The efficiency atlas provides a clear summary of the various services available in Germany. Using markers on the map, users can zone in on individual regions to find brief descriptions of the relevant state and efficiency agencies, funding opportunities, and projects, the profiles of which feature links to other websites. Users can also use a filter function to search for specific services and information by federal state and/or topic – for example Industry 4.0, recycling economy, or construction – or by category. In addition to consulting and funding services, the categories also include films and examples of best practices.

Efficiency has always been an important factor in industrial production, and not just since the onset of digitalization, but technologies that rely on artificial intelligence and automation processes promise unprecedented efficiency gains. In June, academics at the European 4.0 Transformation Center presented a reference model for assessing and optimizing efficiency in companies, as part of the Engineering 4.0 study.