The maps are intended to support users in companies in finding appropriate technologies for their specific needs. The maps all have the same design: there is an image of the technology, a categorization and brief description on the front, while on the back there are examples of areas of application. The advantages and information about introduction and application of the technology are also sketched out. Areas of business in which the respective technology may be suitable are also set out. Among other things, there are maps for additive manufacturing, cyber-physical production systems, digital twins and driverless transport systems.

The maps may also help to define the notion of Industry 4.0 more clearly. It was mentioned for the first time in public at the HANOVER TRADE FAIR in 2011 . By 2016, there were already over 200 different definitions of it in the German-speaking world alone, according to a report by the University of St. Gallen .