Software for promising products in medium-sized businesses
Digitization through smart products
You need software, software and software!
What exactly does digitization mean?
Digitization generally refers to the transformation of the analog into the digital. There are numerous interpretations, studies and instructions for action on this subject. In medium-sized companies, a distinction should be made between digitizing business processes and products. In the one case, it is about increasing the efficiency of processes within the organization. In the other case, it is about the competitiveness of the products.
Examples of smart products
Smart products consist of traditional hardware and a significant proportion of software. Take autonomous driving, for example: Modern passenger cars have long had the sensors that are sufficient for autonomous driving. Although the software is still missing, manufacturers already offer many software-based components for a fee. Some examples: Navigation system, distance control, voice recognition, gesture control, camera-based detection of speed limits.
But this trend can also be seen in other areas. With Smart Home, a new product is created from an electrically operated blind.
Competitive advantages through smart products
Digitization through smart products: This is the major challenge for medium-sized companies. The technical design of many products is already exhausted today and additional customer benefits are only possible through software. The areas of application are diverse: Software can already offer real added value in the selection of products. It can also simplify the configuration of complex products. Whereas in the past an engineer was needed to commission a digital valve or a linear unit, this can now be done by a digital assistant.
The networking of smart products results in further advantages: For example, photovoltaic systems can automatically transfer their data to the cloud. The additional benefit for the customer is that he can evaluate the live data via a portal, aggregate it for different photovoltaic systems and have it displayed graphically. This is an attractive added value that improves the benefit of the product and builds customer loyalty.
But where do you get the software for digitization?
You have the successful products!
Particularly in Germany, there are many medium-sized companies with outstanding capabilities. Sensationally good products are in use worldwide. But the competition does not sleep. Asian companies in particular have specialized in replicating the products. A real competitive advantage can only be achieved through software components. But in this innovative market, traditional companies have little expertise and they should therefore work with an experienced software house.
The requirements for this software are also becoming more and more demanding. It must be easy to use and it must provide an increasing amount of engineering knowledge. For example, software for commissioning linear units should ensure compliance with electrical and mechanical limits. Otherwise, there would be a risk of destruction of the linear unit being commissioned or even injury to the user.
Many medium-sized companies have an IT department, but it is busy maintaining business operations and existing IT projects. They can’t handle the additional demands of digitization, whether it’s optimizing business processes or improving internal products. You need a qualified service provider who has experience not only in software development, but also in creating digital products.