At the World Conference Center in Bonn, Germany, CONTACT Open World 2026 sent a powerful signal for the future of industry. Under the motto “Industrial AI – From Top Floor to Shop Floor,” around 650 participants experienced how companies successfully apply AI in practice, make their processes smarter, and advance manufacturing.
With around 650 attendees, CONTACT Open World is among the largest industrial digitalization events in Germany and Europe. Managing Director Maximilian Zachries emphasized in his opening keynote that AI is developing at an enormous pace and rapidly being integrated into CONTACT Elements. What was still a vision for many companies two years ago is already being used in real-world applications by customers today.
CONTACT is now focusing on CONTACT Elements as an extensible modular system for various solution areas, moving away from its multi-brand strategy, as Zachries explained. The company also intends to strengthen its industry focus. By acquiring a majority stake in the digitalization specialist team neusta, CONTACT expands its expertise in strategy, consulting, and implementation of solutions in data, AI, and other areas. Growth is important for the company’s stability and capacity for innovation, Zachries said.
„We are currently rolling out CONTACT Elements. For me, the most interesting part of CONTACT Open World was the workshop on how companies can best prepare for AI.“
Felix Kohlenbach, Head of Engineering at the Leverkusen (Germany) site, Dieffenbacher
„This is already my fourth or fifth time attending. The organization, presentations, and audience were great once again. What I found most interesting was the keynote on the roadmap and upcoming innovations.“
Torsten Hansen, Group Leader Technical Services, KOSTAL Kontakt Systeme
„As always, the event is very well organized and highly informative. What helps us most of all is networking with other customers who are facing the same challenges as us.“
Klaus Eberhardt, IT Systems Consultant, Syntegon Technology
New beginnings instead of stagnation
While many industry reports currently strike a pessimistic tone, the mood within the CONTACT community is marked by a spirit of optimism. Markus Dietrich, the new CEO of team neusta, delivered a wake-up call in his keynote: companies in Germany that keep hitting the snooze button risk losing significant market share to international competitors. Software, data, and services offer companies the opportunity to take customer interaction to a new level and evolve from a product supplier into a service partner.
Dietrich sees the future of the manufacturing industry in connected products and new service models. Visibility for AI agents will be crucial here, he argues, as purchasing decisions are increasingly shifting from manufacturer websites and web shops to AI language models.
Many possibilities instead of one truth
AI is changing not only how software is developed, but the entire product development process. In his keynote, CONTACT’s CPO Frank Patz-Brockmann explained that humans will increasingly focus on product architecture and design intent in the future – tasks that require critical thinking.
This also changes the role of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM): rather than managing a single, definitive product truth, PLM will increasingly focus on orchestrating decisions between multiple possible truths. To do this, the PLM system must deliver the context needed to support human and potentially machine-driven decision-making. According to Patz-Brockmann, the challenge lies in the fact that changes are made at AI speed. Processing them at the same speed requires new, automated methods for continuous validation.
Many possibilities instead of one truth
AI is changing not only how software is developed, but the entire product development process. In his keynote, CONTACT’s CPO Frank Patz-Brockmann explained that humans will increasingly focus on product architecture and design intent in the future – tasks that require critical thinking.
This also changes the role of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM): rather than managing a single, definitive product truth, PLM will increasingly focus on orchestrating decisions between multiple possible truths. To do this, the PLM system must deliver the context needed to support human and potentially machine-driven decision-making. According to Patz-Brockmann, the challenge lies in the fact that changes are made at AI speed. Processing them at the same speed requires new, automated methods for continuous validation.
Many possibilities instead of one truth
AI is changing not only how software is developed, but the entire product development process. In his keynote, CONTACT’s CPO Frank Patz-Brockmann explained that humans will increasingly focus on product architecture and design intent in the future – tasks that require critical thinking.
This also changes the role of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM): rather than managing a single, definitive product truth, PLM will increasingly focus on orchestrating decisions between multiple possible truths. To do this, the PLM system must deliver the context needed to support human and potentially machine-driven decision-making. According to Patz-Brockmann, the challenge lies in the fact that changes are made at AI speed. Processing them at the same speed requires new, automated methods for continuous validation.
