Smart Factory, IIoT or networked production: many concepts described in the context of Industry 4.0 still sound highly theoretical today. Moreover, theory and practice can by no means be reconciled as often as is suggested. For example, there is a fundamental difference between so-called "greenfield projects" and "brownfield facilities". One speaks of greenfield projects when a completely digitalised factory is to be newly built on an open, greenfield site. Surprisingly, much of the thinking on the topic of Industry 4.0 is based on this case. In reality, however, brownfield plants predominate. Therefore, many companies would like to see approaches that are more closely aligned with the given realities.

With the FORCE EDGE CONNECT connectivity solution, which FORCAM is now presenting at HANNOVER MESSE 2023, the Upper Swabians enable simple and efficient machine connection to IT systems. This creates bidirectional communication between a company's own system and its machinery, which results in a multitude of use cases. Through direct integration in SAP DMC, even heterogeneous machinery can be easily digitised. According to FORCAM, even machines that were never intended for digitisation can be made fit for the Smart Factory at a later date.

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