The digitalization of the value creation chain has been straining at the reins for a number of years now. However, despite the optimism surrounding the fourth industrial revolution, new projects often run into serious problems in practice. In fact, a significant proportion of Industry 4.0 initiatives get stuck in the starting blocks. A recent study conducted by the market research company IDC has shown that despite more and more pilot projects, the number of initiatives that are actually implemented is stagnating. What’s more, just five percent of the industrial companies surveyed have a centralized data platform in place that networks all departments along the value chain. This is where the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform from Dassault Systèmes comes in. The multinational software development company is at HANNOVER MESSE 2017 to demonstrate thoroughly integrated, digitally supported value creation.

Taking packaging manufacturer WestRock as an example, cutting-edge 3D technologies including design, simulation and augmented reality are used to visually and virtually track how an entire value creation chain is digitally linked as an end-to-end process. The chain extends from customer requirements, development and production right through to market positioning and day-to-day use. Andreas Barth, Managing Director EuroCentral at Dassault Systèmes, explains the urgency for industrial companies to adopt digital processes: "These companies are facing major challenges. By 2019, three quarters of the world’s industrial companies will have digitalized their value creation chains and thus be perfectly poised to boost their productivity. Anyone who fails to make these adjustments in time will be left behind."

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