Milestone on the roadmap: Fourier AI
On the second day of the event, participants learned how the Elements platform is mastering this shift. Together with her team, Dr. Regine Wolters, Head of Product Management, explained the new functions and the roadmap for planned enhancements. The spotlight was on Fourier AI, the deeply integrated AI layer in CONTACT Elements. Fourier AI provides smart functions and infrastructure services for the entire platform.
CONTACT is continuously expanding Fourier AI’s capabilities, from AI-powered search and coding assistants to agentic functions. Customers will also be able to integrate their own language models and use Fourier AI in conjunction with other applications. For instance, AI can find similar parts or, in the future, even generate and validate new geometries.
Fourier AI is also available out-of-the-box in all SaaS instances and can be tested directly in the cloud demonstrator. At the same time, CONTACT is further expanding the extensive configuration options for its cloud applications and making cloud migration easier with a new, high-performance Migration Suite.
Milestone on the roadmap: Fourier AI
On the second day of the event, participants learned how the Elements platform is mastering this shift. Together with her team, Dr. Regine Wolters, Head of Product Management, explained the new functions and the roadmap for planned enhancements. The spotlight was on Fourier AI, the deeply integrated AI layer in CONTACT Elements. Fourier AI provides smart functions and infrastructure services for the entire platform.
CONTACT is continuously expanding Fourier AI’s capabilities, from AI-powered search and coding assistants to agentic functions. Customers will also be able to integrate their own language models and use Fourier AI in conjunction with other applications. For instance, AI can find similar parts or, in the future, even generate and validate new geometries.
Fourier AI is also available out-of-the-box in all SaaS instances and can be tested directly in the cloud demonstrator. At the same time, CONTACT is further expanding the extensive configuration options for its cloud applications and making cloud migration easier with a new, high-performance Migration Suite.
Milestone on the roadmap: Fourier AI
On the second day of the event, participants learned how the Elements platform is mastering this shift. Together with her team, Dr. Regine Wolters, Head of Product Management, explained the new functions and the roadmap for planned enhancements. The spotlight was on Fourier AI, the deeply integrated AI layer in CONTACT Elements. Fourier AI provides smart functions and infrastructure services for the entire platform.
CONTACT is continuously expanding Fourier AI’s capabilities, from AI-powered search and coding assistants to agentic functions. Customers will also be able to integrate their own language models and use Fourier AI in conjunction with other applications. For instance, AI can find similar parts or, in the future, even generate and validate new geometries.
Fourier AI is also available out-of-the-box in all SaaS instances and can be tested directly in the cloud demonstrator. At the same time, CONTACT is further expanding the extensive configuration options for its cloud applications and making cloud migration easier with a new, high-performance Migration Suite.
Holistic Systems Lifecycle Management
With the continued development of the platform, CONTACT connects hardware and software development from requirements to validation: xLM creates the foundation for holistic Systems Lifecycle Management, enabling customers to reduce tool diversity and improve cross-domain traceability. Alongside integrating test management into the standard scope, CONTACT is expanding the functions for requirements management so that requirements can be reused more easily and their status can be tracked at any time.
The new Engineering Change Management module now enables the modeling of complex processes out of the box. A further unified PLM-ERP integration simplifies data exchange between systems. New ECAD integrations with Siemens Xpedition and Cadence Allegro via the Workspace Desktop also improve the integration of electronics development. In the future, the 3D visualization of manufacturing bills of materials will provide a more comprehensive view of product structures.
To prevent delays caused by staff absences, project managers can now effortlessly designate substitutes and hand over role-based tasks. The planned innovations on the roadmap also include the capability to set up new projects faster using templates.
One of the notable enhancements in the IoT area is the ability to query time-series data via Fourier AI. In addition, an app developed by team neusta delivers all information for field service management, even offline.
Holistic Systems Lifecycle Management
With the continued development of the platform, CONTACT connects hardware and software development from requirements to validation: xLM creates the foundation for holistic Systems Lifecycle Management, enabling customers to reduce tool diversity and improve cross-domain traceability. Alongside integrating test management into the standard scope, CONTACT is expanding the functions for requirements management so that requirements can be reused more easily and their status can be tracked at any time.
The new Engineering Change Management module now enables the modeling of complex processes out of the box. A further unified PLM-ERP integration simplifies data exchange between systems. New ECAD integrations with Siemens Xpedition and Cadence Allegro via the Workspace Desktop also improve the integration of electronics development. In the future, the 3D visualization of manufacturing bills of materials will provide a more comprehensive view of product structures.
To prevent delays caused by staff absences, project managers can now effortlessly designate substitutes and hand over role-based tasks. The planned innovations on the roadmap also include the capability to set up new projects faster using templates.
One of the notable enhancements in the IoT area is the ability to query time-series data via Fourier AI. In addition, an app developed by team neusta delivers all information for field service management, even offline.
Holistic Systems Lifecycle Management
With the continued development of the platform, CONTACT connects hardware and software development from requirements to validation: xLM creates the foundation for holistic Systems Lifecycle Management, enabling customers to reduce tool diversity and improve cross-domain traceability. Alongside integrating test management into the standard scope, CONTACT is expanding the functions for requirements management so that requirements can be reused more easily and their status can be tracked at any time.
The new Engineering Change Management module now enables the modeling of complex processes out of the box. A further unified PLM-ERP integration simplifies data exchange between systems. New ECAD integrations with Siemens Xpedition and Cadence Allegro via the Workspace Desktop also improve the integration of electronics development. In the future, the 3D visualization of manufacturing bills of materials will provide a more comprehensive view of product structures.
To prevent delays caused by staff absences, project managers can now effortlessly designate substitutes and hand over role-based tasks. The planned innovations on the roadmap also include the capability to set up new projects faster using templates.
One of the notable enhancements in the IoT area is the ability to query time-series data via Fourier AI. In addition, an app developed by team neusta delivers all information for field service management, even offline.
Global R&D ecosystem at Apollo Tyres
Numerous international customer case studies at the event showed how the transformation succeeds in practice. Hizmy Hassen, Chief Digital Officer at Apollo Tyres, kicked off the sessions and took participants along on the “Digital Transformation Journey” of the globally active tire manufacturer. The goal of this journey is to standardize processes at the two R&D centers and create a centralized master data management structure with a semantic data model in order to prepare for the AI era. That is not only a technical reset, but above all a cultural one.
The prerequisite for the global digital ecosystem in research and development is the implementation of CONTACT Elements and its integration with MES and ERP systems across the various manufacturing locations. Apollo Tyres anticipates that the new architecture and AI-driven data evaluation will cut lead times to production start in half. With 200 to 350 new tire models introduced each year, this represents enormous potential for the company.
Global R&D ecosystem at Apollo Tyres
Numerous international customer case studies at the event showed how the transformation succeeds in practice. Hizmy Hassen, Chief Digital Officer at Apollo Tyres, kicked off the sessions and took participants along on the “Digital Transformation Journey” of the globally active tire manufacturer. The goal of this journey is to standardize processes at the two R&D centers and create a centralized master data management structure with a semantic data model in order to prepare for the AI era. That is not only a technical reset, but above all a cultural one.
The prerequisite for the global digital ecosystem in research and development is the implementation of CONTACT Elements and its integration with MES and ERP systems across the various manufacturing locations. Apollo Tyres anticipates that the new architecture and AI-driven data evaluation will cut lead times to production start in half. With 200 to 350 new tire models introduced each year, this represents enormous potential for the company.
Global R&D ecosystem at Apollo Tyres
Numerous international customer case studies at the event showed how the transformation succeeds in practice. Hizmy Hassen, Chief Digital Officer at Apollo Tyres, kicked off the sessions and took participants along on the “Digital Transformation Journey” of the globally active tire manufacturer. The goal of this journey is to standardize processes at the two R&D centers and create a centralized master data management structure with a semantic data model in order to prepare for the AI era. That is not only a technical reset, but above all a cultural one.
The prerequisite for the global digital ecosystem in research and development is the implementation of CONTACT Elements and its integration with MES and ERP systems across the various manufacturing locations. Apollo Tyres anticipates that the new architecture and AI-driven data evaluation will cut lead times to production start in half. With 200 to 350 new tire models introduced each year, this represents enormous potential for the company.
