cases are not capable of exchanging information without spending enormeous efforts for adaptation. So these companies often can not participate in digitally managed value chains. Virtualization and digital networks are essential preconditions for automated workflows, enabling Industrie 4.0 like business networks.There is a strong need for information transfer about communication technologies and integration of legacy systems.The “Mittelstand 4.0 Center of Excellence Magdeburg” will gain trust of SMEs in digitization and enable employees for doing digitization steps.
Within that project, ifak is responsible for activities towards digital networking and standardization. Information on network architectures and suitable technologies of today’s industrial communication systems will be introduced as well as communication trends towards the Industrie 4.0. Institute ifak also contributes to activities dedicated to virtualization and simulation of real processes. Here basics and potentials of simulation, supporting process optimization and virtual commissioning within the application area of water management are highlighted.
