MES as the key to resilient manufacturing

Which challenges are currently most important for your customers?

We currently see three key topics.

The first is internationalization. Many companies are expanding their production footprint or establishing new sites across Europe, North America, and the APAC region. They need MES solutions that support consistent processes across multiple plants worldwide. To this end, we are establishing global supply chains and continuing to expand our nearshore and offshore capacities.

The second priority is achieving value quickly. Digitalization must deliver measurable results within a short timeframe. That is why we focus on preconfigured standard functions, standardized solution packages, and structured training programs.

The third topic is transparency. Many manufacturers still lack a complete real-time view of their production processes. A modern MES creates this transparency, from resource utilization and production performance indicators to complete traceability.

What are Industrie Informatik’s key priorities for 2026?

One major focus is the continued development of our solution portfolio. Artificial intelligence in production plays a central role in this development.

We are also expanding our portfolio of standardized solution packages. These packages enable faster implementation and help customers achieve value more quickly.

At the same time, we are investing in our hybrid architecture. Consistent APIs allow companies to operate their production IT flexibly across on-premises, edge, and cloud environments.

How will cronetwork MES evolve in the coming years?

Our innovation roadmap aims to make Manufacturing Execution Systems more intelligent, flexible, and scalable across international operations.

A key area of development is fully integrated AI Assistance Modules, which make artificial intelligence usable in production. These capabilities will evolve from reactive monitoring toward proactive and increasingly autonomous support for employees and production managers.

Hybrid connectivity is another key priority. We are continuously developing an architecture that combines the security of edge computing with the flexibility of the cloud. This gives our customers greater freedom in designing their IT environments.

At the same time, we are continuing to expand our international delivery model. With global delivery structures, our value-added reseller ecosystem, and nearshore and offshore capabilities, we aim to support our customers worldwide with uniform delivery governance and consistent project quality.

Investments are often postponed during economically challenging times. Why is digitalization still worth pursuing?

It becomes even more important in challenging times. Companies need to protect their competitiveness while increasing operational efficiency. We therefore encourage investment by demonstrating a clear ROI. Our primary focus is on efficiency gains and scalability.

Automation often offers significant potential. Companies that still capture production data manually or manage processes in Excel are missing opportunities to improve efficiency.

Automated data collection and artificial intelligence in production enable data-driven analysis, reduce errors, save time, and provide a reliable basis for decision-making. enable

Companies also do not need to implement everything at once. Our solutions are scalable. Customers can start with a clearly defined use case and expand the system step by step as the benefits become measurable.

Sustainability is now much more than an image issue. How can an MES contribute?

Sustainability often starts with transparency. An MES helps reduce scrap, improve machine utilization, and plan production processes more efficiently. This saves materials, energy, and time.

At the same time, it provides reliable data that allows companies to measure progress toward their sustainability goals. Economic efficiency and sustainability are therefore not conflicting goal.  They can reinforce each other.

In addition to green manufacturing and energy efficiency, cybersecurity is also one of the key areas for the future in which we support our customers with technical and strategic measures.

Industrie Informatik is also expanding internationally. What is your strategy?

Many companies are expanding their manufacturing operations internationally or moving capacity into new markets. Our goal is to support them worldwide with the same level of quality and reliability.

In Europe, this means further strengthening our primary focus in the DACH region while expanding our reach across Europe.

At the same time, we are investing selectively in our activities across APAC and the Americas. We are establishing scalable solutions that address different time zones, regional requirements, and local market conditions.

A key element of this strategy is our international Value-Added Reseller (VAR) ecosystem and the expansion of our global support structures.

This ensures that customers worldwide benefit from consistent delivery governance and a consistently high level of project quality.

Finally, what does the smart factory of the future look like to you?

The smart factory of the future is transparent, connected, and intelligent. Decisions are based on current production data. Routine tasks are increasingly automated, and employees receive targeted support from digital assistance systems.

For me, however, technology is not the main focus. The focus must be on tangible value for people and businesses.

Digitalization is not an end in itself. It must simplify processes, strengthen competitiveness, and help companies remain successful in a dynamic market environment.