From AI pilot to productive use
Use cases in one of the breakout sessions illustrated how an AI pilot becomes a reliable engineering application. Connectivity technology manufacturer Weidmüller analyzes incoming customer inquiries using Fourier AI to identify similar requests and provide employees with matching bills of materials. Big Dutchman, a manufacturer of high-tech farming solutions, uses AI to automatically check country-specific regulations for its articles, among other use cases.
CONTACT’s Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer Udo Göbel explained the future direction of Fourier AI and which processes are particularly suited for AI. In the coming years, he sees enormous potential for AI in the field of simulation. To achieve this, AI requires access to all the data in the PLM system and targeted training with company-specific data.
From AI pilot to productive use
Use cases in one of the breakout sessions illustrated how an AI pilot becomes a reliable engineering application. Connectivity technology manufacturer Weidmüller analyzes incoming customer inquiries using Fourier AI to identify similar requests and provide employees with matching bills of materials. Big Dutchman, a manufacturer of high-tech farming solutions, uses AI to automatically check country-specific regulations for its articles, among other use cases.
CONTACT’s Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer Udo Göbel explained the future direction of Fourier AI and which processes are particularly suited for AI. In the coming years, he sees enormous potential for AI in the field of simulation. To achieve this, AI requires access to all the data in the PLM system and targeted training with company-specific data.
From AI pilot to productive use
Use cases in one of the breakout sessions illustrated how an AI pilot becomes a reliable engineering application. Connectivity technology manufacturer Weidmüller analyzes incoming customer inquiries using Fourier AI to identify similar requests and provide employees with matching bills of materials. Big Dutchman, a manufacturer of high-tech farming solutions, uses AI to automatically check country-specific regulations for its articles, among other use cases.
CONTACT’s Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer Udo Göbel explained the future direction of Fourier AI and which processes are particularly suited for AI. In the coming years, he sees enormous potential for AI in the field of simulation. To achieve this, AI requires access to all the data in the PLM system and targeted training with company-specific data.
Strategies for industrial resilience
The question of corporate resilience in times of geopolitical and economic conflict took center stage in another panel. Schwarz Digits emphasized the importance of data sovereignty and federated data spaces to be better prepared for disruptions. Automotive supplier Eberspächer learned from a ransomware attack that, alongside processes for attack detection and escalation, a decentralized organization improves resilience and secures delivery capability to customers. Unity underlined the importance of networked engineering data to quickly find an alternative if a supplier becomes unavailable.
Strategies for industrial resilience
The question of corporate resilience in times of geopolitical and economic conflict took center stage in another panel. Schwarz Digits emphasized the importance of data sovereignty and federated data spaces to be better prepared for disruptions. Automotive supplier Eberspächer learned from a ransomware attack that, alongside processes for attack detection and escalation, a decentralized organization improves resilience and secures delivery capability to customers. Unity underlined the importance of networked engineering data to quickly find an alternative if a supplier becomes unavailable.
Strategies for industrial resilience
The question of corporate resilience in times of geopolitical and economic conflict took center stage in another panel. Schwarz Digits emphasized the importance of data sovereignty and federated data spaces to be better prepared for disruptions. Automotive supplier Eberspächer learned from a ransomware attack that, alongside processes for attack detection and escalation, a decentralized organization improves resilience and secures delivery capability to customers. Unity underlined the importance of networked engineering data to quickly find an alternative if a supplier becomes unavailable.
„What interests us most is what parts of Fourier AI we can use in the version we are currently running. The geometric comparison feature for engineering and purchasing would be very interesting for us.“
Rudolf Bilger, Enterprise Solutions Architect, Schwäbische Werkzeugmaschinen
„All key contacts at CONTACT and its partners are right here on site, so I can bring together the people I need to initiate a project. That saves a lot of time because we reach decisions quickly.“
Dr. Andreas Edler, Head of PLM Consulting, Dataciders SE
„This is my first time at Open World. It is a fantastic event in a great location that offers tremendous potential for collaborating with CONTACT and other partners.“
Peter Wittkop, Lead Expert PLM, Prostep AG
Data backbone with three dimensions
For connected products and services, industrial companies need a data backbone that ensures data consistency across engineering, production, and the supply chain. thyssenkrupp Automotive explained how a traditional component supplier is making the transition to becoming a developer of software-defined systems. Advised by PROSTEP subsidiary BHC, the company decided to map the mechatronic V-model completely within CONTACT Elements. The ALM functions developed for thyssenkrupp for Systems Lifecycle Management have been incorporated into the new xLM module.
