Digital two-tier society in Swiss industry

Smart factories with intelligent machines, efficient processes, autonomous transport vehicles and service robots have dominated the discussion about Industry 4.0 for years. For six out of ten companies, their own digitization is therefore also at the top of the agenda this year. "When it comes to concrete implementation, however, there is still a lot to do to be able to exploit the full potential of digitization," says Urs Hirt, Co-Managing Director of Staufen.Inova AG. "Many companies are currently still feeling their way around the topic with various individual projects that are not always coordinated with each other." According to the study, for which the consulting firm surveyed a total of 126 industrial companies in Switzerland on the topics of digitization, efficient value creation, sustainability and resilient networks, a digital two-tier society is emerging in industry.

A lot of digitization potential in production and the supply chain network

After all, 58 percent of companies are continuing their digitization projects unchanged despite the tense economic situation; 39 percent have even launched new projects. Most of them (89 %) expect this to increase efficiency. Almost three quarters (73 %) also expect greater transparency in processes, and for more than half of the companies (60 %), digitization is expected to help reduce costs. The industry sees the most potential in the supply chain (65 %) and logistics (55 %). "Often it's a question of approach. All companies know they need to digitize. However, many do not yet know how to get the most out of digitalization and therefore start with projects to increase efficiency," says Hirt.

Conquering new markets through alternative business models

For the Staufen.Inova consultant, however, this can only be the first step. "The enormous benefit of digitization lies in the development of new business models. The pioneers of Industrie 4.0 already have this strategically in mind when implementing the technology." However, only just under half of companies are driving digitization strategically. For example, while almost three-quarters of companies (74 %) offer products and services with Industrie 4.0 functionalities, such as in the area of predictive maintenance, only three percent have so far also developed new business models on a digital basis, including in the area of intralogistics. "Individual digitization projects help small and medium-sized companies in particular to get through the current crisis, for example. But if you want to position yourself for the future in the long term, you need alternative business models to take advantage of the opportunities offered by new markets," says Urs Hirt.

Source: Staufen.Inova