Our series on digital trends as the key to success – Beyond Buzzwords!
This is what the digital and future-proof industrial SME looks like
This article has been translated for your convenience using machine translation. Reasonable efforts have been made to provide an accurate translation. The official text is the German version of this content.
The industrial SME sector is at a decisive phase: In addition to global challenges such as collaboration, cost pressure, skilled labor shortages, and sustainability requirements, digital transformation remains a top priority. Especially since it can provide the answer to all these challenges—if companies are ready for it. Companies that make the right decisions today secure their future viability for tomorrow.
Therefore, in the coming months, we will focus on highlighting digital trends and key issues that sustainably strengthen medium-sized industrial companies. Our goal: practical insights and solutions for a successful digital future.
Three pillars for digital success
True to our motto “From SMEs for SMEs,” we take a pragmatic approach and focus on three success factors:
- 1. Purposefully leveraging digital infrastructure, data, and new technologies
- 2. Aligning processes efficiently and ensuring quality
- 3. Developing organizations and business models
These three dimensions form the foundation for sustainable competitiveness in an increasingly digital world. Which digital trends specifically contribute to these pillars?
We'll be focusing on the following topics in our series:
AI & AI Agents
AI can become a game changer for SMEs—but how can the leap from theory to productive use be achieved? AI agents, in particular, are revolutionizing processes by independently taking on tasks and supporting employees. We show how medium-sized companies can purposefully deploy AI and quickly move into implementation.
Data & Infrastructures – Security as a Success Factor
Without a well-thought-out data strategy and scalable IT infrastructure, the potential of digitalization remains untapped. At the same time, cybersecurity requirements are increasing. We examine how companies can securely and future-proof their digital foundation. Despite the challenges, one thing is clear: without structured and controlled data management, many projects cannot be realized. The goal of becoming a “data-driven company” is also crucial for industrial SMEs.
The Future of Service in the Industrial SME Sector
Digital platforms, AI-supported maintenance, as well as service chatbots and smart services, not only increase efficiency but also become revenue drivers. We explore how SMEs can purposefully unlock new service potentials.
Process & Software Development Under Cost Pressure
Efficiency is a must—but how can digitalization succeed under economic pressure? Low-code platforms, automation, and AI offer new opportunities to reduce costs and accelerate innovation cycles. Additionally, software development should always be approached with a future-oriented mindset. We highlight ways in which this can be implemented.
The Digital, Future-Proof Factory
From Industrial IoT to automation to connected production—the digital factory is a reality. Can SMEs leverage these technologies to increase productivity and flexibility? And can this be achieved without extensive consulting projects or software implementations—and with a lean team?
Sustainability and Digitalization as an Opportunity
Environmentally friendly production and sustainable business models are essential for future success. So far, sustainable business practices are often associated with increasing bureaucracy and are therefore rejected. We show how digitalization can help achieve ESG goals without getting lost in bureaucracy.
Customer Interaction and Collaboration – The Digital Customer Journey
The demands for digital sales channels and seamless customer experiences are increasing. Which strategies help strengthen customer relationships in the long term? How will you reach your customers in the future and secure their trust for years to come?
Digital Business Models – Where Do We Stand?
Many SMEs have developed their own digital offerings in recent years. However, investment costs often exceed revenue because the products do not sell well. We will explore what is crucial for industrial SMEs to successfully sell and scale their digital business models. To this end, we will look at best practices and new potentials.
Our Goal: More Than Buzzwords – Concrete Solutions for SMEs
In the coming months, we will provide practical insights, best practices, and solutions for each of these topics. Our goal: to make digital future viability tangible and show concrete ways in which companies can actively shape their digital future.