Automotive supplier MANN+HUMMEL has also functionally expanded CONTACT Elements. The filtration systems specialist models its previously Excel-based 8D process for quality and complaint management entirely within the collaboration portal of the CONTACT platform, allowing external partners to submit their data without major onboarding effort. Software provider Cadmatic presented a PLM platform specifically for shipbuilding, which it developed based on CONTACT Elements. Cadmatic WAVE connects not only with the customer’s own tools, but also with external ERP or MES systems.
Scalable, secure, and sovereign Cloud PLM
More and more customers are using CONTACT Elements from the cloud to respond to changing market demands with greater flexibility. Sumitomo Riko, manufacturer of polymer components for the automotive industry and other sectors, makes its digital data available globally in the cloud, significantly reducing the need for paper drawings. Materials specialist ContiTech manages requirements and product data with CONTACT Elements’ cloud solution, which replaces an existing PDM system. The software’s intuitive usability facilitates the associated cultural change. Big Dutchman also replaced its existing PLM system with a cloud solution, thereby substituting a complex infrastructure across its global sites.
Scalable, secure, and sovereign Cloud PLM
More and more customers are using CONTACT Elements from the cloud to respond to changing market demands with greater flexibility. Sumitomo Riko, manufacturer of polymer components for the automotive industry and other sectors, makes its digital data available globally in the cloud, significantly reducing the need for paper drawings. Materials specialist ContiTech manages requirements and product data with CONTACT Elements’ cloud solution, which replaces an existing PDM system. The software’s intuitive usability facilitates the associated cultural change. Big Dutchman also replaced its existing PLM system with a cloud solution, thereby substituting a complex infrastructure across its global sites.
Scalable, secure, and sovereign Cloud PLM
More and more customers are using CONTACT Elements from the cloud to respond to changing market demands with greater flexibility. Sumitomo Riko, manufacturer of polymer components for the automotive industry and other sectors, makes its digital data available globally in the cloud, significantly reducing the need for paper drawings. Materials specialist ContiTech manages requirements and product data with CONTACT Elements’ cloud solution, which replaces an existing PDM system. The software’s intuitive usability facilitates the associated cultural change. Big Dutchman also replaced its existing PLM system with a cloud solution, thereby substituting a complex infrastructure across its global sites.
When factories start thinking along
In conjunction with IoT, digital twins offer a wide range of optimization opportunities in production, as presentations on the “Software-Defined Factory” made clear. Forging parts manufacturer Kalyani Technoforge implemented CONTACT’s IoT platform to reduce downtime through predictive maintenance and detect defective parts faster using AI-based inspections. Automotive supplier thyssenkrupp Dynamic Components monitors machine cooling systems using CONTACT Elements and proactively generates service cases based on specific events.
Spindle and digital spindle services provider GMN Paul Müller Industrie uses the IoT platform’s Asset Administration Shell to exchange monitoring data in a standardized form via Gaia-X-based data spaces, for example with customers. Drees & Sommer, an international consulting, planning, and project management company, explained how factories become ready for robot use: robot suitability is becoming an engineering task.
When factories start thinking along
In conjunction with IoT, digital twins offer a wide range of optimization opportunities in production, as presentations on the “Software-Defined Factory” made clear. Forging parts manufacturer Kalyani Technoforge implemented CONTACT’s IoT platform to reduce downtime through predictive maintenance and detect defective parts faster using AI-based inspections. Automotive supplier thyssenkrupp Dynamic Components monitors machine cooling systems using CONTACT Elements and proactively generates service cases based on specific events.
Spindle and digital spindle services provider GMN Paul Müller Industrie uses the IoT platform’s Asset Administration Shell to exchange monitoring data in a standardized form via Gaia-X-based data spaces, for example with customers. Drees & Sommer, an international consulting, planning, and project management company, explained how factories become ready for robot use: robot suitability is becoming an engineering task.
When factories start thinking along
In conjunction with IoT, digital twins offer a wide range of optimization opportunities in production, as presentations on the “Software-Defined Factory” made clear. Forging parts manufacturer Kalyani Technoforge implemented CONTACT’s IoT platform to reduce downtime through predictive maintenance and detect defective parts faster using AI-based inspections. Automotive supplier thyssenkrupp Dynamic Components monitors machine cooling systems using CONTACT Elements and proactively generates service cases based on specific events.
