News


Automation and digitalisation offer competitive edge in volatile markets

August 2020 News

The current situation creates major challenges for industrial companies worldwide and shows that digitalised and highly automated production is more important than ever when it comes to gaining a competitive edge. This is the only way that companies can react to current and future challenges with the required degree of flexibility. Successful solutions were presented at the Digital Enterprise Virtual Summit by Siemens on 16 July. As part of the conference, representatives from numerous companies from the discrete and process industries discussed strategies and technologies for future success under these new conditions. The focus was on topics such as the horizontal and vertical integration of the value chain with simulation and optimisation from product creation through to servicing and from field level to the cloud. Other topics included online and remote solutions as well as edge and cloud computing, additive manufacturing, industrial 5G and artificial intelligence There were 6300 live attendees on the day of the event and the summit is now also available at http://www.siemens.com/digital-enterprise-summit.

“Digital and automation solutions proved themselves during this crisis,” explains Klaus Helmrich, member of the board of Siemens AG and CEO Digital Industries. “Companies that had already invested in digitalisation were better equipped to handle the new requirements, such as quickly scaling back production, for example in the automotive industry, or ramping up production, such as in the pharmaceutical sector. In future, these technologies will also ensure that companies can react particularly effectively to crisis situations and changing market requirements because they can adjust their production quickly and flexibly. This flexibility is also the next step toward autonomous production processes.”

Siemens is therefore integrating future technologies such as artificial intelligence, edge computing, cloud technologies, additive manufacturing and industrial 5G into its Digital Enterprise portfolio, and helping industrial companies to work under these new conditions and to meet the requirements of today and tomorrow. Helmrich concludes: “No company can meet the current challenges on its own. It’s all the more important that industrial companies act in ecosystems. All stakeholders – developers, users, partners and integrators – bring their own strengths and thus increase the value of these ecosystems.”


Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Engineering solutions to keep coal power plants viable in a renewables-driven grid
News
Steinmüller Africa showcased engineering solutions at Enlit Africa 2026 that let existing coal-fired power stations run efficiently at much lower loads, helping the grid absorb a growing share of variable renewable energy.

Read more...
Trafo Power Solutions returns to Electra Mining Africa
News
Trafo Power Solutions returns to Electra Mining Africa 2026 with a portfolio that has expanded well beyond dry-type transformers into fully engineered electrical power solutions for mining, industrial and infrastructure operations across Africa.

Read more...
SAIMC INSPIRE conference extends abstract submission deadline
SAIMC SAIMC News
Following requests from our sponsors, the SAIMC INSPIRE conference has officially extended the abstract submission deadline to 28 August 2026.

Read more...
Pomini Tenova and Siemens advance roll grinder technology
Siemens South Africa News
Pomini Tenova and Siemens strengthen their long-standing partnership to support the revamping and modernisation of roll grinders with advanced CNC and automation technology.

Read more...
Behind the scenes technologies enabling the future of mobility
News
Henkel explains how advanced adhesives, thermal interface materials and sealing technologies are enabling the next generation of electric vehicles, and what this means for South Africa’s automotive sector.

Read more...
Professor Glenda Gray inducted as Fellow of Royal Society
News
NRF board member, Professor Glenda Gray has been inducted as a Fellow of the UK’s Royal Society, the world’s oldest and one of its most prestigious academies of sciences.

Read more...
African Group Lubricants launches Mobil Give a Drop campaign
News
African Group Lubricants launches the Mobil Give a Drop campaign, a national initiative supporting community-led projects across South Africa.

Read more...
Why representation in STEM is crucial
News
Women’s underrepresentation in STEM is a business risk as much as a social one, shrinking an already pressured talent pool. Intentional mentorship and visible leadership pathways are structural necessities, not HR gestures.

Read more...
Corrosion control is the overlooked link in the global energy supply chain
News
Effective corrosion protection at every stage of the energy supply chain, from raw material fabrication to final installation, is essential to avoid costly rework and component failures on large-scale projects worldwide.

Read more...
Women shaping engineering at ABB
ABB South Africa News
Two ABB engineers share how curiosity, mentorship and an inclusive culture have shaped their careers, and what they see as the most exciting opportunities for women in engineering across Africa.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved