When the German government released its policy paper on Industry 4.0 in 2013, it sparked a wave of excitement at COPA-DATA. The concepts of IIoT and smart factory, central to this discussion, pointed towards a transformative future. As Industry 4.0 gathered momentum from the mid-2010s, it became a buzzword in manufacturing industries, though real-world applications like modular automation and cyber-physical systems were still in their infancy. COPA-DATA was already ahead in this space, incorporating practices like vertical integration well before they became mainstream.
Industry 4.0: a buzzword for all systems?
The hype around Industry 4.0 led to a surge in its adoption, often prematurely. Many companies jumped on the bandwagon without the foundational readiness for even Industry 3.0. This trend highlighted a gap between aspiration and reality in technological adoption.
Solutions beyond slides
At COPA-DATA, the conversation with international customers often shifts towards emerging concepts like Manufacturing-X. However, the company focuses on practical solutions rather than getting caught up in buzzwords. This approach entails offering comprehensive solution packages, from simple to complex systems, showcasing COPA-DATA’s expertise in tangible ways.
Navigating the big tech landscape
Large tech companies often struggle to understand the nuances of industrial automation. Their focus on quick financial returns clashes with the long-term nature of the automation market. COPA-DATA’s specialisation in industrial automation sets it apart, offering depth and expertise beyond superficial buzzwords.
Organic growth and future readiness
COPA-DATA’s organic growth, sans acquisitions, is built on a robust foundation. The company understands the need for long-lasting systems, contrasting with the pitfalls of hastily assembled solutions. Looking ahead, COPA-DATA is prepared for the increasing integration of advanced manufacturing and smart manufacturing concepts.
Sustainability: a varied approach
The approach to sustainability differs between large and medium-sized companies, with larger firms often better equipped for environmental reporting. This disparity is notable in the preparation for potential mandatory ESG reporting.
The expensive energy transition
Linking digitalisation projects with sustainability goals is becoming common. The key to addressing these challenges lies in achieving optimal transparency in energy consumption and correlating it with production output.
Modularity and the circular economy
Zenon leads in solutions for module type packaging (MTP), an increasingly vital concept in making industrial equipment sustainable. This focus on modularity is key to embracing the circular economy.
Interoperability and proprietary systems
While OPC-UA has become a standard in some areas, large automation players often develop proprietary solutions. COPA-DATA is exploring open distributed control systems (Open DCS) as an alternative, moving away from monolithic, costly-to-upgrade proprietary systems.
The foundation of digitalisation
A solid data platform is the first step towards digitalisation. This foundation is crucial for considering advanced manufacturing concepts and ensuring efficient use of data.
The near future: self-configuring production
AI and modular technologies are set to revolutionise industrial automation, allowing for flexible, efficient production processes. COPA-DATA is at the forefront, developing prototypes in sectors like fast consumer goods in the F&B industry, aiming to bring these advanced concepts into practical reality.
Stefan Reuther is an Executive Board Member at COPA-DATA, where he lead the global strategy, business development and customer service for zenon, a industrial control and IIoT system.