Spindle and digital spindle services provider GMN Paul Müller Industrie uses the IoT platform’s Asset Administration Shell to exchange monitoring data in a standardized form via Gaia-X-based data spaces, for example with customers. Drees & Sommer, an international consulting, planning, and project management company, explained how factories become ready for robot use: robot suitability is becoming an engineering task.
Developing faster through virtual engineering
The use of AI in simulation, combined with efficient simulation data management, is key to accelerating development processes. The simulation strategy of pump manufacturer Grundfos therefore plans to feed the AI model with all CFD calculations in order to test new products virtually and validate them faster. The process is built on the simulation data management solution provided by CONTACT subsidiary CAIQ. Car manufacturer Nissan is building a data hub based on CAIQ’s software solution for enterprise integration to exchange DMU data in standard formats, both internally and with partners.
CAIQ partner dAIve explained how AI models can be trained with existing simulation, test, and trial data to provide a reliable decision-making basis more quickly. The company’s software is integrated into the CAIQ solution. Engineering service provider AKKR discussed how the role of engineering service providers is changing in the age of automation and AI. In the future, employees must focus more on managing AI models as well as virtual validation and become supervisors. Preserving their know-how will be a critical success factor.
Developing faster through virtual engineering
The use of AI in simulation, combined with efficient simulation data management, is key to accelerating development processes. The simulation strategy of pump manufacturer Grundfos therefore plans to feed the AI model with all CFD calculations in order to test new products virtually and validate them faster. The process is built on the simulation data management solution provided by CONTACT subsidiary CAIQ. Car manufacturer Nissan is building a data hub based on CAIQ’s software solution for enterprise integration to exchange DMU data in standard formats, both internally and with partners.
CAIQ partner dAIve explained how AI models can be trained with existing simulation, test, and trial data to provide a reliable decision-making basis more quickly. The company’s software is integrated into the CAIQ solution. Engineering service provider AKKR discussed how the role of engineering service providers is changing in the age of automation and AI. In the future, employees must focus more on managing AI models as well as virtual validation and become supervisors. Preserving their know-how will be a critical success factor.
Developing faster through virtual engineering
The use of AI in simulation, combined with efficient simulation data management, is key to accelerating development processes. The simulation strategy of pump manufacturer Grundfos therefore plans to feed the AI model with all CFD calculations in order to test new products virtually and validate them faster. The process is built on the simulation data management solution provided by CONTACT subsidiary CAIQ. Car manufacturer Nissan is building a data hub based on CAIQ’s software solution for enterprise integration to exchange DMU data in standard formats, both internally and with partners.
CAIQ partner dAIve explained how AI models can be trained with existing simulation, test, and trial data to provide a reliable decision-making basis more quickly. The company’s software is integrated into the CAIQ solution. Engineering service provider AKKR discussed how the role of engineering service providers is changing in the age of automation and AI. In the future, employees must focus more on managing AI models as well as virtual validation and become supervisors. Preserving their know-how will be a critical success factor.
Higher margins through smart services
Substantial potential for improving profitability lies dormant in the after-sales segment. In the session “Unlocking After Sales,” consulting firm Crew Innovation explained how to develop a sound service strategy and bridge the gap between strategy and execution. Drive and automation technology manufacturer SEW Eurodrive uses a knowledge graph to link data from CONTACT Elements with other service-relevant information and make it more accessible.
Machinery manufacturer Teepack prepares the operating data of its packaging machines with CONTACT Elements to provide customers with information such as Overall Equipment Effectiveness in a cloud-based dashboard. At startup H2GreenOil, the CONTACT platform serves as the digital backbone for the development of plants for decentralized hydrogen generation and contributes significantly to reducing business risks through digital transparency. CONTACT subsidiary team neusta introduced Elements to Go, the new mobile app for field service.
Higher margins through smart services
Substantial potential for improving profitability lies dormant in the after-sales segment. In the session “Unlocking After Sales,” consulting firm Crew Innovation explained how to develop a sound service strategy and bridge the gap between strategy and execution. Drive and automation technology manufacturer SEW Eurodrive uses a knowledge graph to link data from CONTACT Elements with other service-relevant information and make it more accessible.
