Press release - October 1, 2026

CONTACT Software connects top floor and shop floor at FABTECH 2026

At FABTECH, CONTACT Software will demonstrate how manufacturers can integrate engineering, production, operations, and service data into a digital thread – and use AI to turn industrial data into measurable business value.

Manufacturers generate vast amounts of valuable data across engineering, production, quality assurance, operations, and service. Yet much of this information remains trapped in separate systems and processes, limiting its business value. Connecting this data transforms information into actionable insights, creating the foundation for more efficient manufacturing, faster processes, and better collaboration. At FABTECH 2026 from October 21–23 in Las Vegas, CONTACT Software will demonstrate how its Elements platform connects data from top floor to shop floor, giving manufacturers a decisive edge in times of increasing competitive pressure and product complexity.

CONTACT Elements combines comprehensive functionality for PLM, IIoT, MES, service operations, and project management in one integrated platform. It creates a seamless digital thread that makes data accessible across disciplines. For example, if shop floor data indicates that a component frequently causes issues in manufacturing, engineers can adapt the design accordingly. Service data adds another perspective, revealing how the product performs in real-world operation. If a problem occurs repeatedly, this insight is fed back into engineering where it informs the development of the next product generation.

With its intelligence layer Fourier AI, CONTACT Elements enables manufacturers to put AI to work. A German automotive supplier, for example, uses it to accelerate requirements analysis and test case generation by 70% – realizing annual savings in the high five-figure range. Fourier AI can be applied to a wide range of industrial use cases, helping manufacturers increase shop floor productivity, reduce costs, and accelerate time to market.

In our view, recognition from leading analysts reflects the potential of CONTACT’s technology. Gartner® has named CONTACT Software as a Visionary in the 2026 Magic Quadrant™ for PLM Software in Discrete Manufacturing Industries.

The CONTACT Group is one of Germany’s leading independent digitalization providers. With around 1,600 employees and more than 35 years of experience, the company develops software that helps industrial companies connect product development, manufacturing, operations, and service in a continuous digital thread.

“Manufacturers are investing heavily in connected production. To translate these investments into business outcomes, they need software that connects production data with the wider enterprise and turns it into actionable insight,” says Sergio Viera Velasco, Senior Partner Account Manager at CONTACT Software. “North America is an important growth market for CONTACT, and we are steadily expanding our presence in the region. FABTECH gives us the opportunity to build on that progress and connect with manufacturers more closely.” At booth S46059, CONTACT experts will be available to discuss individual digitalization challenges, integration strategies, and opportunities for applying AI across manufacturing and the entire product lifecycle.

FABTECH 2026 takes place from October 21–23 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. It is North America’s main event for metal forming, fabrication, welding, finishing, automation, and smart manufacturing and is expected to attract more than 31,000 industry professionals.

Gartner, Magic Quadrant™ for PLM Software in Discrete Manufacturing Industries, Sudip Pattanayak, Marc Halpern, Brady Barnes, Rajan Saini, 9 June 2026.

GARTNER and MAGIC QUADRANT is a trademark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates.

Gartner does not endorse any company, vendor, product or service depicted in its publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s business and technology insights organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this publication, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.