off introcuction:

The manufacturing industry has undergone significant changes in recent years especially due to significant developments in the arena of information and technology. Digitisation increasingly penetrates into the field of industrial production. Especially high-technology corporations like Siemens, IBM or General Electric have accomplished significant steps on the way of digitising their value chains of product creation – and thus have set new standards for their industries.

At the same time, many others, particularly the small and mediumsiced companies, trail behind, increasingly loosing pace. Many executives do not even see the importance of digitisation for the manufacturing sector.

However, digitisation is relevant and could be beneficial for every organisation. When implemented properly, digital technologies can help to exchange information rapidly, utilize huge amounts of data e.g. for forecasting purposes, and to control processes highly efficiently. Thus they can foster the agility, productivity and innovativeness of any producing company.