Machinery manufacturer Teepack prepares the operating data of its packaging machines with CONTACT Elements to provide customers with information such as Overall Equipment Effectiveness in a cloud-based dashboard. At startup H2GreenOil, the CONTACT platform serves as the digital backbone for the development of plants for decentralized hydrogen generation and contributes significantly to reducing business risks through digital transparency. CONTACT subsidiary team neusta introduced Elements to Go, the new mobile app for field service.
Higher margins through smart services
Substantial potential for improving profitability lies dormant in the after-sales segment. In the session “Unlocking After Sales,” consulting firm Crew Innovation explained how to develop a sound service strategy and bridge the gap between strategy and execution. Drive and automation technology manufacturer SEW Eurodrive uses a knowledge graph to link data from CONTACT Elements with other service-relevant information and make it more accessible.
Machinery manufacturer Teepack prepares the operating data of its packaging machines with CONTACT Elements to provide customers with information such as Overall Equipment Effectiveness in a cloud-based dashboard. At startup H2GreenOil, the CONTACT platform serves as the digital backbone for the development of plants for decentralized hydrogen generation and contributes significantly to reducing business risks through digital transparency. CONTACT subsidiary team neusta introduced Elements to Go, the new mobile app for field service.
Sustainability as part of the product strategy
In the presentations on “Circular by Design,” customers explained how connected data streams from product creation to product use contribute to sustainability. Automotive supplier Kirchhoff uses the Product Costing module of CONTACT Elements to capture sustainability data and generate reports on the carbon footprint of its products. Siemens Mobility records the load profiles and shifts of its processing machines and saves dozens of megawatt-hours of electricity per year by using energy-saving modes and detecting motors with high standby current. Limón, a service provider specializing in energy efficiency and management, explained the key factors in reducing energy consumption. IT service provider Dataciders presented an integration approach to automatically aggregate data located in disparate IT systems into a DPP (Digital Product Passport) platform.
Sustainability as part of the product strategy
In the presentations on “Circular by Design,” customers explained how connected data streams from product creation to product use contribute to sustainability. Automotive supplier Kirchhoff uses the Product Costing module of CONTACT Elements to capture sustainability data and generate reports on the carbon footprint of its products. Siemens Mobility records the load profiles and shifts of its processing machines and saves dozens of megawatt-hours of electricity per year by using energy-saving modes and detecting motors with high standby current. Limón, a service provider specializing in energy efficiency and management, explained the key factors in reducing energy consumption. IT service provider Dataciders presented an integration approach to automatically aggregate data located in disparate IT systems into a DPP (Digital Product Passport) platform.
Sustainability as part of the product strategy
In the presentations on “Circular by Design,” customers explained how connected data streams from product creation to product use contribute to sustainability. Automotive supplier Kirchhoff uses the Product Costing module of CONTACT Elements to capture sustainability data and generate reports on the carbon footprint of its products. Siemens Mobility records the load profiles and shifts of its processing machines and saves dozens of megawatt-hours of electricity per year by using energy-saving modes and detecting motors with high standby current. Limón, a service provider specializing in energy efficiency and management, explained the key factors in reducing energy consumption. IT service provider Dataciders presented an integration approach to automatically aggregate data located in disparate IT systems into a DPP (Digital Product Passport) platform.
The bottleneck is the decision process
How AI is changing processes in engineering and human collaboration was the subject of another panel discussion with CONTACT Software and partners. Dataciders pointed out that AI speeds up many operations tremendously, but (human) decisions become the bottleneck. AI therefore needs to play a greater role in supporting decisions. The change management consultancy Share PLM raised the question of how well AI can work as part of a team and how to integrate it into existing teams. Leadership and enablement are important to winning over sceptics. Digital thread expert PROSTEP highlighted the importance of clean data, domain-specific standards, a uniform ontology, and clear rules for data usage to deploy AI agents efficiently. The action takes place at the integration layer.
The exchange highlighted the vibrant and diverse nature of CONTACT’s ecosystem. In the two years since the last customer meeting, numerous new partners have joined. For Jens Schlüter, Head of Partner Management, the partners form an interconnected ecosystem. It is essential that all partners know CONTACT well and provide customers with the best possible support.
