Satisfied faces at the IT trade fair topsoft
This year's IT trade fair topsoft once again lived up to its reputation as a showcase for digital possibilities, this also in combination with the partner events SuisseEMEX and Digital Summit for SMEs. Modern IT systems, innovative technologies, high-quality presentations and exciting application examples offered visitors an attractive program with concrete practical relevance. Both the exhibitors and the organizers drew a positive balance. The next edition of the trade fair is already being planned for late summer 2019.
When it comes to digitization, many SMEs are currently vacillating between uncertainty and motivation. An opportunity to experience new technologies live was offered at this year's topsoft IT trade fair in Zurich. For two days, trade fair visitors were able to experience applications live, ask questions about solutions and take away many practical tips. Both the exhibition and the presentations were very well attended. The first day of the trade fair in particular provided great satisfaction for many suppliers in terms of the number and quality of visitor contacts.
Trade fair as a bridge between supplier and user
While other trade fairs are increasingly focusing on festivals and spectacle, the organizers of topsoft emphasize that they are not simply about the big show. "Ultimately, digitization must fit the context of the company. An SME must be able to shape the digital future with limited resources," trade fair director Cyrill Schmid points out. In the future, topsoft will continue to see itself as a bridge builder between suppliers and users. Its success can be measured by the satisfaction of visitors and exhibitors. "The positive response to topsoft came as something of a surprise to us in view of the restrained headlines from various trade fair organizers in the run-up to the event," says Schmid.
The digital future takes shape
Various showcases at the trade show demonstrated how digitization can be transformed into concrete business models. Using a veritable suction excavator, for example, the software company Webgate demonstrated how augmented reality can be used in the service sector. An over 200-year-old spinning wheel, which can communicate directly with ERP systems thanks to sensors, proved that even old machines still have digital potential. The batch size 1 required by Industry 4.0 was demonstrated, among others, by the engineering company Gritec AG with its automated application in the form of personalized sweets.
The focus is on business benefits
Few companies can do anything with digital technology alone. "Users need digitization as a means to an end - and that end is economic. IT only makes sense if it results in a profit," explains myfactory CEO David Lauchenauer. For many SMEs, the only thing that counts is what benefits it effectively brings to a company. Urs P. Amrein, Head of Marketing at Opacc, also understands this: "We are in intensive exchange with our customers and know their needs very well. Modern software offers a lot, but it also puts the onus on the users. The technical possibilities are there, what's needed are creative ideas and strategies on the part of SMEs."
Trade fairs are still in demand
Compared to other events, the topsoft trade fair is confident. For event manager Cyrill Schmid, trade fairs definitely have a future: "Digitalization is bringing us completely new forms of IT applications. The complexity is great and requires an intensive exchange between customers and manufacturers. A trade fair like topsoft is the ideal place for dialog, comparison, experimentation and contacts. The conversations, the questions and answers, and the feeling of not being alone with digitization - that's what topsoft is all about."
