The Manufacturing-X initiative aims to create digital value-added networks, enabling intelligently controlled value and supply chains. The Steering Committee takes charge of the initial steps of the initiative and considers itself a powerful alliance dedicated to implementing the shared vision.
Open and collaborative dialogue: Manufacturing-X in the Platform Industrie 4.0
The Steering Committee was established in early February 2023 and is currently engaged in the initial phase of Manufacturing-X within the framework of the Platform Industrie 4.0. This decision was made for valid reasons. The Platform Industrie 4.0 traditionally serves as a place that allows and promotes open and pre-competitive dialogue. In the fall of 2022, the Steering Committee of the Platform Industrie 4.0 had already established a task force for Manufacturing-X. Its task was to describe the requirements for the initiative and initiate initial steps towards implementation.
A look at the Steering Committee: around 30 people work on five workstreams
The Steering Committee, established upon invitation from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection, carries on the task force's efforts and oversees the coordination of Manufacturing-X activities until they are implemented. Representatives from industry, science, and associations shape the further course of action in jointly developed task areas (workstreams). The Platform Industrie 4.0 transparently reports on the implementation process, the work, and the results.
The Steering Committee consists of around 30 people who work on five workstreams and on central topics in a pre-competitive way. The Steering Committee and all employees are supported by the secretariat of the Platform Industrie 4.0.
The aims of the work in the workstreams are to
- define a framework in which German industry can successfully implement Manufacturing-X,
- elaborate how data can be securely and sovereignly shared end-to-end along the entire value chain,
- define the technical and organizational requirements that need to be created for this,
- bring lighthouse projects and support offerings into implementation as well as into the broader market, and
- communicate the initiative and make it known, especially among economic actors
All activities are designed to be industry- and cross-border from the start.
Moderation: BMWK
These companies, initiatives, and institutions are involved in the Steering Committee: BMBF, BDI, Bitkom, Bosch, Catena-X, Deutsche Telekom, Fraunhofer e.V., ISTOS, Phoenix Contact, SAP, IDTA, Schunk, Siemens, Trumpf, VDMA, ZVEI
Current status
Work plans are currently being developed in the Steering Committee's workstreams. Initial results and future activities of the initiative were presented at the Hannover Messe 2023.