As part of the research project 4.0 Ready , the Hanover Institute for Integrated Production (IPH) and the International Performance Research Institute have developed a software tool that small and medium-sized companies can use as a guide to the developments and technologies related to Industry 4.0. The program lets them know about currently available products, explains the benefits to production, and lists the respective prices. It should allow companies to better estimate the potential of interactive assistance systems and the respective requirements.

The tool provides an overview of the various systems for monitoring and optimizing production and logistics processes. These include data glasses as well as tablets. In addition, the program incorporates a maturity model that helps companies check whether they already meet the requirements for interactive assistance systems. Companies can thus assess how far they are from implementing an Industry 4.0 concept, what technologies are best for them and what measures they still need to implement. The software can be downloaded for free via the IPH website.