On October 31, 2024, cifeno AG co-hosted a central roundtable at the Innovation Park Central Switzerland, which addressed the harmonization of innovation and core business in digital transformation. The event addressed critical topics such as the distinction between digital and smart factories, strategies for developing smart products, scaling software-as-a-service (SaaS) offerings and the importance of IT-OT convergence.

Important discussion points:

 

• Digital vs. Smart Factory: The discussion distinguished between digital factories, which use computer-aided processes to share information throughout the operation, and smart factories, which integrate advanced technologies such as the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) to create adaptable, efficient systems.

• Product Development for Smart Products : Participants explored methods for developing smart products that use connectivity and data analytics to improve functionality and user experience.

• Scaling SaaS-based products: The discussion covered strategies for expanding SaaS offerings, emphasizing the importance of scalability, customer-centric design, and continuous innovation.

• IT-OT convergence: The integration of information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) was examined, highlighting challenges such as differing team goals and legacy issues.

 

A highlight was the keynote speech by Elena Markwalder, Head Industry Division and member of the Executive Board , and Hilmar Brunn, Global Process Owner Product Lifecycle Management, Mettler Toledo , entitled “IT/OT Convergence within an Enterprise - A Second Tower of Babylon?!” They examined the complexity of integrating IT and OT in companies and emphasized the need for coherent strategies to overcome challenges and exploit opportunities.

The success of the roundtable was supported by the collaboration with JKS Engineering AG, a member of the JKS Group, Mettler-Toledo International, Inc. and the Digital Lab of the Switzerland Innovation Park Central. Their contributions contributed significantly to the discussions and results of the event.

 

cifeno AG would like to thank all participants who enriched the dialogue with their insights. The company looks forward to future discussions to further explore the balance between innovation and core business in the digital age.

 

For more information about cifeno AG and its initiatives, visit cifeno.com .