The bottleneck is the decision process
How AI is changing processes in engineering and human collaboration was the subject of another panel discussion with CONTACT Software and partners. Dataciders pointed out that AI speeds up many operations tremendously, but (human) decisions become the bottleneck. AI therefore needs to play a greater role in supporting decisions. The change management consultancy Share PLM raised the question of how well AI can work as part of a team and how to integrate it into existing teams. Leadership and enablement are important to winning over sceptics. Digital thread expert PROSTEP highlighted the importance of clean data, domain-specific standards, a uniform ontology, and clear rules for data usage to deploy AI agents efficiently. The action takes place at the integration layer.
The exchange highlighted the vibrant and diverse nature of CONTACT’s ecosystem. In the two years since the last customer meeting, numerous new partners have joined. For Jens Schlüter, Head of Partner Management, the partners form an interconnected ecosystem. It is essential that all partners know CONTACT well and provide customers with the best possible support.
The bottleneck is the decision process
How AI is changing processes in engineering and human collaboration was the subject of another panel discussion with CONTACT Software and partners. Dataciders pointed out that AI speeds up many operations tremendously, but (human) decisions become the bottleneck. AI therefore needs to play a greater role in supporting decisions. The change management consultancy Share PLM raised the question of how well AI can work as part of a team and how to integrate it into existing teams. Leadership and enablement are important to winning over sceptics. Digital thread expert PROSTEP highlighted the importance of clean data, domain-specific standards, a uniform ontology, and clear rules for data usage to deploy AI agents efficiently. The action takes place at the integration layer.
The exchange highlighted the vibrant and diverse nature of CONTACT’s ecosystem. In the two years since the last customer meeting, numerous new partners have joined. For Jens Schlüter, Head of Partner Management, the partners form an interconnected ecosystem. It is essential that all partners know CONTACT well and provide customers with the best possible support.
The lively evening events featuring a variety show and a boat cruise on the Rhine also contributed to the relaxed atmosphere of this year’s CONTACT Open World, offering plenty of opportunities for networking.
Inspirational speeches from successful athletes
The lively evening events featuring a variety show and a boat cruise on the Rhine also contributed to the relaxed atmosphere of this year’s CONTACT Open World, offering plenty of opportunities for networking.
In addition, CONTACT brought two successful female athletes to the stage to deliver the closing keynotes, encouraging attendees to make bold decisions. Innovations often emerge under pressure, said Jutta Kleinschmidt, who in 2001 became the first and so far only woman to win the Paris-Dakar Rally. One must be able to decide quickly so as not to end up in the ditch, she emphasized.
Kati Wilhelm, three-time Olympic champion and five-time world champion in biathlon, also stressed the importance of taking bold steps to achieve set goals.
Inspirational speeches from successful athletes
The lively evening events featuring a variety show and a boat cruise on the Rhine also contributed to the relaxed atmosphere of this year’s CONTACT Open World, offering plenty of opportunities for networking.
In addition, CONTACT brought two successful female athletes to the stage to deliver the closing keynotes, encouraging attendees to make bold decisions. Innovations often emerge under pressure, said Jutta Kleinschmidt, who in 2001 became the first and so far only woman to win the Paris-Dakar Rally. One must be able to decide quickly so as not to end up in the ditch, she emphasized.
Kati Wilhelm, three-time Olympic champion and five-time world champion in biathlon, also stressed the importance of taking bold steps to achieve set goals.
Inspirational speeches from successful athletes
The lively evening events featuring a variety show and a boat cruise on the Rhine also contributed to the relaxed atmosphere of this year’s CONTACT Open World, offering plenty of opportunities for networking.
In addition, CONTACT brought two successful female athletes to the stage to deliver the closing keynotes, encouraging attendees to make bold decisions. Innovations often emerge under pressure, said Jutta Kleinschmidt, who in 2001 became the first and so far only woman to win the Paris-Dakar Rally. One must be able to decide quickly so as not to end up in the ditch, she emphasized.
Kati Wilhelm, three-time Olympic champion and five-time world champion in biathlon, also stressed the importance of taking bold steps to achieve set goals.
